Author: Seraphina Calder

In the world of contemporary art, self-taught artists often bring a unique and refreshing perspective to their craft. Stormie Steele is a great example of such an artist, whose journey through personal and spiritual growth has deeply intertwined with her creative expression. Her artwork and her approach to life share a common theme—embracing the beauty of the imperfect and learning from the transformative journey of existence. Stormie’s art is not just a visual experience; it is a philosophical exploration into the depths of life’s challenges and the hidden riches they contain. She views life’s hurdles as catalysts for transformation, believing…

Pasquale J. Cuomo has spent over five decades immersed in the art of photography, a passion he first discovered in his teenage years. By the early 1980s, his journey with the camera evolved from a hobby to a professional endeavor, and by 1985, it became his full-time profession. Over more than two decades, he honed his craft across various photographic disciplines, including fashion, public relations, architecture, and advertising. His images have graced the pages of trade publications and brochures and have been featured in exhibitions at venues like the Queens Museum and NYC DCA Gallery. Pasquale embraces an “old school”…

Fariba Safai’s art is deeply personal, shaped by her journey across cultural and emotional landscapes. Born in Tehran, Iran, she experienced the seismic shifts of the Iranian Revolution firsthand. Her migration to California marked a new chapter, where the surrounding natural beauty became both a refuge and a source of inspiration. Safai’s paintings draw from these lived experiences, offering a layered narrative of resilience and self-expression. Her work captures the tension of living between two worlds, weaving elements of her heritage with the perspectives she gained abroad. With a design degree from SFSU and a BFA in sculpture from California…

Alexandra Jicol, a Romanian artist, grew up in Bucharest during an era defined by political strife and restricted freedoms. Her childhood unfolded between two vastly different environments: the tranquility of the mountains, where she spent part of her time, and the vibrant yet challenging city of Bucharest, where she often explored the Romanian television studios alongside her mother. These contrasting settings shaped her perspective, fostering a sharp eye for detail and a deep sense of curiosity that continue to drive her creative expression. Jicol sees herself as a lifelong observer and a seeker of understanding. She approaches life as a…

Caroline Kampfraath, a Dutch sculptor, has built her artistic practice around the creation of thought-provoking, thematic installations. She exhibits her work abroad, where audiences are drawn to the enigmatic and surreal qualities of her pieces. For Kampfraath, each project demands its own distinct material, a commitment that often challenges her creatively and technically. Her portfolio includes everything from resin and wool to lead and bronze, combining these materials in ways that feel at once unexpected and cohesive. Symbolism plays a significant role in her visual language. Engorged veins, dead dogs, and kidney-shaped dishes are just a few of the recurring…

Nathan Downie Nathan Downie (ナシーナス Nashīnasu) is a multidisciplinary artist with autism based in England. With a keen eye for the surreal and a heart deeply connected to Japanese culture, Nathan’s work blurs the boundaries between reality and abstraction. He weaves together influences from animation, surrealism, and gestural painting into pieces that resonate with his personal experiences and his journey as an artist with autism. His ability to bridge these elements creates works that are deeply emotive, reflecting his view of the world and his inner landscape. Since 2020, Nathan has worked with paints, conté, charcoal, and graphite, creating bold…

Chris Hellier grew up in Florida, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sunshine State. His life has been a mix of working with his hands and dreaming about a better world. From farms to car repairs, and houses in need of care, Chris has always been a builder and a fixer. But what he’s really building is a vision for a more sustainable and compassionate way of living. Chris isn’t shy about sharing his concerns about the world we live in. He’s critical of what he sees as an overly individualistic, competitive, and consumer-driven society. For him, this way…

Randa Hijazi is a contemporary Syrian-Canadian painter whose art is deeply shaped by her personal journey. Born in Damascus, Syria, she graduated in 2000 from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus and continued her studies in Mass Communication and Media Science, earning another degree in 2008. Her dual education gave her a sharp eye for storytelling and an expressive heart, blending the analytical perspective of a photojournalist with the emotional depth of an artist. After moving from Damascus to Dubai and eventually settling in Laval, Quebec, in 2017, Hijazi’s work has evolved to reflect the complexity…

Aliza Thomas is an artist and papermaker based in the Netherlands but originally from Israel, whose work is deeply rooted in the traditions of Asian papermaking and shamanic art. She is also a dedicated teacher of Qigong and Taiji Quan, disciplines that emphasize the harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Aliza’s art reflects her connection to these ancient practices, blending physical craft with spiritual insight. Her approach to creativity is as much about the process as the result, embodying a dialogue between the tangible and the metaphysical. Her handmade paper pieces explore themes of duality, balance, and the human experience.…

Sabrina Puppin is a visual artist whose works have been exhibited across the globe. Her creations are marked by hyper-colorful, shimmering abstract arrangements that challenge the perception of reality while expressing her emotions and daydreams. Puppin’s art is more than visual; it invites viewers to engage deeply, to reflect on its meaning, and to feel its energy. Her artwork has been displayed in museums and galleries, including the Museum of Kyoto in Japan and the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Other exhibitions span the USA, UK, Qatar, Germany, and beyond. Puppin’s contributions include participation in events such…