Observica - SE 2025 | Discover the Artist

OBSERVICA

Issue #31

SE 2025

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OBSERVICA

Magazine

Code: MGZ840022916

Link: https://www observica com/se2025

Date: 01-Dec-2024

Publisher: Discover the Artist

Observica is a Canadian contemporary art magazine published by "Discover the Artist” media holding. It focuses on telling the compelling story of significant arts created by brilliant artists from all around the world. Our publications are available to millions of art lovers, experts, collectors and enthusiasts in both digital and print format and reach readers in over 140 countries.

Observica is a registered trademark.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publishers.

The magazine can assume no responsibilities for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations.

Illustration, Photography, Painting, Drawing, Digital Arts

Internationally known Fine Artist with a two and a half year, never-ending winning streak of 186 publications, exhibitions and awards

A multi-talented artist that creates in every part of her life, Ilia began painting while maintaining a poetic pen pal relationship with a man named Ralph Grimes, who one day she sent a drawing to After he hung up the sketch and he told her of how many admirers praised the work, her confidence and purpose as an artist was cemented Inspired by the creativity of her mother and grandfather through gardening, she learned at a mere three years of age and beyond that ‘life is a canvas ’ upon which we create She continued her poetry, yet was urged by Grimes to try her hand at painting Her path was set Known for her ability to communicate exactly what the viewer wants in her commissioned pieces, she sold her first wonderful work in 1987, titled ‘Cosi Fan Tuti ’ Her first check for this validated her increasingly growing ability as an artist

Ilia weaves a very spiritual feeling into both her writings and art Schooled by independent teachers, predominately Mr Grimes who held an MFA, she was rooted further in her work by teachings in Classical, Jazz, Big Band and more

Following the lyrical pulse of life, when Ilia paints, creates digital fine art or writes, she listens to music. Influenced by Mozart, Vivaldi, Loeillet, Telemann, Purcell, Beethoven, Hayden, Bach, flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal, and old time jazz, among more, these sounds help breathe life into her poetic, painterly work. Also heavily influenced by writer, poet, photographer, musician, and filmmaker L Ron Hubbard, whose rational philosophy has guided her life, as well as inventor and artist Leonardo Di Vinci – she dubs her style as Dreamscapes as it has different colors and flows-reminiscent of her varying high minded influences from art and musical composition to philosophy.

Ilia states, that she creates art in order to ‘inspire others to create ’ Indeed, her visions for her life, even beyond the canvass, are bright and noble. She adds, “I help other artists to make a living with their art because I found out that once I inspire others to create it elevates us all up higher-myself included And- at times that person isn’t going to continue unless there is a way or even several ways in which to make a living with their art, so I like to help teach them to do that ”

In addition to art, Ilia has now written a book titled “The Art of Mentoring” to share her successful actions for helping others! But for now, it is Ilia’s art that is worthy of much great attention When asked what clients collecting her work can expect, she concludes, “People can expect quality work that speaks to them. A person with my art can expect to look at it time and again finding new things to admire about it And a person can expect other people, when seeing it, to gravitate to it, look at it, admire and to continue to be drawn to the painting, looking and seeing more about it ” Unclear?

Hardly. Ilia is a rare, grounded woman with a vision, and possessing of a trained skill and confidence in that vision, which speaks diligently- from the spirit to each work she creates- and from each work in turn to each client. It is with that understanding that we invite you to enjoy the exploration of this very vibrant and deserving artist biafarin com/artist?name=leigh-ann-edrich

Entrance to Paradise

Digital Arts on Canvas W:30 H:30 in 2021

Forwithintheuniversethatwesharewithothersisauniversethatissolelyourown Init, existdreamsand spacesprivyonlytoourselves;anditisfromthisuniversethatdreamsspringforth (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Kathryn Davis

Painting

I am an artist located in Nashville, TN. I teach art to high school students at a local school. I love painting and feel most myself while being creative I live with my husband, Bryce, and together we travel and hike - loving the beauty of nature.

Kathryn Campbell

Garlic and Red Onion

Painting, Oil Color on Canvas W:36 H:24 in 2021

Ahyper-realisticlookattwoofthemostcommoncookingingredients Withauniquepaperytextureandrich coloration, thispaintingforcestheviewertosee, atypicallyverysmallfood, tobemajorlyupscaled (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

The Sketchie Beast

Digital Arts, Mixed Media, Graphics, Photography

Artist Victoria Johnson is a native Southern Californian who is inspired by the place she calls home. A designer, commercial illustrator and now an award-winning fine artist in the digital medium, since entering her first painting in a public competition at age seven to earning a degree in Commercial Art and Photography, creativity has been her calling

Sketching and painting had been a hobby from an early age, but not long after her career as an independent designer blossomed, her brushes and canvases were traded for design softwares and hard deadlines In 2018 she was gifted a digital pen and sketchpad; the creative beast was unleashed, inspiring her artist handle, The Sketchie Beast She started digitally sketching and painting with an intensity and focus she could only describe as 'supernatural'

Since putting digital pen to pad six years ago, she has shown her art in numerous galleries from Southern to Northern California and points beyond She has had four solo exhibitions, four public art installations, has won Best Painting, Director's Best of Show and Third Place awards in various judged shows. She is a board member of the La Habra Art Association, La Habra, CA

biafarin com/artist?name=victoria-johnson

The Sketchie Beast

Heart on a String

Digital Arts, Digital Painting on Paper W:16 H:16 in 2024

HeartonaStringisapiecemadeforthatValentinevibe Whetheryouwearyourheartonastring, orputitin acage Releaseit, andletitflyfree! (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Marvin Shafer

