New Beginnings Art Exhibition - The Artists
Below read about each of the artists that have artwork into the New Beginnings Show:
Artist Mary Atwood
Author and fine art photographer Mary Atwood is a long-time resident of the Florida’s First Coast area whose deep appreciation of its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture is often reflected in her work.
As the daughter of a World War II military photographer, Mary grew up with a camera in hand. Her earliest memories of taking photographs are of using a Kodak Brownie when she was six years old. From there, her experiences involved learning to use a wide variety of camera equipment from Polaroid to Hasselblad, and just about everything in between.
Mary’s fine art photography is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections in the both the United States and France. She was the recipient of the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida’s prestigious Art Ventures grant in 2011, has done commissioned work for MOCA Jacksonville, and was invited by the Sister Cities organization of Nantes, France to exhibit her First Coast Reflections project as part of the inaugural celebration for la Maison des Etates-Unis (The American House) during the summer of 2013.
Mary’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public art venues, with over twenty solo shows. To date, her photographs have won more than fifty awards in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
As the daughter of a World War II military photographer, Mary grew up with a camera in hand. Her earliest memories of taking photographs are of using a Kodak Brownie when she was six years old. From there, her experiences involved learning to use a wide variety of camera equipment from Polaroid to Hasselblad, and just about everything in between.
Mary’s fine art photography is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections in the both the United States and France. She was the recipient of the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida’s prestigious Art Ventures grant in 2011, has done commissioned work for MOCA Jacksonville, and was invited by the Sister Cities organization of Nantes, France to exhibit her First Coast Reflections project as part of the inaugural celebration for la Maison des Etates-Unis (The American House) during the summer of 2013.
Mary’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public art venues, with over twenty solo shows. To date, her photographs have won more than fifty awards in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
Artist Anke Kelly
“Spring in the forest” is made entirely of glass. The background is painted with glass paint and then it is fused in my kiln. Additional pieces of glass are cut and attached. Also added is some frit (small pieces of glass and more glass paint. The piece is then fired again in the kiln at 1350 degrees. Matting and a frame are added for the finishing touch.
Artist Cookie Davis
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COOKIE DAVIS is a native of Jacksonville and has been involved in the art community since the early 1970s both as an exhibiting artist and as a volunteer chairperson and board member of a number of cultural organizations and events. Ms. Davis’ sculptures and paintings are stories without words. She says of her work, “Over the years I have filled many sketch books with ideas and themes for
sculptures. Beginning in early 2016 I began to translate some of these ideas into paintings...Story People on Canvas.” Cookie has work in permanent collections both nationally and internationally and is proud to have been the first recipient in 2014 of the Robert Arleigh White Award for Art Advocacy presented by the Cultural Council of Jacksonville. |
Artist Jeanette DavisOil painter and collage artist, Jeannette Dennis’s many years of experience as an art educator of elementary age children illustrated that art evokes emotion in its purest form regardless of the observer. She is a sensitive creator of the figure and nature, allowing the spirit within the image to touch those who view it.
Jeannette recognizes the importance of learning and growing as an artist. She accomplishes this through her affiliations with the following art organizations. Jacksonville Artist Guild (JAG), First Coast Plein Air Painters (FCPAP), Artist Guild of Orange Park (AGOP), St. Augustine Art Assoc. (St.AAA). |
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Artist Vandy Gagliardo
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I have been an artist for my entire life. I always found art to be a natural talent for as long as I can remember.
I started drawing pencil portraits in my 20's and only completed a handful of them. I didn't start painting seriously until about 10 years ago. The first time I went to a place where they teach painting, the teacher came over to me and said they were currently hiring artists for teaching and asked if I was interested. I told her it was only the 3rd painting I had ever even tried. The first time I displayed paintings for sale at a craft fair, I sold 20 paintings in 30 minutes. It was the first time I realized that I might be able to do this more seriously. |
My Goal is to create a visual that will help you to see yourself or imagine yourself in a different setting. I hope that my art will help you to escape to another realm.
I want my paintings to have a life outside of me and to bring joy to others in the world. I hope you will give them a home to become part of your world.
I have always been a lover of the outdoors. I love camping, hiking, canoeing and ziplining. My love of the outdoors was part of what made me move from upstate NY to Florida.
