Category: marketing

Art Business News recently learned that the highly collectible French artist Peppone will be exhibited at Art San Diego. We wanted to find out more so reached out to the U.S. Wholesale Director for Bel-Air Fine Art, Jennifer Lavigne. We wanted to discover more about Ms. Lavigne, her background and insights, plus her perspectives on artist Peppone and the collection to be featured at Art San Diego.

Q: Introduce yourself — who you are and what is your gallery’s vision?

JL: My name is Jennifer Lavigne. I’m 30 years old, French, and live in Miami, Florida. I have been working for the prestigious Bel-Air art galleries for a few years now, and I am the U.S. Wholesale Director for one of our French artists, Peppone. Established in 2004, Bel-Air Fine Art is now one of Europe’s leading contemporary art gallery groups.

Our gallery aims to introduce collectors to the best artists in each discipline. Art is a means of communication: it creates memories and emotions, which we then distribute. Our vision is to share Peppone throughout the United States. His talent has already attracted nearly a thousand collectors, and Art San Diego is just the beginning for him in the U.S.

Q: What is your background?

JL: My background is in event organization. I’ve had the honor of collaborating on the organization of several prestigious international events in France, such as the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, and Sirha. My experience in these industries (film, advertising, and food) elevated my taste for detail and beauty. It was only natural for me to continue my career in fine art, another luxury industry with a niche clientele.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact the gallery?

JL: I work to learn something new every day, such as an artist’s background and craft, marketing methods, or client communication techniques. I know from experience that life is short and that we must make the most of every second to be better and happier. I find significant happiness and value in my work, so I always aim to grow personally and professionally.

American Beauty by Peppone

 Q: What artists and art styles do you represent?

JL: Bel-Air Fine Art represents around sixty artists from different countries. However, we’ve recently chosen to focus on the artist Peppone, who works to bring to life moments from childhood and well-loved films through his art. Peppone will be our only artist represented at the Art San Diego fair, so we can focus on sharing his talent with the city and its galleries.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

JL: Frida Kahlo is the painter who inspires me the most. This woman had tremendous inner strength; she created unforgettable art, and the emotions she managed to convey are just incredible. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

JL: “One need not hope to undertake, nor succeed in order to persevere.” My grandfather, a successful and happy entrepreneur, taught me this quote. Strength of character and a persistent work ethic are essential qualities.

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

JL: In the ocean! I live in Miami and love activities like jet skiing and diving. When I’m not working, I like to go on road trips through Florida; it’s such a beautiful place. I also enjoy spending time at Faena, Setaï, and Soho House on Miami Beach. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

JL: We have many collectors in California as does our California gallery partner, Markowitz Fine Art, so I am excited to connect with many of them during the fair. People are at the heart of our work as a gallery. We want to create genuine connections — our artists are very present in our galleries to build relationships with clients. We are delighted to begin our direct sales work with U.S. galleries and dealers at the Art San Diego art fair!

Matrix II by Peppone

Q: Tell us more about Peppone — your feature at Art San Diego.

JL: French artist Peppone, also known as Christophe Tixier, creates Pop-inspired artworks infused by the imagery from his vast collection of nearly 500 comic books, including Tintin, Star Wars, Marvel, and Walt Disney. As a passionate life-long collector, he has gathered thousands of diverse objects, ephemera, and comics that coexist in a dense and informative jumble that makes up his studio in Provence.

Peppone’s parents, both of whom were teachers, instilled in him the belief that sharing is one of life’s greatest riches. His first comic books were given to him by his father, and he subsequently enriched his collection by frequenting flea markets, attending auctions at municipal libraries, and through the generosity of friends and strangers alike. The artist utilizes this abundance of paper to create brightly colored and variegated resin forms imbued with popular symbolism that evoke the innocence of childhood and his native territory.

He has often stated that humans are the only living beings aware of their own mortality and that, to escape it, they reproduce, communicate, and dream, thereby creating a cyclical link between the past, present, and future. It is by carving into this abundance of paper that Peppone breathes life into his works, thus establishing an emotional connection with his father and perpetuating his legacy.