Sculpture,

Painting

Undergraduate degree in Fine Arts, University of Illinois Champaign. Double major in Sculpture and Jewelry. Some graduate school work I then began my real work, making commissions and unique pieces of art for thousands of customers and hundreds of corporations and Museum stores. My inspiration is and always will be is to bring color, design and balance to life biafarin com/artist?name=marvin-shafer

Sculpture W:24 50 H:32 D:32 in 2013

AnodizedAluminum BirdofPeace (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Olga Hiiva

Painting, Photography

Olga began her studies of art at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg Russia. After receiving her BFA from the Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC She went to Paris on a French Gov fellowship award and worked at the studio of Henrie Cartier Bresson. Olga earned her MFA at Pratt Institute, then received a scholarship to attend the Skowheegan School for Painting and Sculpture Ms Hiiva participated in artist residencies at the Banff Centre in Canada, Blue Mountain Centre NY, and the Inter Arts Colony NY. She has exhibited at ABC Carpet and Home, NYC Tenri Institute, NYC Dowling College, LI Brauer Museum, Conn Corcoran Gallery of Art, Wash DC Currently she is a National Member of the AIR gallery, Brooklyn NY

biafarin com/artist?name=olga-hiiva

Painting, Oil Color W:64 H:86 in 2024

Oilontableclothandteatowel SilentisaportraitofmygrandmotherwhoperishedinaStalinist-Soviet prison Theegginmygrandmothershandsisthesilenthopethatherchildrenwillsurvive (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Jean Gaul

Drawing, Digital Arts, Photography, Painting, Sculpture

My passion for art has been entrenched throughout my personal life and in my professional career. As a Textile Designer working on the creative and production side of cloth, I traveled and worked extensively in Europe, China, Taiwan, and India. Additional positions in Marketing, Advertising, and Color Forecasting for several retail chains allowed me to stay immersed in design and color I currently reside in lovely Vero Beach, FL, recently relocating from Sag Harbor, NY. Life has given me this gift of time for freedom of self-expression and the visual inspiration to work extensively EDUCATION: • Syracuse University, BFA - Syracuse, NY • Syracuse University, MA - Syracuse, NY • Accademia D”Arte - Florence, Italy ART EXHIBITIONS: • CollexArt international 2020 • Orange County Center for Contemporary Art - Crisis Mode 2020 • MoCA 2020 • Art Anonymous 2020 • Keeping Arts Alive 2020 • 100% Pure Florida 2022, 2023, 2024 • Art By the Sea 2023, 2024 • Bacchus Best of the Best 2023, 2024 - 2nd Place 3 Dimensional Sculpture • Form & Fire 2023, 2024

biafarin com/artist?name=jean-gaul

Up from the Deep

Sculpture, Clay on Ceramic W:9 H:7 50 in 2024

Handbuiltsculpturedclaywithinteriorandexteriorglazeandglass WhiteclaysculptedwithUnderglaze, clearglaze,glassfiredCone5 (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Anastasiia Chudnivets

Painting, Mixed Media, Collage, Photography

Anastasiia Chudnivets, Ukrainian artist, was born on March 10, 1988, in the village of Petrykivka, in the family of a folk artist Her style could be best described as a decorative painting with folk features She got a degree from the Faculty of Arts at Kryvyi Rih National University in 2014, and in 2020, she successfully defended her PhD thesis, titled "Petrykivka Painting as a Phenomenon of Ukrainian Artistic Culture," at the Institute of Problems of Contemporary Art under the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Her artistic journey includes works such as "Magic Herbs" (2013), "In the Dill Poppies have drown" (2014), "In the Embrace of the Night on St Johns Eve" (2015), "Should I Jump?" (2016), "Ithaca"(2015-2018) and "Spring" (2016), "Life packed in a suitcase" (2020) She also explored innovative formats through her series of video art critical performances, "Problems of Petrykivka" (2020–2021)

biafarin com/artist?name=anastasiia-chudnivets

Winter

Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:19 70 H:15 80 in 2022

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Kimberly Marnell

Photography, Painting, Mixed Media, Drawing

I am a fine artist with a life time of experience In all art forms and mediums.

Originally from Syracuse, New York, I have been enriched by extensive travels across North America, from the vibrant landscapes of Arizona to the dynamic vistas of Texas, the seaside city of Irvine California These experiences have influenced my work, infusing it with spirituality.

Currently pursuing a BA in Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington, and I hold Associate Degrees in Arts and Fine Arts graduating with honors

I won 1st Place in the Dallas Art Battle And was a runner up in the Los Angels Art Battle Semi Finals While I deeply value the connections I've made with my audience, my primary focus has always been on my art I believe that art is a reflection of life

I find inspiration in the winds of change, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts. The dreamy golden hour, with its warm and cozy embrace, is my absolute favorite time of day - it's when the world seems to stand still and magic fills the air.

I believe in creating structures with purpose and function, always seeking out new ways to infuse modern technology into my art As a professional photographer, I'm constantly drawn to the clean, fresh surfaces and seeing what compositions work and which don’t..

The wind blowing through my hair, the fresh scent of the earth, and the dreamy golden hour - these elements fuel my creativity and guide me towards new angles and structures that speak volumes I have a love for technology and the way it teaches me to blend purpose and function seamlessly into my ideas.

For me, it's all about the flow - the smooth transition from one idea to the next, guided by the warmth of inspiration and the cool touch of innovation My art is a reflection of this journey, a collection of images that capture the essence of what inspires me most.