I currently live in Jacksonville, Florida. I moved to Florida because I love the sand, surf, and palm trees. This was a significant influence on the direction of my artwork. I love painting landscapes the most because they are so imperfect and should be painted as such. You will see the Florida influence on my art as you look at my work. My other favorite painting subjects are sunsets, clouds, waves and woods. I’m also thinking of doing more work to show my love of the woods of upstate NY.
I want my paintings to have a life outside of me and to bring joy to others in the world. I hope you will give them a home to become part of your world.
I have always been a lover of the outdoors. I love camping, hiking, canoeing and ziplining. My love of the outdoors was part of what made me move from upstate NY to Florida.
I currently live in Jacksonville, Florida. I moved to Florida because I love the sand, surf, and palm trees. This was a significant influence on the direction of my artwork. I love painting landscapes the most because they are so imperfect and should be painted as such. You will see the Florida influence on my art as you look at my work. My other favorite painting subjects are sunsets, clouds, waves and woods. I’m also thinking of doing more work to show my love of the woods of upstate NY.
Artist Leila Griffith
While I took a decades long break from practicing my own art, my interest in and love of art of all subjects, periods, media, and locations never subsided. Whether traveling to exotic and historic locations, exploring out of the main stream locales, or just moving around my home base, I am always searching for subjects or vignettes that invite me in and visually inspire me. I am particularly drawn to nature, living things, and domestic animals (my muse Twiggy is occasionally a part of my compositions).
Many of the juried exhibits I participate in have a theme. These often motivate me to combine subjects from conflicting or unrelated sources, thus adding depth and perhaps intrigue to my overall visual depictions. Having a background in creative writing as well as visual art, I love a good story. As in a written document/manuscript, it is my desire that observers are not just entertained but moved by images that evoke feelings, memories, experiences, and even cultural adventures.
In the past I have worked with acrylics but I am most happy using oils to explore and showcase my creativity. My pieces are almost always representational, and I often work from my drawings and photographs which can inspire several iterations before completion. I enjoy color in nature and life, and so it usually shows up in my paintings.
Many of the juried exhibits I participate in have a theme. These often motivate me to combine subjects from conflicting or unrelated sources, thus adding depth and perhaps intrigue to my overall visual depictions. Having a background in creative writing as well as visual art, I love a good story. As in a written document/manuscript, it is my desire that observers are not just entertained but moved by images that evoke feelings, memories, experiences, and even cultural adventures.
In the past I have worked with acrylics but I am most happy using oils to explore and showcase my creativity. My pieces are almost always representational, and I often work from my drawings and photographs which can inspire several iterations before completion. I enjoy color in nature and life, and so it usually shows up in my paintings.
Artist Andriyesh Bukov
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Through my work, I would like to convey kindness and positive emotions.
I was born in Chisinau, Moldova. I graduated from the Academy of Arts, Lviv, Ukraine. I live in Jacksonville, FL since 1994. I worked as a designer in the theater of musical comedy, an illustrator in a publishing house in Chisinau, and an artist in folk crafts. Some of my works are in private collections in the USA, Germany, England, Italy and Moldova. I paint realistic and abstract images in oils and acrylics. Many of my works reflect my native Moldovan culture.others are inspired by my love of poetry: |
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"and off, off and away.
It's a sad day. The full moon Up in the sky. Disturbing everyone but not me... I'm being exposed at the moment. The passions of the subconscious mind. Why tell me to, Is God about this? |
Turn the pages of existence!
Floating in the subconscious mind Other countries and times. Along the Moon Strip Off to the road, What's going to happen, and where? And a big distance, and afar I'll hit the road..." |
Artist Deborah Lightfield
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Art reflects the artist’s surroundings, beliefs, and experiences. The more I paint, meet people, visit galleries, and study art history, the more I enjoy this journey of exploration. My artistic intention is for my art to interpret these subjects while using a variety of expressive, interesting, and bold colors and textures. I enjoy the challenges of making unifying compositions, working with different styles or experimenting with different mediums. Art is a multilayered experience with many perspectives.
Personally, I want to live and create while seeing similarities and embracing differences. The visual experience of music, nature and positive energy have always been important parts of my creative process. Hopefully, my visual interpretations will relate to the viewer with the joy I had in creating each piece of artwork. |
Artist Richard Hinger
- Great White Heron is an original acrylic on panel, 32x26 image. The Great Heron's numbers are declining.