We’re excited to present Peppone to galleries, dealers, and collectors at Art San Diego.

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Top image: Dark Side of the Moon V2 by Peppone

by guest blogger Carole Boyd

An old-style traditional way of marketing can lead to repeat customers and long-term relationships. Here’s how a simple notecard led to a sale.

Quite a few years ago I sold some Native American pottery to a couple in Texas who had just purchased a ranch and were enthusiastic about its history. When shipping the pottery, I included an original art notecard thanking them for their purchase and signed it. It depicted an abandoned mission.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from Shopify notifying me that I had sold a painting. Further investigation revealed that it was the original painting, Abandoned Mission. The purchasers were the same people who bought the pottery years ago. I remembered them because of their interest in their land, and because their last name is the same as mine. I had forgotten, though, about the notecard.

Just after the Shopify good news, I received an email from them. They told me that all these years, they had loved and saved my little notecard of the abandoned mission. They said they were thrilled to have found my art website and asked if the original painting was available. It was. They purchased it immediately. Very soon after that they emailed me again. This time they thanked me again for the beautiful art, and reminded me of the notecard. They said they are building a new home where this painting will have a prominent place!

That innocent little notecard was treasured and carried with them for years. It inspired them to seek out my art website to make the purchase of the original painting. I have had people tell me that they actually frame my notecards since they are signed and like tiny pieces of original art. Many times my notecards have led to subsequent purchases.

One might think that, in today’s world of emails, social media and Facetime, notecards have become passe. Instead, they can be more than just a means of communication. They can be perceived as a gift of art and a way of special communication beyond the words written on them. And, by the way, people do still send notecards!

When I make a sale, I always include some notecards as a thank you to my new customer. They are very much appreciated, and you never know what they might lead to!

Artist Carole Boyd is a digital artist whose work can be found by visiting her website.

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Relocating an art gallery is akin to navigating the intricate nuances of a delicate ecosystem. From safeguarding priceless artworks to maintaining the ambiance that reflects the trends guiding the art market, each aspect demands precision and meticulous attention. So, let’s dive into the intricacies of what art dealers should know when moving to a new space.

No. 1 Planning is Key

One of the first things art dealers should know when moving to a new space is that planning is crucial. Before even packing the first piece, you must clearly understand your new space’s dimensions and layout. Drafting a detailed floor plan, factoring in where each piece of art will reside, is invaluable. For instance, larger installations might demand strategic placements, while smaller pieces can be more flexibly accommodated. Factoring in visitor movement is equally essential. Are there pieces that you want every visitor to notice immediately? Or specific routes you want them to take? All this takes forethought.

No. 2 Insurance, Insurance, Insurance!

When relocating an art gallery, standard property insurance doesn’t cut it. The unique nature of artworks requires a specialized policy, notably fine art moving insurance. This kind of coverage, often encompassing transit insurance, guarantees protection against potential damages or losses during the move. Moreover, once the art pieces settle into their new home, having comprehensive art insurance is non-negotiable. Consider, for instance, the immense historical and monetary value of a 16th-century Renaissance artwork. Your insurance policy must be tailored to address every possible risk scenario associated with such priceless pieces.

No. 3 The Right Movers

Let’s draw a parallel. Imagine you have a cherished family heirloom, perhaps a century-old necklace passed down through generations. Would you hand it over to a stranger without a second thought? Similarly, when it comes to moving artworks, you wouldn’t trust them with just any moving company. While general movers are adept at relocating everyday items like couches or refrigerators, art pieces are a different ballgame altogether. They are not just ‘items’ but embodiments of culture, history, and emotion.

Different artworks have varied requirements. A fragile sculpture, for example, can be vastly different from a delicate canvas in terms of its moving needs. That is where art-specific movers come into play. These professionals undergo specialized training that equips them to handle a diverse range of art forms. They understand the intricacies of packing, transporting, and setting up artwork to ensure their safety.