In my latest project, I've ventured into a monochromatic minimalistic abstract art series specifically for interior designers to sparkle there spaces with simple colors that match most designs Marking a departure from my previous styles, this collection represents a refined focus on simplicity and a restrained color palette, inviting viewers on a tranquil yet impactful journey through the subtleties of monochromatic minimalism

Kimberly Marnell

Appealing Tides of Excess

Painting, Watercolor on Arches Paper

W:24 H:18 in 2024

Thiswatercolorpieceexplorestheparadoxofabundanceandwaste, representedbyanorangepeelingasit revealslayersofexcess Agirlfloatswithintheorange, symbolizingbothvulnerabilityandthedelicate balancebetweenhumanconsumptionandenvironmentalimpact Setagainstthebackdropoftheocean the paintingevokesasenseofisolationamidstoverwhelmingresources, withthetidesofexcesswashingaway thepotentialforrenewal Thepiececallsattentiontothedestructiveconsequencesofwaste, highlighting thedisconnectbetweennature'sabundanceandthedegradationcausedbyoverindulgence Throughthe peelingorangeanditssymbolicmeaning, theworkreflectsthefragili (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Daria Shugaieva

Painting

Daria Shugaieva is a Ukrainian artist based in Miami, Florida. Her journey as a painter began at school where she loved creating illustrations for school projects, posters and newspapers She received a Master of English Language and Literature. One of her favourite classes was Art and Culture, where she discovered the amazing worlds of Frida Kahlo, William Adolph Bouguereaux and Salvador Dali, who influenced her deeply

Despite she worked in other spheres, Daria decided to receive an education in Fashion design and illustration, which helped her open a small boutique under the name «Aphrodite»

In 2022, Daria’s life changed when Russians invaded Ukraine, and the warehouse with her apparel was destroyed Being in Florida then, Daria took oils and started to express all the feelings she had: grief, sorrow, patriotism, love and hope to see her Motherland again

Through her art, Daria invites viewers to embrace the beauty and complexity of the human spirit Her subjects are mostly women who have amazing stories.

The Rhythm of Signs

Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:20 H:20 in 2024

Themilkywayiscoveredwiththeauthenticukrainiansigns, thatwereusedtoprotectfamilies, bringluck andprosperity Thoughwerebannedanddestroyedduetothesovietauthority, thatdestroyednational authenticities Thiswomansymbolizesfreedomanddedicationtoherancestors (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Rute Ventura

Painting

Rute Ventura is a multidisciplinary artist born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1982. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sculpture in 2004 and with a Masters degree in Fine Arts in 2006 from the School of Art and Design in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. Beginning her visual arts education prior, at António Arroio High School of Arts and at the Portuguese National Society of Arts, in Lisbon In 2005 Rute received a grant for an abroad program of studies at the Accademia di Belli Arti in Venice, Italy. Going back to Italy in 2014 to learn Trompe L’oeil techniques at the Accademia del Superfuluo, in Rome After moving to New York City, in 2009, Rute began working as an artist educator with various nonprofit organizations, providing art workshops for under-resourced NY City Public Schools and alternative ReStart sites

Currently she lives and creates in Ridgewood NY, traveling back to Portugal, frequently

Magnetic Field

Painting, Oil Color on Canvas W:33 H:30 in 2024

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Henry Stewart

Painting

Henry Stewart is a senior contemporary and neo-expressionist painter who splits his time between Denver, Colorado, and Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Painting and sketching were a hobby as a child, however, it is only in the past few years that he has been able to make art his full-time career.

His recent shift has allowed him to explore his artistic potential more deeply, producing works that express his experiences and surroundings from his own unique perspective

Whether he's in his Denver or Costa Rican Studio, Henry is continually producing several new works weekly

biafarin com/artist?name=henry-stewart

Immigrants

Painting, Acrylic W:63 H:39 in 2023

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Moises Marco Antonio Cruz

Painting

Born in Puebla City, Mexico. I have been recognized and have won numerous awards and honours for my artwork, and I have been featured in several newspapers for outstanding engravings, as well as the acclaim of art lovers and critics. I got my doctorate degree in Fine Arts at Suffield University.

biafarin com/artist?name=moises-cruz

The Dark Matter Galaxy

Painting, Mixed Media W:48 H:36 in 2024

Thedarkmattergalaxymysteryismostlymadeupofdarkmatter, hydrogenanddust, buttheirexact compositionisunknown Darkmatterisasubstancethatdoesntemit, absorborreflectlight, makingit invisibleandplaysanimportantroleintheevolutionoftheUniverse (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Cynthia Kennedy

Mixed Media

Born in Denver, Colorado, but partially raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, I always had an attraction to travel, to the foreign and the exotic My creative aspirations gave way to practicality and I spent many years as a lawyer. Travels led to the adoption of three children from Nepal, and a widening of my understanding of other cultures My recent retirement has allowed the creative to re-emerge in the visual art of collage--using vintage postage stamps from all over the world, I travel on paper now and explore philosophy, religion, culture through my art

biafarin com/artist?name=cynthia-kennedy

The Sun

Mixed Media, Collage W:18 H:22 in 2023

Collageimagecreatedfromvintagepostagestamps,primarilyfromGreece ItisCardXIXoftheTarotMajor Arcana--TheSun--animageofIcarusfalling Framed, underglass, mountedonspunmetalmatboard (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Ben Steampunkn

Sculpture, Photography

Ben Steampunk'n was birthed somewhere off-planet, the exact location of which is not known, although many think it was on Uranus He attended Nordhouse Tech Primary School - Earthside Campus, where he was at the top of his class in Mecha Physical Theory. This earned him his Master's Degree in Bionic Synthosis at a very young age His Mastery of B S got him accepted at the Watts-Amatta University, on Uranus, where he obtained his M.T. (Masters Terminus) degree in Circology, the highest degree attainable in that field. He was awarded by the Board of Regents of the "College of Fantastic Accomplishments" for having the shortest M T Thesis in the 625-year history of the school, stating that although it was only five words long, it perfectly incapsulated the true essence of Circology "What comes around, goes around!"

