Author: Seraphina Calder
Born in 1965, Ptolemy Elrington is a Brighton-based sculptor who transforms discarded and donated materials into artworks with a clear eco-conscious message. Since 2002, he’s been self-employed, working steadily to create sculptures that not only catch the eye but also draw attention to environmental issues. His artistic journey is grounded in a commitment to regeneration and sustainability, making waste material his primary medium. Elrington’s sculptures range from intricate animal forms to abstract designs, all crafted from items like car hubcaps, scrap metal, and other remnants of human consumption. Through his work, he juxtaposes the long-lasting nature of these materials with…
Judy Widener, an American artist, has danced with brushes and colors since the tender age of five, painting not just images but breathing life onto the canvas. With a palette as diverse as her experiences, her art transcends boundaries, embracing the beauty of both animals and people alike. Widener’s repertoire spans a kaleidoscope of genres. From the graceful elegance of equine portraits to the playful charm of children, from the vibrant hues of tropical landscapes to the abstract depths of emotion, her creations mirror the multifaceted tapestry of life itself. Her work isn’t confined to a single niche; it dances…
Judy Gittelsohn’s art transcends mere brushstrokes on a canvas, offering a deep connection to memory, family, and the rich symbolism of life. Raised amidst the natural beauty of Portland, Oregon, Gittelsohn draws from her personal experiences, transforming them into vibrant, expressive acrylic paintings. Her upbringing in Oregon was a lively tapestry of shared moments with her extended family. Living in close quarters with grandparents, cousins, and relatives created a dynamic sense of togetherness. Summers spent swimming in communal pools and visiting a family beach house in Cannon Beach became formative experiences, shaping the emotional depth that defines her work. Gittelsohn’s…
Susie Rosso Wolf, born in 1956 in sunny Santa Monica, California, has navigated a life shaped by artistic exploration and discovery. Known as SR Wolf, her creative journey took its first major steps at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where her fascination with art history sparked an enduring passion for creation. Over time, the serene beauty of rural Montana became the setting where her artistic voice truly flourished. At CalArts, it wasn’t paint or canvas that first caught her attention, but the stories and images in art history textbooks. These mandatory courses turned into a revelation, introducing her…
Serena Bocchino is an American contemporary abstract artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and installation. Her artistic approach merges diverse influences, including Abstract Expressionism, jazz music, modern dance, and the experimental Fluxus movement. Bocchino’s improvisational yet technically precise process weaves together color, media, and technique into a visual language uniquely her own. Rooted in the exploration of the interplay between visual art and music, her work transcends traditional boundaries, creating a harmonious dialogue between these forms. Bocchino began her professional journey in New York City during the East Village movement of the 1980s after graduating from NYU. Over the years,…
Ruth Poniarski’s art defies expectations, blending surrealism with a deeply personal touch. Originally trained as an architect, she earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and spent a decade immersed in the construction industry. In 1988, her creative instincts led her to pivot toward painting, a medium that offered her a fresh way to channel her ideas and emotions. This shift opened a new chapter in her life, marked by imaginative works inspired by mythology, culture, philosophy, and literature. Poniarski’s unique approach combines visual and literary expression. Starting in 1995, she began writing poems to complement her paintings, creating…
Robert M. Deschenes brings his love for nature to life through his paintings, each a detailed window into the wilderness. His ability to capture the essence of animals. Two of his works, Canada Goose and Ruffed Grouse, exemplify his approach to hyperrealism and storytelling through acrylic on canvas. Canada Goose The painting Canada Goose (16 x 20 inches) depicts this elegant waterfowl with a level of detail that pulls viewers into the scene. The goose is slightly off-center, a deliberate compositional choice that adds depth and intrigue. The earthy tones throughout the painting ground the subject in its natural environment, evoking the feel of a…
Natali Antonovich believes her art is the truest way to understand her. Her words, “It is always difficult to write or talk about yourself because it is a kind of revelation,” capture her introspective nature and desire for authenticity. She has spent a lifetime exploring the world and her inner self, using painting and photography as tools for connection and reflection. Since childhood, Antonovich has sought to make sense of the universe around her. Her work spans graphics, batik, portraiture, and teaching art and art history, yet her focus now lies in oil painting and watercolor. Themes of love, mystery,…
Kerstin Roolfs is a German-American artist whose work delves into the realms of portraiture, sports, history, and politics. Drawing inspiration from the philosophies of Plato, the poetic brilliance of Goethe, and the intellectual depth of thinkers such as Sloterdijk, Hölderlin, and Adonis, Roolfs infuses her art with layers of meaning and contemplation. Having transplanted herself from Berlin to the vibrant artistic hub of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 1994, and later to the Bronx, NY, in 2016, Kerstin has woven her experiences and observations into a tapestry of thought-provoking artwork. Her pieces have not only graced the walls of solo exhibitions but…
Born in 1977 in Alaveddy, a village in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, VP Vasuhan grew up surrounded by traditional Tamil culture, which left a lasting mark on his artistic journey. South India and northern Sri Lanka share deep cultural ties, including their folk arts, religion, and language. Vasuhan’s childhood was steeped in these traditions, nurtured by his grandfather, a farmer, and by exposure to art forms like religious painting, embroidery, pottery, and kolam—a traditional Tamil floor art made from rice flour. These influences became the foundation for his artistic practice, as did early lessons in plant-based colorings during kindergarten. Vasuhan later…