Furthermore, one significant advantage of hiring such experts is the custom crating solutions they offer. Instead of generic boxes, they provide bespoke crates tailored to each artwork’s dimensions and vulnerabilities. Whether you’re moving a colossal sculpture or a petite porcelain piece, these custom crates are designed to hold the artwork snugly, preventing any movement that might cause damage.

No. 4 Climate Considerations

Art, unlike inanimate objects, is sensitive to its surroundings. Just as a plant might wilt in extreme heat, artworks too can suffer in adverse environments. Temperature swings and changes in humidity levels are more than just minor inconveniences for art; they can lead to irreversible damage. Paintings may fade, canvas might stretch or shrink, and sculptures could distort. Thus, when relocating art, the primary concern isn’t merely moving from Point A to Point B. It’s about ensuring that the entire journey and the destination provide a stable environment for the artwork.

Given these concerns, you should consider investing in climate-controlled vans that maintain consistent temperature and humidity. For instance, an oil painting, with its layers of paint and varnish, can become damaged in a humid environment, leading to issues like mold or the paint lifting off the canvas. Similarly, a wooden sculpture exposed to rapidly changing temperatures might crack or warp. By acknowledging the delicate nature of art and its interaction with the environment, one can take informed steps to protect and preserve it during relocation.

No. 5 Upgraded Security Systems

Beyond the art’s intrinsic value, galleries often become targets for theft. In your new space, re-evaluate your security measures. Are there blind spots that need surveillance? Could a more advanced alarm system be integrated? You should think about digital security, like surveillance cameras, and physical barriers, like reinforced entry points or security personnel.

Image by Pawel Czerwinski for Unsplash

No. 6 Storage Solutions

While a gallery displays art, not every piece might always be on show. The new space should have provisions for safe storage. Think beyond mere square footage. Is the storage climate-controlled? How easy is it to access frequently rotated pieces? And remember, as collections grow, so should storage capabilities.

No. 7 Lighting Matters

Lighting isn’t just about visibility. It shapes perceptions, moods, and engagement. For example, a Baroque painting, with its intricate details and deep shadows, demands different lighting than a minimalist modern sculpture. Therefore, your new gallery will require diverse lighting solutions, from spotlights to ambient lights. Consulting a lighting expert can make a world of difference, ensuring each piece is viewed in its intended glory.

Image by Julian irigoyen for Unsplash

No. 8 Engaging the Local Art Community

A relocation isn’t just physical; it’s also about re-establishing connections. So, dive into the local art scene. Engage with local artists, critics, and enthusiasts. For instance, an inaugural event or open house can be a golden opportunity to introduce yourself, display your collection, and establish connections.

No. 9 Digital Updates

In our digital age, a gallery’s online presence is not just a modern convenience but a cornerstone for the future of the art world. Therefore, you must update your gallery’s address across all digital platforms, from your official website to social media pages. Moreover, consider introducing your new space with virtual tours to make a mark and engage with contemporary audiences. This immersive experience provides potential visitors with a captivating glimpse of what awaits them in your gallery.

No. 10 Feedback Loop

Every change offers a learning curve. After your move, actively seek feedback. How do regular visitors feel about the new setup? Is there something they miss from the old space? Such feedback can be a goldmine for improvements.

What Art Dealers Should Know When Moving to a New Space: The Bigger Picture

Moving a gallery isn’t merely about physical relocation. It’s about ensuring art remains preserved, showcased beautifully, and accessible. It’s a dance between logistics and aesthetics, practicality and passion. Therefore, as you embrace this exciting new chapter, remember everything art dealers should know when moving to a new space. Here’s to new beginnings, flourishing in your new environment, and continuing the ever-evolving journey of showcasing magnificent art.

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Author bio:

Catherine C. White works as a content writer for Family Affair Moving Orange County. With a deep-rooted passion for art, Catherine expertly melds her professional knowledge with her love for the artistic realm, offering readers invaluable insights and perspectives.

UK-based painter Connie Vickers embraces the joy of creating art, both representational and abstract. Enjoy her portfolio and visit her website to see more.

Nature is awesome! It is abundant in its variety of colours, patterns, textures and shapes. My artworks are based on and inspired by nature, whether the painting is abstract or realistic.