After being asked to leave Watts-Amatta U , amid allegations he was the only "folder" in a school full of "scrunchers", Ben, undaunted, joined the Planetary Protection Services to help put down the Cutler Rebellion that claimed so many lives The introduction, after years of development, of Ben's Saw Gun MkII, and the release of his Air-Cooled Ionic Psyche Recalibrator a few years later, turned the tide in that conflict and put Ben Steampunk'n's name in the history books.

biafarin com/artist?name=ben-steampunkn

Long Neck Geek

Sculpture W:42 H:32 in 2024

OneofBen'silluminatedblackvelvetseries (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

James Alpert

Painting

James Alpert is a 22-year-old artist based in Los Angeles County, known for his passion for creativity and storytelling Specializing in realistic portraiture, James captures the depth and emotion of his subjects, often exploring themes of loyalty, family, and personal growth. His work is deeply inspired by his own life experiences and his desire to create meaningful connections through art

As an apprentice under artists Alan Padilla and Rino Gonzalez, James continues to refine his craft, learning the nuances of both tattooing and oil painting His dedication to his art is matched by commitment to constant growth James is a graphic designer, painter, tattoo artist, and graphic designer; all of these skills culminate into one another and show in his style

In addition to his personal work, James values fostering community and creativity through assisting with painting classes and collaborative projects Whether on canvas, paper, a screen, or skin, his goal is to create art that resonates with others and inspires reflection

Held But Not Kept

Painting, Oil Color W:14 H:22 in 2024

“HeldbutNotKept”isoneofthemostpersonalpaintingsIveevercreated, inspiredbyadogIoncehadand hadtogiveaway Whiletheblackfurisasubtlenodtothefactthatthedoghassincepassed, thatsnotthe focusofthepiece Thispaintingisaboutthecomplexityofloveandloss bothphysicalandmetaphorical Thedog,placedinsideawoodencrate, representsbothshelterandtransition Itsneitherheretostaynor fullygone itsinaliminalspace,justliketheemotionsoflettinggo Thebootsnexttoitsymbolize movement, ajourneysharedwithitsowner, butonethatcantlastforever Thesebootshavecarriedthedog anditskeeperthroughmilesofcompanionship, (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Jessica Samaniego

Painting

Jessica Samaniego is a Mexican American figurative artist focused on oil painting and pastel drawing. Born and raised in Las Vegas, she is the eldest daughter of a single immigrant mother Her work explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and cultural heritage, drawing influence from Catholicism, butterfly symbolism, and the emotional challenges faced by women in Mexican households Often working in a realistic style, Jessica captures the essence and appearance of her subjects, using vibrant colors to express emotions and challenge societal norms around emotional suppression Currently pursuing her BFA in Painting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she is dedicated to further exploring themes of fragility, transformation, and resilience in her art

biafarin com/artist?name=jessica-samaniego

Hermanas para Simpre - Sisters Forever

Painting, Oil Color on Canvas

W:30 H:48 in 2024

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Bruce Colburn

Painting, Sculpture

After studying Fine Arts at Haverford College, Bruce attended the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture. In 1986 he was awarded the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant for painting Following a three-year stint working for the painter Nell Blaine, he spent another three years painting and teaching in the US Virgin Islands. In 1993 he moved to Paris, where he lived, painted, and exhibited for 12 years In 2006, he went to Pakistan and spent two years traveling and doing on-site watercolors in the streets, markets, and even mosques. Following the emboldened Taliban offensive, he returned to the USA, settling in Washington DC, where he lives and paints

biafarin com/artist?name=bruce-colburn

Single Use Plastic

Sculpture

W:22 H:37 in 2024

Sycamorebranches,plasticknife (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Maria Macko

Photography

Maria Macko (b. 1990, Cracow, Poland) is a visual artist and photographer. Currently pursuing her MFA in Studio Art at Northern Illinois University, she holds a BA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago She has exhibited her work in group exhibitions, including For Women, By Women at Hokin Gallery (Chicago, IL), Skyway Selection Art Exhibits (Sugar Grove, IL), or Gallery at Waubonsee Community College (Aurora, IL) Her photography has also appeared in Horizons Magazine and on the cover of Dominika Czakon’s book Lost in Interpretation: Hans-Georg Gadamer’s View on Contemporary Culture and Art, published by Jagiellonian University She has worked as a photographer’s assistant for Jonathan Castillo, contributing to set design, lighting, and model direction Based in Genoa, Illinois, Macko continues to create and exhibit work that reflects her evolving identity as a woman artist biafarin com/artist?name=maria-macko

Mother Nature

Photography, Cyanotype on Paper W:26 H:19 in 2023

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Mary Henrikson

Painting, Drawing

I am a retired nurse/hospital administrator and a beginner artist. Throughout my life, I have been creative through different mediums - sewing, crafts, knitting, doodling,g and cooking (I love to bake) Because I often received encouragement (such as someone asking to buy a doodle I created during a meeting, or having my sixth-grade teacher hold up my drawing to point out to the other students that the house I just drew had “personality”) I decided to explore my “talent” in retirement. I started taking some short classes using graphite pencils and have been using colored pencils for about a year My artist time is a part of my day I “fall into” and let the rest of the world fall away

biafarin com/artist?name=mary-henrikson

Want a Cookie?