- Nightfall is an original oil on canvas, 18x24 image. Sunset at the marsh. A White Heron in flight.
- Storm's end is an original oil on canvas 30x40 image. An expansive sky over a sailing ship in the distance.
Artist Linda LV Illgner
A very special friend gave me a collage with these words by Georgia O’Keefe that guide me, “Nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small it takes time - we haven't time - and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”
My work is an invitation to take time. I offer original collage pieces using handmade paper and found altered paper that add details to discover the more you study a piece. My work is meant to inspire, encourage, and motivate the viewer.
With an interior design background and working in the building industry for over 25 years, attention to detail becomes second nature. The details in the collages are my way of bringing the viewer in, stimulating your eyes with inspiring words, textures, or images that excite you and yet require you to take time; time to stop, look, feel, listen.
My work is an invitation to take time. I offer original collage pieces using handmade paper and found altered paper that add details to discover the more you study a piece. My work is meant to inspire, encourage, and motivate the viewer.
With an interior design background and working in the building industry for over 25 years, attention to detail becomes second nature. The details in the collages are my way of bringing the viewer in, stimulating your eyes with inspiring words, textures, or images that excite you and yet require you to take time; time to stop, look, feel, listen.
Artist Vicky Lennon
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My paintings are always a process. I work intuitively as the image evolves. Varied layers of glazing give lushness and depth, while the addition of mediums helps to create the textures that emerge in the final image. I work pushing and pulling shapes, surfaces, and colors, until I am excited with the uniqueness of each piece.
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Artist Ake Arnerdal
I mostly work with mixed-media collage paintings and sculpture, at times combining them for installations. The material and components I use are primarily a mix of paint, objects found and discarded, fabric, photos, and text.
The reocurring themes in my work are what we as humans have in common, such as longing and belonging, the problems in trying to make the right decisions and to ultimately move forward.
I’m inspired by the immediate and emotionally involved communication achieved in children’s art, a theme also found in work defined as outsider art. Folk art with its overload of patterns, ornaments and riots of color also inspires me as well as the baroque with its exuberance and slightly exaggerated language. Graffiti and street art also provide inspiration for my work.
My work doesn’t necessarily hold an apparent critique but rather comments and reflects on the world surrounding me.
The reocurring themes in my work are what we as humans have in common, such as longing and belonging, the problems in trying to make the right decisions and to ultimately move forward.
I’m inspired by the immediate and emotionally involved communication achieved in children’s art, a theme also found in work defined as outsider art. Folk art with its overload of patterns, ornaments and riots of color also inspires me as well as the baroque with its exuberance and slightly exaggerated language. Graffiti and street art also provide inspiration for my work.
My work doesn’t necessarily hold an apparent critique but rather comments and reflects on the world surrounding me.
Artist Ed Malesky
Ed has always been interested in woodworking and developed his skills to focus on woodturning as art.
He feels that creating his art always starts with a beautiful form. Turning wood into these forms is a truly tactile and very enjoyable experience, complicated by the fact that wood is an organic material that moves and distorts as it dries or contains hidden defects. Sometimes he can use these features and sometimes he needs to plan ahead to get the form he wants.
A beautiful form can be enough, especially when he has used a spectacular piece of wood. However, his real goal is to draw an emotional response from the viewer, so often this initial form is just the canvas for his work. He loves adding color and texture to his pieces using dyes, paints, pyrography and other processes that allows the viewer to see something beyond just a piece of wood. The love of color and shapes has also led him into the world of digital images. Ed is amazed at the way a computer can generate beautiful images starting with some simple forms. There is a lot an artist needs to add however, since there are thousands of variables to apply to these simple forms to create a beautiful image. Once all the parameters are set, the computer begins the arduous task of rendering the image, which in many cases takes more than a day.
Form and color, texture and complexity are his tools, whether in wood or on paper.
You can see more of Ed's work at the following links:
https://www.pinterest.com/edmalesky/turning-arts/
https://www.pinterest.com/edmalesky/eds-abstractions/
https://www.facebook.com/turningartsgroup/
www.turningartsgroup.com
He feels that creating his art always starts with a beautiful form. Turning wood into these forms is a truly tactile and very enjoyable experience, complicated by the fact that wood is an organic material that moves and distorts as it dries or contains hidden defects. Sometimes he can use these features and sometimes he needs to plan ahead to get the form he wants.