“Blossom at RHS Rosemoor” oil, 8″ x 8″

From a very young age, a favourite  pastime was drawing and colouring in. I loved to cross stitch, knit, crochet and make things, also reading and solving jigsaw puzzles. I especially delighted in colourful, fragrant flowers and was intrigued by patterns.

“Pomegranate Days” acrylic on birchwood panel, 12″ x 12″

In my teens, although I enjoyed art at school, my career ended up in the administrative field. It was only when I moved from Australia to the United Kingdom that my creative spark was once more ignited. Over 20 years ago, I joined a leisure painting class just so I could make new friends.

“No Mead To Be Blue” Ink and watercolor, 6″ x 4″

This has led to a never-ending love and pursuit of anything art related, from the study of Art History and Modern Art with the Open University to embarking on a BA Fine Art Degree with Oxford Brookes University. I bought many books to learn techniques and attended workshops with professional artists. To this day I am still wanting to make the best art that I can!

“The Elgin Rose” ink and watercolor, 6″ x 4″

My favourite medium to use is either watercolour, acrylic, oil and more recently gouache. They each perform and need to be used differently as they have their own unique qualitie—and foibles too. When I “fall in love” with a subject, I decide which of these I feel would best express and bring out the characteristic of the subject that I was first attracted to.

“Hidden Gems” acrylic on paper, 8″ x 10″

With my realistic paintings, I am intrigued with the details, as I once was as a youngster. I love to ponder, scrutinise and absorb all the lines, shapes and patterns, but my artwork is not hyper-realistic. Instead, I would say it is painterly. I want to be able to take the viewer into the painting, having them imagine for example, being able to walk through the scene.

“Tulips In An Unusual Glass Vase,” watercolor and gouache, 6.5″ x 6.5″

As much as I enjoy painting details, it is liberating to have times when I paint freely and expressively. I may remember my eyes streaming with the strong wind blowing while watching the waves, or the gorgeous shade of colour and pattern in a beautiful flower, seeing the stunning sunrise/sunset, or the pleasure of the sounds while walking in a woodland. All the emotions, sights, sounds and smells of interacting with nature come back to my memory and are interpreted into my paintings.

“Great British Summer Cocktail” gouache on paper, 5″ x 5″

When painting abstractly, in spite of it being an expressive process, it is also non-stop assessing and thinking of things like composition, tone, shapes etc. It isn’t a piece of cake! What I do find a lot of fun is pure or blind contour drawing. This is a process where I draw by looking only at the subject and not the paper. The end result always surprises me and makes me smile. I used this method for some of my 100 cocktails series which were created to help raise funds for charity.

“Paan Fashioned” gouache on paper, 5″ x 5″

Our environment is changing dramatically and the force of nature can wreak havoc, yet nature can also be our solace. There is so much hardship, trauma and injustice for many worldwide. It is for that reason that I want to create beautiful art and focus on the positive.

“All At Sea” watercolor, 4.5″ x 6.5″

The pleasure and love that I have when creating my art, which brings me much joy and calm, is what I hope others will also feel when seeing my paintings. Having a unique work of art in their home that will bring them good vibes, make them smile or inspire them in some way, for generations to come, is a worthwhile achievement in my life!

 Connie Vickers invites you to follow on Instagram.

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Artist Anna Kaszupski shares a charming collection of whimsical paintings that celebrate women. Visit her website to view more of her art.

I will never forget my first “work” as an artist. I lived in Philly and was only three or four years old at the time. My medium was nail polish – on my mother’s favorite dresser! I remember her crying (after the anger, of course) but I couldn’t understand what I did wrong. After all, I was only having fun and making it pretty! After that, my parents always made sure I had plenty of paint and paper to keep me out of trouble.

“Green Passion” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24″

I’m mostly self-taught, other than a few art classes in high school and one studio class in college. For me, art is something that you channel through inspiration, emotion, vision, and state of mind.

“Love Garden” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24″

It’s not something one can teach. You can’t predict when it will happen, or control it when it does. You pretty much have to act on it when you feel it, before it disappears and you’ve lost the opportunity.