Painting, Acrylic, Color Pencil on Paper W:10 25 H:8 25 in 2024

PaintingisofApplesauceCookies, mymomsrecipe, andafavoriteofchildrenandgrandchildren (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Zinah

Painting

Zinah is a 21 year old multidisciplinary artist from New York City. She is an emerging artist, with gallery placements at the Bethany Arts Community, and an alum of the Art Start Emerging Artist Residency program Currently, she studies Drawing and Painting at Purchase College and hopes to one day have a successful art practice of her own

biafarin com/artist?name=zinah-ruff

The Forgotten Fruit

Painting, Oil Color on Canvas W:18 H:24 in 2023

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David Poyant

Fiber Art, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Drawing, Embroidery, Decorative Arts, Illustration, Textile Art, Etching, Digital Arts, Crafts, PrintLimited, Collage, Assemblage, Printmaking, Design, Wood Art, Wall Construction

My name is David Poyant, and I didn’t follow the traditional path to becoming an artist. I am a cobbler by trade with a background in shoe repair and handcrafted orthotics I worked in the trade for 25 years and then completed my professional career in retail. Handcrafted artistry comes in many forms and has provided me with multiple pathways in work and art throughout my journey As I approached retirement, I pondered the next steps. Always one to be working with my hands, I remembered my mother sitting in her chair knitting, cross stitching, and embroidering She was always stitching something Therefore, with no formal training, I picked up my needles, embroidery threads, and a stretcher at a hobby shop and started sewing But what do I sew? I began by finding photographers who would allow me to embroider their work, and I haven’t stopped stitching since then Each thread-paint embroidery is hand stitched on an artist's canvas using both 1 and 2 strands of embroidery thread and can take up to 60 hours to complete

I have neither a college degree nor any experience in advanced art or stitching classes However, I have always had an eye for design and many experiences in my 68 years of life that inspired me to develop my artwork I was not shy about showing my thread-paint embroidery pieces to anyone interested while I worked in retail. Most of my thread painting pieces were landscapes, trees, and coastal scenes While working, I met the director of the board at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, MA. She asked if I would be willing to do a thread painting of an animal for the fundraiser at the Zoo The Red Panda was the first of what was to become a series of animals adorning the walls of the Zoo as well as other pieces used to support their fundraising efforts This opened other forums to display my pieces, such as fishing boats for the Fisherman’s Heritage Museum in New Bedford and donations for fundraisers in support of the American Cancer Society.

Handcrafting thread-paint embroidery is a constant reminder that one can find their passion at any time in life. For me, it was at the end of a retail career and picking up a thread and needle, not knowing if anyone else besides me would ever see any of my Thread Paintings later in life. I enjoy seeing the reactions people have when they realize they are not looking at a painting and then see the stitch-by-stitch effort that went into creating the one-of-a-kind piece of art. I invite you to enjoy my Thread Paintings and encourage you to find your passion, whatever it is biafarin

Breaching Titan

Fiber Art, Embroidery on Canvas W:18 H:18 in 2024

HandEmbroidery

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Cindy Karchner

Photography

Cindy Karchner is a fine art photographer inspired by nature’s beauty from intricate flowers to sweeping landscapes and abstract interpretations Known for expressive portraits and evocative storytelling, she weaves emotion, relationships, and natural elements into her work.

A Certified Professional Photographer with a BFA from Bloomsburg University, Cindy is a lifelong learner, constantly refining her craft and exploring new techniques She’s an active member of photography and art organizations, and loves collaborating with other creatives Her work has been recognized and exhibited locally, regionally, nationally and internationally

Through her lens, Cindy’s mission is to stir your soul and share the wonder she feels with every captured moment

biafarin com/artist?name=cindy-karchner

Morning Stretch

Photography W:12 H:18 in 2023

Themodel'snameisAstridKallsenIG:https://wwwinstagramcom/astridadventure (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Michael Wagner Painting

Michael Reigle Wagner, a 32-year-old Cleveland native, holds a BFA from the USC Roski School of Art and Design A surrealist oil painter, he uses vivid color palettes and dreamlike compositions to reinterpret classical subjects, creating captivating and innovative contemporary art.

biafarin com/artist?name=michael-wagner

Holy Mountain

Painting, Oil Color W:48 H:36 in 2024

(ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment) AW127262320

Cher Pruys

Photography, Painting, Drawing

Cher Pruys, ASAA SCA, IGOR, AAPL, CSAA, AMS, LMS, OSA, MAA, CFA, NOAPS, PSOA, AWA, AAOA.

"To take my inner visions with my hands and create a work of art for you the viewer .... That is the ultimate in self-expression "

Cher Pruys was born in Regina Over the years she lived in many places including Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Fort Frances, settling into her present home in Devlin, on the banks of the Rainy River with her husband Mark, and pets

By age three, Cher was seldom found without a drawing tool in hand She worked in pencil, charcoal and ink over the years, until she picked up a paintbrush at the age of 35 Beginning with oil paints, she found her chosen mediums in acrylic, watercolor and gouache

Although self-taught, her dedication and talent has seen her work juried into 736 International exhibits. She has garnished 1126 awards thus far She was the first recipient of a major Canadian National Award, The Mary Pratt Crystal Award of Excellence at the 2014 SCA Open Juried Exhibition, The SCA 1st place award of distinction twice respectively, 2016, and 2017 at The Canada’s 150 show The SCA 2nd place Award of Distinction in the 2021 Elected Members Show. The winner of the Biafarin/SCA Award of Excellence at the 2022 Elected Members Show October 2021 Winner of The Exclusive Harmony of The Arts Contest by The Blue Blood Gallery in Prague. The Gold Medal recipient for Figurative Painting in The Mondial Art Academia’s International 2018 Competition The Silver Medal for Portrait Painting in The 2020 International Art Professional World Art Acadamia Competition. The Aviation Week & Space Technology Award Best of the Best, and the ASAA Award of Distinction for the best painting in the ASAA International Space & Technology Exhibit& Competition, consecutively for 2 years.