A beautiful form can be enough, especially when he has used a spectacular piece of wood. However, his real goal is to draw an emotional response from the viewer, so often this initial form is just the canvas for his work. He loves adding color and texture to his pieces using dyes, paints, pyrography and other processes that allows the viewer to see something beyond just a piece of wood. The love of color and shapes has also led him into the world of digital images. Ed is amazed at the way a computer can generate beautiful images starting with some simple forms. There is a lot an artist needs to add however, since there are thousands of variables to apply to these simple forms to create a beautiful image. Once all the parameters are set, the computer begins the arduous task of rendering the image, which in many cases takes more than a day.
Form and color, texture and complexity are his tools, whether in wood or on paper.
You can see more of Ed's work at the following links:
https://www.pinterest.com/edmalesky/turning-arts/
https://www.pinterest.com/edmalesky/eds-abstractions/
https://www.facebook.com/turningartsgroup/
www.turningartsgroup.com
Artist Stephanie Pyren
Stephanie Pyren is a national and international artist who has work recognized. in The Richeson School of Art &Gallery portrait addition 75, as well as the International Contemporary master’s 7, as well as featured in various magazines and news articles. She graduated at California State University BA and continued at her studies at UCLA.Her art is a mixture encompassing the energetic essence of modern and the live sensibility of the Impressionists. Competent in all medias, oils, watercolors, pastels, and graphics: she has exhibited in 18 one man shows and 25 groups nationally and internationally, France, Bangkok, and Holland and throughout the United States. Besides working on her fine arts, she had worked in all the major animation studios in Los Angeles in all classifications of the industry, both as art director and production artist. She quit the industry to work full time in the fine arts and worked as a partner with painter, Jacques Harvey at his studio in Beverly Hills, California copying the old masters. Jacques asked her to move to Barbizon, France to become involved in the “New Barbizon School of Arts” which she happily did. In France, she was commissioned to paint various commercial and private pieces, which included portraits and murals.
At this time, The American Animation Co. based in Los Angeles asked her to travel to Bangkok for a three-week period to teach traditional background panting for the upcoming Warner Bros. animation show “Tiny Toons,” for a new studio. Upon returning to Barbizon France Stephanie had sold several pieces to a buyer unbeknownst to them that they would be married and eventually both would become dual citizens of their new countries. After two years, they moved to California at the request of the licensing division of Warner Brothers, and then other various studios. Upon her retirement Her and her husband have recently relocated to Jacksonville Florida,
At this time, The American Animation Co. based in Los Angeles asked her to travel to Bangkok for a three-week period to teach traditional background panting for the upcoming Warner Bros. animation show “Tiny Toons,” for a new studio. Upon returning to Barbizon France Stephanie had sold several pieces to a buyer unbeknownst to them that they would be married and eventually both would become dual citizens of their new countries. After two years, they moved to California at the request of the licensing division of Warner Brothers, and then other various studios. Upon her retirement Her and her husband have recently relocated to Jacksonville Florida,
Artist Diane Rabideau-Wise
Diane Rabideau-Wise's artwork is as unique as the items she uses to create her pieces with."In creating mixed media works often I use what would be called useless paraphernalia; old interesting stamps and papers, throw away envelopes, failed photographs and hardware borrowed from my husband's tool box," Wise said.
Unorthodox ideas about art have fueled the Northwest St. Johns County resident's creations since she was a girl."My creative side was revealed to me by my mother," Wise said. "At the age of 4, my mother said, 'Diane, cows aren't purple.' My response: 'I can't make cows the same color all the time.' I apparently proceeded to make my own avante garde cows of the day."
Wise utilizes mixed media, photography and paint to create art currently displayed everywhere from galleries in SoHo, New York City, to local spots. "Pursuing art allows one to see the world in a different light," Wise said. "Skin can be orange, cows can be purple and green," she said.
Her art is currently displayed in Florida at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, St. Augustine Art Association and Nathan H. Wilson Center, amongst many others.
Unorthodox ideas about art have fueled the Northwest St. Johns County resident's creations since she was a girl."My creative side was revealed to me by my mother," Wise said. "At the age of 4, my mother said, 'Diane, cows aren't purple.' My response: 'I can't make cows the same color all the time.' I apparently proceeded to make my own avante garde cows of the day."