“Jade” acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 48″

Creating also takes time. If I could paint as fast as a vision enters my mind, I’d have thousands of works in my collection. The walls of my house are already completely covered with my paintings. And I have a spare room filled with enough to cover the walls of another entire house.

“Mosaic Love” acrylic on canvas, 16″ x 20″

I’m inspired by beauty—beautiful flowers, beautiful women—and vibrant colors. I use bold brush strokes in my paintings and love to use sharp black lines. When I look at my work, it needs to really pop and stand out. It’s not done until I love it. I will sometimes stop working on a piece for many months before I figure out what it needs for me to love it.

“Aztec Woman, acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24”

I recently teamed up with a company that prints my paintings on-demand for fans and followers alike. They also print my work on a variety of other mediums, like mugs, cell phone covers, puzzles, tote bags, greeting cards, yoga mats and more. Now people can own a piece of my art without breaking the bank.

“Magical Flowers” acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 30″

My original dream as that little girl in Philly with that amazing bottle of nail polish was to be able to share my love of beauty and vibrant colors with everyone. It took a long time, and I’m happy to finally be doing it.

“Raspberry Delight” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 30″

I have an endless number of design ideas in my head. I’m extremely excited about the future of my art career, and the opportunity to share it with you.

Anna Kaszupski invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!

1. Bonus Add-ons

Buy 1 and get these bonuses …

This works great when you have digital products that can be downloaded, such as special reports, audio interviews, or a video lesson.

It could also work if you have reproductions or note cards that you could include with purchase of the original.

Buy 2 for the price of one …

Buy 2 for the price of 1 sounds like quite a bargain, but it has to be something that people want two of.

You must make the case that they can use or want 2 of something. If not, a two-fer isn't a motivator.

2. Bonus for Early Action

For the first <e.g. 5, 10, 15> buyers …

This promotion encourages fast action and rewards those who take it.

I've noticed my favorite baseball team does this but with much bigger numbers. “The first 15,000 fans receive …” It never dawned on me before why they did this, but I'm pretty sure it's so that people come to the stadium earlier and buy lots of food and beverages.

3. Free Shipping

Free shipping anywhere in the U.S. …

This seems to be a good incentive for many buyers, regardless of what you sell. Be clear on any parameters about where you will ship.

4. Free Frame

Free frame or pedestal included …

To make this cost-effective for you, you'd better buy in bulk. Specify whether or not assembly is required.

by Carolyn Edlund

The gift market offers a huge opportunity for many artists and makers. And hitting the right price range can boost your sales volume.

The gift market is a fantastic opportunity for artists and creators, and finding the right price for your work can significantly increase your sales.

Long before the existence of writing or currency, people exchanged gifts. Giving gifts is one of the oldest and simplest things humans do. And when you give a gift, you’re actually communicating something important. It can make your relationships with others stronger and even change them for the better.

When you give someone a handmade gift, it says a lot about you. It shows that you appreciate special, well-made things, and you put thought into choosing the gift. There’s a big difference between wrapping up something unique and handmade and just handing over a gift card. Many people love handmade gifts because they want to express themselves and make the recipient happy.

What Shoppers Buy and When

The average gift purchased in a craft gallery averages about $125. These aren’t everyday gifts; they’re for close family or really special occasions. Things like weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or graduations are great times to get a meaningful gift.

However, the holiday season is the busiest time for gift shopping. The last three months of the year, especially Christmas and Hanukkah, can make or break a lot of stores’ sales goals for the whole year. For many shops and galleries, over 40% of their yearly sales happen during this time.

If you create work in production for the wholesale market, you can take advantage of this fact by offering gift collections to your buyers, who will stock them for these important retail customers. If you sell retail only, you can match those prices in your online store, show booth or at other gift- selling venues.

What You Offer

Do you make items in your studio that are around that popular $125 price point? And do you offer items that are even less expensive, retailing for less than $100? These are key price point ranges that will appeal to many gift shoppers, and give you the best chance for brisk sales during the important holiday season. Prices aren’t everything, though. Make sure that your collection is filled with merchandise that is perfect for giving as gifts.