In 2020 & 2021 & 2023 she was awarded with the most wins in The American Art International Awards. The Grand Prize Winner in The AWA (American Women Artists) 2022Spring Online Show with a perfect score for “In Retrospect”. 2ndplace in the AAPL elected Members online show 2022, Award of Distinction in the 2023 Pushing Forward Reaching Back Show, and a 3rd place in the NOAPS Spring Online Artist Members Show 2023 saw her win the Gold Medal of honour at the Allied Artists of Americas 110th show! She has had 22 solo exhibits Cher is also an avid fused glass artist, and a certified teacher of piano and guitar Her painting "The Bubble" had the honour of being part of the Masterworks from The International Guild of Realism Tour. Her work has graced the covers of 3 books, 40 magazines, including The Best Of Acrylic Fall 2021, cover of May Arabella Magazine with “In Retrospect”, the cover of #20 Hyperrealism Magazine with “Girls Girls Girls”, #21 Hyperrealism Magazine with “The Young Cowboy”, March Artists & Illustrators Art magazine, the cover of the July Artistonish Magazine, Observica Elite 2024, and the most recent Art Close Up Magazine #26, January 2025

She has been featured in over 600 international publications Cher’s works have found a permanent home in private and public collections worldwide

biafarin com/artist?name=cher-pruys

The Artist Within

Painting

My name is Lauren Walker and I am, “The Artist Within.” I am a professional acrylic artist from Port Perry, Ontario My career started four years ago during a very tumultuous time in my life I hadn’t picked up the paint brush in fifteen years until I faced a mental health crisis. I suffered panic attacks, depression and subsequently severe anxiety Art was my saving grace and allowed me to find some stability in my life Art is not a hobby, it is my purpose. My goal is to build a studio and teach art workshops for mental health.

biafarin com/artist?name=lauren-walker

All that Used to Be

The Artist Within Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:36 H:24 in 2024

Thispiecefeaturesthebrokendown "WashagoSeniorsClub"inWashago, Ontario Thiswillalsobefeatured inmymonochromaticseriesof"InterestingBuildingsinOntario" (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Brittany Cowley

Sculpture

Brittany Cowley is an emerging artist from Port Arthur, Texas. After dedicating years to raising her children, she has shifted her focus to pursuing an education in the arts Currently working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Utah Tech University in Saint George, Utah, Brittany’s art is known for its whimsical and cheerful character She often incorporates elements of nostalgia and movement, inviting the viewers to experience a sense of familiarity and wonder. Her work has been showcased regionally, earning first place at the Student Showcase at the Sears Art Museum in Saint George, Utah Additionally, several of her pieces were published in the 2023 publication of The Southern Quill

biafarin com/artist?name=brittany-cowley

Tender Touch

Sculpture W:6 50 H:10 50 in 2023

Thetwodifferent-sizedhandsareperfectlybalancedsothattheceramicsculpturecanstanduponeither hand (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Jodi Zulueta

Painting,

Sculpture

Jodi has an extensive background in jewelry design and the arts, creating since childhood and professionally for over three decades She won the Silver Medal in the 2021 Fire Mountain Gems Jewelry Design Contest, with two other designs as finalists.

She served as Art Director for The Hoboken Shelter in New Jersey for two years, enabling the shelter residents to exhibit their art in the community

Jodi was also on the Board of Directors for Hob’art, engaging in community outreach with her work exhibited in galleries along the East Coast

A distinction that Jodi is very proud of is the use of her work in the entertainment industry Her work has appeared in short films, independent projects and is enjoyed by performers of the big and small screens alike

She contends that when exquisitely crafted jewelry forms an intimate bond with its wearer, it transcends mere adornment to offer both solace and profound significance

Her work is currently on exhibit at The Church Street Gallery in Murfreesboro, TN, and carried by Moonstruck Souls in Macon, GA. biafarin com/artist?name=jodi-zulueta

The Revelation

Jewelry, Wire W:2 H:3 in 2024

TheRevelation–ADeceptiveSalvationAtfirstglance, TheRevelationisabeacon radiant, alluring, offering thepromiseofsanctuaryTheliquidfireoffireagate, encasedinstarkaluminum, evokesthepresenceof somethinggreater somethingguiding Yet asthelightshifts fracturesemerge andadarkertruthreveals itself Whatwasonceasymbolofhopebecomesaninstrumentofdisillusionment Theweightofbetrayal, therealizationthatsalvationwasamirage settleslikeaquietstorm Thereisawe, thenunease Beauty, thenruptureIttestifiestothedualityofbeliefanddeception, anexplorationofthemomenttrustcollapses andraw, undeniabletruthremains (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Donald Earley

Painting

Donald Earley is a multi-award-winning painter. Earley is inspired by contemporary movements such as Me Too and Black Lives Matter, and he draws influence from renowned artists like Antonio Lopez and Jack Spencer

Educated at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York as a fashion illustrator, artist and educator, Earley’s skills include painting, drawing, etching, drypoint, lithography and sculpture works in glass and bronze. Earley began working as an illustrator in the 1970’s for companies such as Neiman Marcus and the Dayton Company He taught at FIT in NYC, Cooper School of Art in Cleveland and at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond before moving to Qatar to help develop the thriving B F A in Fashion Design course

His commissions include the New York Times, Vogue Patterns, Calvin Klein, Damon Shirts, Bill Blass and Yves St Laurent He received the Merit Award at The 23rd biennial West Virginia Juried Exhibition at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston

March 32

Painting, Oil Color on Canvas W:36 H:36 in 2024

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Marc Matei

Collage, Design, Digital Arts, Drawing, Illustration, Mixed Media, Painting, Print

As a first generation immigrant, I feel as if I have lived three different lives on three different continents. The one true constant being, is my attachment to art, and the explorative aspects of creativity Immersing myself in the act of creative expression, has been and always will be my only path to truth and humility. I strongly believe, that art is not something one can ever finish or stop learning As long as I draw breath I will continue my journey, and hope to find opportunities to share my story with the kindred spirits that find themselves on a similar path

biafarin com/artist?name=marc-matei

Mixed Media, Cold Wax on Canvas W:38 H:48 D:1 in 2024

“Thecagedanimalsharpensitsteethonthebarsofitscell ”-MMThispieceisanhomagetothepatron saintofthemutinous-CharlieBronson (ScanQRcodetolearnmore rateandcomment)

