Author: Seraphina Calder

Oenone Hammersley is an artist whose work is deeply connected to the natural world. Recognized for her rainforest and wildlife paintings, Hammersley’s art reflects a lifelong fascination with nature, landscapes, and wildlife. Her pieces evoke a sense of wonder while addressing the pressing environmental issues of our time, blending realism with abstract forms to express the fragility of the world we live in. Hammersley has been exhibiting her work since 1980, with shows in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Australia. Her artistic journey has taken her across the globe, and these experiences are reflected in her wide range of subjects…

Judy Widener’s journey as an artist began early. At just five years old, she picked up her first brush and discovered the magic of painting. But her art is more than just colors on a canvas; it feels like a part of her, a way to breathe life into the images she sees. With a diverse palette of subjects and genres, she’s never settled into a single niche. Instead, she lets her creativity lead the way, capturing everything from animals to people, landscapes to abstract emotions. Widener’s love for equine portraits is one of her signature styles. Horses, with their…

Stephen Von Mason’s journey into the world of art began in his early years in South Bend, Indiana. Born in 1954, he was a creative child who found joy in sketching rodeo riders and football stars. Those early subjects, brimming with energy and movement, marked the start of a lifelong dedication to capturing vibrant moments and the spirit of individuality on canvas. By high school, his passion had deepened, and he was determined to pursue a professional career in the arts. After high school, Stephen’s commitment to art became a structured pursuit. He was accepted into the John Heron School…

Randa Hijazi is a contemporary Syrian Canadian artist and painter based in Laval, Quebec. Born in Damascus, Syria, she later moved to Dubai before settling in Canada in 2017. She graduated from the Painting Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Damascus, in 2000, and continued her studies at the Faculty of Mass Communication and Science of Media, graduating in 2008. This unique combination of visual arts and media studies helped shape her artistic approach, allowing her to observe the world with the keen eye of a photojournalist while creating deeply expressive artwork. After arriving in Canada, Hijazi…

Arie Otten, born in 1954, is a self-taught artist hailing from Apeldoorn, Netherlands, whose creative output spans across many abstract forms. Known for his adventurous and experimental approach, Otten combines a wide variety of materials, such as acrylics, oils, and organic pigments, to bring his work to life. His artistic process is spontaneous, beginning with a blank surface and evolving through trial and discovery. Much of his work draws on the human experience, with recurring themes of faces and abstracted landscapes, showcasing his deep imagination and a desire to explore enigmatic ideas. In November 2024, Otten will present a new…

Marina Chisty, a Russian-American artist currently based in the bustling metropolis of New York City, reflects the multifaceted nature of urban existence through her work. From an early age, Marina’s artistic journey began in the nurturing environment of a children’s art school in Russia. It was there that she first discovered her artistic talent and developed a deep appreciation for the expressive potential of both abstract and figurative forms. Rooted in her Russian heritage, Marina’s artistic identity was shaped by a natural inclination toward abstraction and the symbolic use of color. Marina has remained committed to her craft, dedicating herself…

Katerina Tsitsela is an artist whose work spans both painting and engraving, offering a unique exploration of human perception and emotion. Her artistic research delves into the psychoanalytic interpretation of landscapes, which she terms “internal landscapes” or “landscapes of the human soul.” Tsitsela’s paintings express dark, introspective mental states, where beams of light push through the darkness, illuminating figures that represent existential struggles. Her work invites viewers to engage with these figures through their own emotional lenses, reflecting the human condition. Tsitsela focuses on uncovering an excessive truth, one that lies beyond material reality. The interplay of earthy colors, bold…

Mary Arnold is a Canadian artist in the world of art and photography. With a rich history spanning forty-five years, she has seamlessly blended the realms of analogue and digital photography to create captivating visual narratives. Her expertise shines brightly in her digital stitched panoramic photographs. What sets her work apart is not just her keen eye for detail but also her unique choice of medium. Her photographs are meticulously printed on aluminium, adding a modern touch to timeless landscapes. Over the years, Mary’s work has been showcased in different galleries across Canada, from the Art Gallery of Vancouver in…

Kirandeep Grewal is a multi-disciplinary community artist and art educator based in Canberra. Her art practice takes a meditative approach to daily life, focusing on learning, sharing, and encouraging others to engage with art. Kirandeep draws from various techniques she’s learned while traveling and interacting with artisans from different cultures. She creates designs on silk scarves, wall hangings, and paintings, working with a range of media like silk, canvas, and paper. Her work invites viewers to reflect on harmony, migration, and connection with the natural world. One of Kirandeep’s key pieces from 2023 is A Journey. This textile artwork measures 65…

Judy Gittelsohn’s art isn’t just about colors on canvas; it’s a tapestry woven from the threads of memory, family, and the profound symbolism of life. Born in the picturesque landscapes of Portland, Oregon, Gittelsohn has spent her life capturing the essence of her experiences through vibrant acrylic strokes. Growing up amidst the sprawling embrace of family in Oregon, Gittelsohn’s childhood was akin to a bustling community within itself. With grandparents, cousins, and extended family sharing the same space, her upbringing was imbued with a sense of togetherness and shared memories. These formative years, spent swimming in a communal pool and…