Hitting the ideal gift price range doesn’t mean that you need to discount. Think in terms of small works which are priced at the same amount per square inch as a larger painting. Create items that require considerably less work but convey your unique signature style and can carry a lower price point. Or, consider selling print-on-demand merchandise, broadening your range by using your designs on many giftable items, such as pillows, mugs, notecards, clothing and more.

No matter what you create, think about how your collection can meet the needs of gift shoppers. The more you are able to offer and the wider the price point range, the better you are able to appeal to the many people looking for very special gifts this season.

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!

Art San Diego returns for its 15th edition November 3-5 at the beautiful San Diego Convention Center in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant downtown. Vibrant might also describe the artists selected for this year’s coveted Spotlight Program — each a standout for their creativity and innovative, forward-looking work.

Of course, Art San Diego will once again have an interesting mix of exhibiting galleries, art dealers, and artists from across the globe, showcasing the original work of hundreds of artists including prints, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, giclees, lithographs and glass works, among other contemporary and fine art.

This year’s Art San Diego will offer an exciting schedule of events to ensure a dynamic experience. In addition to the Spotlight Program, featured programs include Art Labs, the Discoveries Collection, the [LOCAL TALENT] Program, Access to Art, and the San Diego Art Prize.

From the amazing list of exhibitors, Art San Diego’s curators present the 2023 Spotlight Program recipients, providing collectors with a focused look at an amazing group of artists recognized for their skill and achievement in the visual arts.

Check out this year’s Spotlight Program recipients below!

Alessandra Silvaberg Studio – Booth 727

From the vibrant streets of Sao Paulo to workshops in NYC, Florida, Brazil, and California, Silvaberg’s camera has been an extension of her soul. With an innate ability to capture the essence of any subject that began early in life, she has nurtured her skill both formally and through self-exploration.

Guided by a deep spiritual connection to humans, animals, and nature, Silvaberg always aims to photograph the ubiquitous beauty around us. Her mission is to use art photography as a bridge, fostering empowerment, unity, and inspiration beyond boundaries of race, gender, and orientation. Through the lens, she immortalizes moments and emotions, drawing the viewer into the artwork’s holistic embrace.

Carol Hartman – Booth 230

Hartman, an American artist renowned for her textured large-scale paintings, masterfully blends layers of paint to oscillate between concealment and revelation. Each large-scale painting (some interactive) is a physical record of a specific experience identified in life. The paintings are begun very loosely as they relate to a particular experience — but they begin to speak, and Hartman reveals their message in the final layering.

Born in Montana and deeply rooted in the arts, she spent over two decades showcasing electronic installations about biases from California to New York. Since 2009, her oil paintings exploring human experiences have graced galleries in the U.S. and Europe.

Edna Oar Young – Booth 625

Edna Oar Young, a renowned dimensional metal sculpture artist, draws her inspiration from a vibrant palette of colors and a diverse array of art mediums. Her distinctive creations have graced national publications like House Beautiful, Elle Décor, and Illustrator Home Decorating. Additionally, prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Museum of American Folk Art, and the Baseball Hall of Fame have sought her expertise for commissioned works. Among her accolades, she takes pride in the Editor’s Choice Award from Colonial Home Magazine.

Edna’s roots trace back to rural Western New York, where she was engrossed in a world of unique antiques, courtesy of her parents, who were dedicated antique dealers. This early immersion in timeless artistry has left an indelible mark on her creations. As she looks ahead, Edna remains fervently dedicated to crafting exquisite dimensional works, continually taking cues from nature’s mesmerizing hues.

Henry Blond – Booth 902

Henry Blond, a master of expressive portraiture, stands out in the contemporary art scene for his distinctive approach to oil painting. He weaves a narrative with each stroke, opting for a carefully curated limited palette. His broad and dynamic brushstrokes are a testament to his commitment to the medium, ensuring every piece is imbued with energy and movement.