Wise utilizes mixed media, photography and paint to create art currently displayed everywhere from galleries in SoHo, New York City, to local spots. "Pursuing art allows one to see the world in a different light," Wise said. "Skin can be orange, cows can be purple and green," she said.
Her art is currently displayed in Florida at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, St. Augustine Art Association and Nathan H. Wilson Center, amongst many others.
Artist Marian Snovell
About her piece: If Winters Here. Gouache paint on watercolor paper. The painting’s title is adapted from the last line of the famous poem “Ode to the West Wind” written by renowned romantic poet Percy Shelley. The actual line is “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” My thought is that, even though it’s cold, and the ground is looking bare—except for perhaps some crops that can be planted before the last frost in early spring, the dormant landscape can be appreciated as a harbinger for the beauty that is to come.
Artist Lori Ann Sweet
It is hard to imagine a time when a pencil or paintbrush was not in my hands. From the beginning I was destined to create and still pursue the same passion and drive. The paintings and drawings reflect the journey and interest one has had in ones lifetime. After becoming a recipient of both MFA and BFA, School of Visual Arts, NYC, NY. I started to gain more convictions for the artwork and developed and underlying motivation when creating. This changed my appreciation for nature and wildlife.
Jacksonville, FL has offered the opportunity to engage in visual arts organizations, Illustrate Books, and peruse Plein Air Painting. I am a member of First Coast Plein Air Painters, Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, St’ Augustine Art Association, Pines & Palms Art Association, Annette Howell Turner Art Center, and the Jacksonville Artist Guild. Through these organizations one has been able to exhibit in multiple galleries and win several awards.
My career includes teaching for twenty-two years, Penn State University, MMI Preparatory School, Diocese of Scranton, Suffolk Community College, and Ferris State University. There is over 30 years of illustrating for several prominent clients, newspaper syndicates, winning an array of awards throughout the Metropolitan Area. I find myself to be advocate for Visual Arts in the Community and promoting women artist.
Jacksonville, FL has offered the opportunity to engage in visual arts organizations, Illustrate Books, and peruse Plein Air Painting. I am a member of First Coast Plein Air Painters, Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, St’ Augustine Art Association, Pines & Palms Art Association, Annette Howell Turner Art Center, and the Jacksonville Artist Guild. Through these organizations one has been able to exhibit in multiple galleries and win several awards.
My career includes teaching for twenty-two years, Penn State University, MMI Preparatory School, Diocese of Scranton, Suffolk Community College, and Ferris State University. There is over 30 years of illustrating for several prominent clients, newspaper syndicates, winning an array of awards throughout the Metropolitan Area. I find myself to be advocate for Visual Arts in the Community and promoting women artist.
Artist Pat Setser
Patricia (Pat) Setser was born in Ohio. At an early age she traded her dolls for art papers. Soon after she won a scholarship to the Dayton Art Institute for a year of study. Pat has done commissioned work, wall graphics and sculptures. Her illustration for Exceptional Children’s Week was used for placemats by OH McDonald’s restaurants. She has illustrated book covers, done book illustrations and paintings. One of Pat’s cover designs was used by a national magazine. Of late, much of her work has been mixed media. She is a member of JAG (Jacksonville Artists Guild). TAC (The Art Center Cooperative) and the Jacksonville Branch of the NLAPW (The National League of American Pen Women, Inc.) Pat an award-winning artist strives to connect with artists and promote their gifts. She sees beauty in people and nature. Sharing a glimpse of her view gives her joy.
Artist Stephanie Welchans
Follow your heart and support my art! Now accepting commissions!Buy art from living artists - the dead ones don’t need the money
Artist Lora Wood
There is a calmness that I get from creating something from nothing or being able to capture the feelings of a moment. Each of my images whether real or imagined is a part of me, a feeling that I was experiencing. Something that I couldn't describe with words, so it had to be photographed, painted, drawn, or created. I never know what is going to come out, I just let go and see what it becomes.
Many times, it is not about creating anything in particular. It is more about the process of just creating. It is a wonderful thing, to be able to go in the studio and "zone" into what I am working on. To just play with colors or feel the coolness of the clay allows all of the stress from daily life to melt away.
Many times, it is not about creating anything in particular. It is more about the process of just creating. It is a wonderful thing, to be able to go in the studio and "zone" into what I am working on. To just play with colors or feel the coolness of the clay allows all of the stress from daily life to melt away.