Alexandria Johnson

Painting

I am Ang Jol and I am 28 years old. I have been painting for a few years consistently, but I am kind of new to really starting to sell them on a larger scale I have always had a love for art since a young age I am now a mother to 3 young children. I also have a cat and a beta fish. I would love to have a home full of animals one day Some of my favorite things are hot chocolate, hot Cheetos and Scooby Doo I have often struggled to communicate with people verbally but making artwork always felt like another way to say or show feelings. Music, poetry, films, and architecture have always held a special place I'm my heart I have been drawing and painting since I was young, and I have always found it relaxing and a stress reliever I hope I can connect with others through my artwork and others can find meaning in them as well

biafarin com/artist?name=alexandria-johnson

Taking Advantage

Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:16 H:20 in 2023

Thispiecerepresentsthefeelingofbeing "walkedallover"orbeingtakenadvantageof Itishardtoknow whenit'stimetoputupboundariesfortheoneswecareabout Todecipherbetweenwhenyouarelendinga helpinghandandwhentheyarejustaskingfortoomuch (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Luke Lagao

Luke Lagao lives with his husband and two cats in Iowa. His studio is a modest, brick, basement room of their house filled with art and various inspiring objects

biafarin com/artist?name=luke-lagao

Fire Catcher

Painting, Acrylic W:8 H:16 in 2025

Paintedonawhiteenamelcoatedboard, thegrisailleunder-paintinginacrylicburntumberandwhite A scratchingtechniquewasusedforhighlightsinthehair Thecolorsandskintoneswereachievedwithglazes ofacrylicsandfloatingmedium (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Arica Angert

Painting, Graphics, Photography

Based in Western PA, I am currently enrolled at Slippery Rock University working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography I have completed my Associate's Degree in Graphic Design at Butler County Community College. While at BC3, I was selected as one of the co-designers of the college's annual art magazine, "FACETS "

biafarin com/artist?name=arica-angert

Knotty Eye

Photography W:12 50 H:8 50 in 2025

PhotographyNikonD7500 (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Lewis Deeney

Scottish-born Lewis Deeney (b. 1994) creates abstract paintings that combine expressive brushwork with interconnected geometric forms He graduated with First-Class Honours in Contemporary Art Practice from the University of Dundee in 2020, during which he won two awards and was selected for the Freeland’s Painting Prize

Following his undergraduate success, Deeney was awarded the William S. Phillips Award a bursary covering his tuition which enabled him to continue his studies at DJCAD He completed his MFA in Art & Humanities in 2021, graduating with Merit

Deeney has held five solo exhibitions across Scotland, including An Odyssey of Chaos at the prestigious Glasgow Art Club and The Sky is Dreaming at Fire Station Creative He also represented Scotland at the Interceltique Festival in France and has exhibited in several group shows across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States

Through a fusion of expressive abstraction and geometric precision, his paintings explore the universal balance of opposites The chaos of vibrant, painted surfaces is harmonized by the order and clarity of geometric forms symbolizing the oneness of all things. Each individual piece plays a role within the interconnected whole, expressing unseen energies and the unity that underlies all existence

His creative process begins with digital compositions, which he laser-cuts into individual wooden shapes. Each piece is then painted expressively before being reassembled into a unified whole This integration of physical and digital elements reflects the evolving relationship between humanity and technology in our time. Born from introspection and the pursuit of inner balance, his work serves as a method of making the unconscious conscious giving visual form to the invisible workings of the mind. Through the personal, we connect to the universal His paintings become a meditation on our shared human experience and our deeper connection to the cosmos.

biafarin com/artist?name=lewis-deeney

Sound and Silence IV

Painting, Mixed Media on Board W:14 H:14 in 2025

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John Flippin

I am originally from Southern California and have resettled in the Mountains of Western Massachusetts.

biafarin com/artist?name=john-flippin

Waterfront

Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:24 H:30 in 2024

Abstractreflections (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Michael Lee

Photography

I am a Freelance Photographer from New Jersey, residing in Western Massachusetts. I've been involved with photography from the age of 18 when I bought my first SLR Camera, and have traveled to many places capturing landscape, street photography and portraiture. Following my associates degree in 1991, I obtained a certificate in Applied Photography at the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute in 1996 and I plan to expand my art through photography and nature workshops. I hope to gain exposure through upcoming Art Calls and Magazine Publications

biafarin com/artist?name=michael-lee

Photography W:14 H:11 in 2019

Close-upofbutterflyonflower (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Catherine Martinez-Perez

Painting

Catherine’s passion for art was sparked at age four, inspired by her father’s introduction to classical art. This early influence fostered a deep love for creating, enabling her to communicate emotions and ideas beyond words.

Her art is rooted in nature, childhood innocence, and interconnectedness, with a particular focus on flowers and children Catherine is especially captivated by orchids, whose natural canvas of color, intricate veins, and mesmerizing curves inspire her to paint and share their beauty with the world Children, with their illuminating faces and pure reactions to the world, are a constant source of inspiration, driving her to capture their innocence and wonder on canvas Her extensive travels, including visits to Belize's Mayan pyramids and Russia’s Hermitage Museum, further enrich her work with historical and cultural depth

Specializing in watercolor, Catherine s technique blends realism and impressionism, focusing on light, shadow, and the fluid transparency of the medium After a hiatus to focus on family, she returned to painting with renewed vigor, embracing her first love. Catherine s journey reflects courage, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of beauty, resonating with GeorgiaO’Keeffe’s quote: “Tocreateone’sownworldtakescourage”

biafarin com/artist?name=catherine-martinez-perez

Painting, Watercolor W:29 25 H:37 in 2024

Watercoloron300lbpaper (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Moksha Mobias