Blond’s work operates in a space of tension and harmony between the fully realized and the merely suggested. This balance establishes an engrossing dialogue within each painting, a conversation that resonates with intensity and extends beyond the canvas’s confines. Drawing inspiration from life, memories, and human connections, Blond captures the raw honesty of the human condition. He delves deep, exploring the myriad emotions, vulnerabilities, strengths, and intricacies that make up the human experience. He invites viewers to not just see but feel and connect with the stories painted on his canvas.

Julia Gray – Booth 229

Each ceramic torso is individualized through hand-painted glaze images and the surface texture of layered ceramic slip. After texturing the outer surface, I carve holes into the clay to give the viewer superficial visual access to the body structure where the red glaze is painted. Each sculpture has its own narrative artwork that conveys multilayered messages, starting with the vulnerability of the oceans and our bodies, balanced with the dialectic message of the power of the oceans and the strength of our bodies.

Julia C R Gray is a native California artist who sculpts ceramic torsos with rich layers of form, texture, and painted narrative imagery. Her artwork portrays multilayered messages, starting with the vulnerability of the oceans and our bodies, balanced with the dialectic message of the power of the oceans and the strength of women’s bodies. Gray’s artwork also comments on contemporary life, personal experience, and consciousness of nature.

Artist Cheryl Anne Grace presents a charming collection of paintings inspired by her hometown of New Orleans and beyond. See more by visiting her website.

I didn’t start painting until I was in my early 20’s. I’m self-taught, constantly researching and learning from everywhere, and from several incredible artists who mentor me. In spite of my very early interest in creativity, I did not have a nurturing environment in which to pursue such things.

“Preservation #2″ acrylic, 24K gold leaf on canvas, 18x24x1.75”

I grew up in South Carolina, an only child, living with my grandmother in her home along with my divorced mother. Both of them worked; neither had much time for me. My grandmother was a drapery maker and worked six days a week, at home. I spent my days playing in the huge scrap boxes under her sewing table with nothing but my imagination to entertain myself. It was a solitary childhood, but it fed my imagination.

“Piano Pope” acrylic, 24K gold leaf, rhinestones, on wood panel assemblage, 13″ x 16″

I never lack for subjects to paint. I find inspiration everywhere I look, especially in this magical city I now call home, New Orleans. I’m always creating my next painting in my mind while I’m working on other pieces simultaneously.

“The Homecoming” acrylic on canvas, wood floater frame , 24″ x 24″

My work is recognizable by my detailed style and the bold palette that I have developed over many decades. My subject matter is extremely diverse, but often I work in a series, sometimes adding to a series over years. I paint everything from architecture to landscapes and people, sometimes in a representational way and other times combined in imaginary settings. My primary challenge is perspective because I am mildly dyslexic. It can be a struggle, so at times I diverge from traditional perspective if that works for a particular piece.

“The Crossroads” acrylic on canvas, 18″ x 24″

I’ve experimented with subject matter since my early beginnings, focusing on what I knew, landscapes of the Southeast. I now paint stories, and the titles of my paintings are usually an integral piece of the story. Although I have refined my detailed style, my subject matter is inspired by my move to New Orleans fifteen years ago.

“Last Supper on the Bayou” acrylic on canvas, framed 19″ x 31″

It has evolved to encompass magical realism, visionary imagery, and often humor, drawing on my heritage, marrying past and present, using symbolism and metaphors. My love affair with Louisiana has deepened. That is something I intend to explore in some future work, primarily the French Cajun culture of the Atchafalaya Basin.

“Keeping It All Together” acrylic on canvas, wood floater frame, 20″ x 20″

I work exclusively in my studio, referencing multiple photos out of my vast library of my photographs as well as research images relevant to what I’m painting. I work in acrylic on canvas or smooth artist panel, sketching, then underpainting the outlines in a dark color. On ready-made stretched primed canvas, I start with several layers of gesso and sand between each layer to create a smooth surface. Acrylic paint is applied in countless thin layers with no visible brush strokes, followed by transparent glazes and finished with gloss varnish.

“Unbroken, Saint Louis Cemetery”  acrylic on canvas, 15″ x 30″

Moving forward, I want to paint stories I am most passionate about or amused by rather than painting what I know will sell. I want to gain broader recognition for my work and hope that pays off with collectors. Time will tell!

Cheryl Anne Grace invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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After years of struggling with pantyhose, I finally declared I was a pants girl & just stopped the battle…

But now I have a vision…The Senga Nengudi Method of Home Pilates…

Resistance exercise training for those who sit around in front of their computers all day, getting up every 20 minutes to refreshen their coffee or tea…

I imagine tying my now unworn excess pantyhose to the desk legs, then looping that around my ankles, crossing my legs, & casually rocking my leg while I surf to flex my calf muscle…

The calorie burn might burn off the Double Bubble chewing gum now stuck to the underside of my desktop…

Love this post, love the show, love to you Senga Nengudi for delighting us!

British painter Michelle Baharier presents a group of narrative paintings created to bring awareness to living with disabilities. See more of her artwork by visiting her website.

I am Michelle Baharier, an artist based in London, UK. My art practice is inspired by my everyday challenges growing up female, Jewish, working class and disabled. I create artworks that I believe need to be made and tell the stories that demand to be told. I do this via my vibrant colourful paintings, that give agency to human rights activists and ordinary people who have made a difference to the lives of many others who like me are disabled and struggle with their mental health.

“Sue Elesgood” acrylic, 1m x 1m

One such is my portrait of Sue Elsegood, who chained herself to buses and famously said, “We can put a person on the moon, but we can’t get a wheelchair user on a bus.” In my painting of Sue, there are astronauts and reflected in their helmets we can see TV studios. I do like to bring a little humour to my work through the use of symbolism.

“JessThom” acrylic, 50cm x50cm

I paint intuitively, feeling my emotions. They guide and help me express my voice. The creation of art is integral to my well-being and existence. I have dyslexia and mental distress including complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). My work is informed directly by my lived experience of nightmares and changing moods. I bring to life both my melancholy, as well as ecstatic narratives.

“Francis” acrylic, 180cm x 60cm

My portraits and imaginary paintings create timeless contemporary situations. Sometimes I depict monsters, fairies and mythical creatures. My narratives include a lot of symbolism and my cats. One of the paintings of my cats I called Francis, as the artwork had a strong Francis Bacon feel. Another of my other cat paintings, Tiger, has been said to be a Paula Rego cat. With each brush stroke, I discover new ways to translate my sentiments and experiences that resonate within me onto a canvas.

“Tiger Ginger Cat” acrylic, 191cm x 61cm

My work begins with my daily observations, translated into drawings, including digital sketches, which I create using my phone. I sometimes use photography. Before the age of computers, I used to hand paint and montage my images. I have developed my own visual language, studying techniques and using colour theory. I am always learning from other artists, in order to evolve my unique artistic voice.

“Baroness Jane Campbell” acrylic, 120cm x 100cm

Each art piece I create is like a discovery. I push the boundaries, finding colours and subjects as a means of connecting with the world around me. Art, to me, is a powerful tool for communication. Each new artwork enables the viewer to bring their own carrier bag of life’s experience to the work. I hope my work makes you laugh, cry, smile and maybe even feel relieved. Someone once told me, “Your work dissolves my problems when I look at it.” These conversations with my collectors spur me on my journey of creative discovery.

“Eve and Adam” felt tip and acrylic, 30cm x 41 cm

I believe in the transformative power of art to inspire and change people’s preconceptions and biases. I have collaborated with many community groups and galleries to share the joy and ignite the artistic spark in others. My ambition is to leave a legacy with my art. In particular, I want to promote disabled activists in the mainstream, hanging their portraits in well known galleries and public museums, collections and keeping their legacy alive.

Artist Michelle Baharier

My practice enables me to embrace vulnerability and imperfections. And to find the unexpected by connecting with people of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, bridging gaps and fostering understanding. I paint because I love it, and it’s a way of creating pleasure in my life and peace in my mind. I adore learning about the people I paint and bringing their unique stories and symbols to life in my paintings to share with others.

Michelle Baharier invites you to follow her on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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