Moksha is an interdisciplinary artist who has traveled extensively for the last 25 years, absorbing the myths and symbolism of various cultures and instilling them into his work In 2012, Moksha founded the altarpiece/artifact company Panthyon, where he continues to design, sculpt and inhabit the world of "Ancient Futurism" He derives great joy in teaching and helping others transform their visions into reality, as well as creating artifacts that resonate in a universal and archetypal way, pieces to be unearthed and pondered over by archeologists of the future

biafarin com/artist?name=moksha-mobias

Sculpture W:12 H:17 in 2019

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Vera Neel

Painting, Photography, Mixed Media, Drawing, Sculpture, Installation

Vera Neel is an interdisciplinary artist based in New Mexico, USA. Born in Russia, she was deeply influenced by the beauty of Siberian nature Her artistic soul always sought an outlet through art, which fully materialized after moving to the United States in 2004.

Despite attending masterclasses with renowned contemporary artists such as Albert Handell, Peter Nisbet, David Mayer, Elena Gubar, and others, Vera has largely forged her artistic path independently She experiments with various media and styles, incorporating diverse materials and tools into her work In addition to painting, Vera is also passionate about the art of wool felting on silk, creating exquisite women ’ s accessories and clothing

Since 2010, she has been exclusively painting with a palette knife, a technique that allows her to express herself freely and develop her own artistic style Her expertise in marketing, management, graphic design, digital media, and fashion enables her to integrate these elements into her art, resulting in multilayered, conceptually rich works.

Vera s work has received awards and has been exhibited at both international and local exhibitions, earning recognition among collectors and art enthusiasts Since 2021, she has been a co-owner of Art Mozaik Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As a gallerist, she actively supports artists by providing them with a platform for selfexpression, helping them reach new heights, expand their audience, and connect with art collectors

biafarin com/artist?name=vera-neel

Painting, Oil Color W:16 H:20 in 2023 Manonastreet (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Mei Shibata

Painting

Mei Shibata's art is a vivid exploration of color and perception, blending her diverse experiences and expertise into each piece Born in Tokyo, Mei was influenced by Japan's rich cultural and artistic tapestry before her academic pursuits took her to Boston and a successful professional career in New York. Her background in physics and medicine informs her appreciation of how the brain interprets hues and light, rendering her art both intellectually intriguing and aesthetically captivating. With a history of leading creative and strategy teams at top NYC advertising agencies, and having launched her own, Mei’s work is a celebration of vibrant colors that bring instant joy to any space, yet invites deeper contemplation upon closer inspection Most often, Mei uses acrylic paints on a square canvas and produces her works in her Manhattan or Bahamas art studio biafarin com/artist?name=mei-shibata

Seven Shades of Yellow

Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:40 H:40 in 2024

Thesevenshadesofyellowallowsthemindseyetoperceivedepthanddimensioninawaythatmakesyou wanttoreachoutandtouchthepaper EachfoldisatributetotheJapaneseceremonialartofwrappingand decoration invitingyoutoexplorehowcolorandperceptionpeacefullyintertwine (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Shelby K. Smith Painting

Shelby K. Smith, a self-taught artist and former beauty executive, has translated her talent and passion for color onto large-scale paintings that evoke a sense of visual delight Rooted in minimalism and geometric abstraction, her work is an exploration of the dynamic relationships between color, form, shape and space.

Inspired by the power of color as it has the ability to evoke emotion and uplift the spirit, Smith ritualistically creates and mixes new shades that speak to her aesthetic perspective The precision found in Smith's artwork lends itself to being both elegant and functional, allowing her work to fill interior and architectural spaces with balance, structure, and a sense of movement

Smith's art focuses on large-scale and oversized paintings, including works that are designed to span across multiple panels The nature of this work invites the viewer to be present and fully immerse themselves in the colors and vastness of the canvases themselves

Through her time in the beauty world, Smith was able to refine her aesthetic sensibilities and establish her theory of color During a career that spanned over thirty years, she worked on developing brands, products, and color stories for companies such as Estée Lauder and L'Oreal. She served as the Executive Director of Makeup Marketing for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, working closely with the founder of the brand

Smith is quickly developing her reputation as an emerging artist to watch Her work has made its way into more than one hundred private homes across the United States and abroad. Her paintings have been exhibited in a multitude of gallery shows and can be found at fine art galleries in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Florida.

biafarin com/artist?name=shelby-smith

Heavy Metals

Painting, Acrylic on Canvas W:36 H:36 in 2024

MetallicshadesofGold, Bronze, SilverandBlack (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment)

Angie Van Mulken

Painting

I've had a lifelong attraction to art. As a young adult, I completed design school and worked professionally for two decades I went back to school for a BsBa in 2014 but left the field During Covid, I took the chance to pursue creative art full-time. I'm currently based in Hawaii, USA, and sell original art and prints through my social media connections

biafarin com/artist?name=angie-van

Untitled #2

Painting, Acrylic, Ink

W:30 H:20 in 2023

Thispaintingwasdonewithavagueconceptoffloraldesignswithbrightandcontrastingcolors (ScanQRcodetolearnmore, rateandcomment) AW127220940

Jay Wortham

Digital Arts, Graphics, Photography

I have spent nearly thirty-five years behind the scenes pushing other artists to find their own unique expressions After encouraging so many for so long, I have finally taken the time to create my own I’ve been recognized internationally twice as a top contemporary design artist. My paintings are a mixture of pop art, scifi and fantasy tropes I paint imagery that is humorous, captivating, retro while contemporary, frightening and fanciful, forcing the viewer to juggle their own creative perceptions as they experience my works.

biafarin com/artist?name=jay-wortham

Digital Arts, Mixed Media W:16 H:20 in 2022

OBSERVICA

Issue #31

SE 2025

observica com/se2025

observica com