My work explores creating visual and psychological tension by imposing an abstract motif on to the implied objectivity of a photograph. Or vice versa, depending on how one approaches it. One of my goals is to engage the viewer as a participant in the board game I create in the process, to linger more before proceeding to the next image. 

The photographic subject matter (thus far) consists of the face and body, since these are stimuli that appeal to us on a primal level, to that somewhat scary 'lizard brain'. We seem to have an insatiable appetite for these subjects, given their prevalence in the media. To alter their integrity in the manner I do can elicit a negative reaction for withholding what both nature and nurture make us desire, or else a reflective one by interrupting one's quotidian sensory experience. 

 To be alive is to move ~   As a professional Dancer, I was trained to become acutely aware of the movement of my body from the smallest detail - the arc of my arm-to the larger pattern made on stage by the choreography.  More important than mastering the physical movement, was revealing the path of my mind,heart and spirit during the dance. My ultimate goal was to move from being an individual dancer to embodying the essence of the DANCE. My Artwork is an exploration of that journey.

My paintings are my artist's statement.                                                             

Organically inspired fine jewelry hand fabricated in 18 K gold and oxidized cobalt chrome with black, white and cognac diamonds

I believe in continuous observation, experimentation and change.  Change is an integral part of nature.  The only way to have change and possibly progression is to experiment and even let accidents and mistakes happen.  From every accident and even mistake there is something to be learned and from each learning experience new elements and forms emerge which can bring about progression. 

Many, many years ago I was a wee, little girl from Kingston, Jamaica migrating to New York City and soon after to New Rochelle, NY. Even then, dreams of artistry danced in my head. When I was a girl, my artisanry came through in the clothes, tools, and structures I had to make for my dolls and action figures.

Throughout my 12+ years as an urban planner, I continued to add painting, sketching and metalwork to the repertoire. This collection, Urban Jewels, showcases jewelry inspired images of my travels through various cities.

Mark Pinto is a retired Marine helicopter pilot, retired Buddhist priest, and a social artist. He creates political, anti-war work, as well as abstract, landscape and wildlife photography. He is teaching digital photography at San Jose State University. 

I have enjoyed being a professional graphic designer in San Francisco for over 20 years. A couple of years ago I received my certification as a Traditional Chinese Medicine-based Feng Shui Practitioner. My practice helps individuals and businesses with health, wealth and relationship issues. I have always been very spiritual and have recently aligned my faith and principles with my everyday life. My "life's work" is sending a message that life can be great for anyone because we all deserve it and are all equal. This I convey with more clarity and simplicity as days go by, and is apparent in my design, feng shui and art work.

 My new "Sun On Earth" series consists of wood stain paintings on wood boxes. The process includes many layers of stain to produce the effect of dimension. The entire surfice is flat. Many think it looks carved or weaved. The title of the series comes from the idea that the sun is everywhere, shining it's rays on earth. This inevitable act of nature can't be changed or stopped.  It just is.  We are connected to this as we are to everything that exists. We are one. We are not separate. Look deep into these images and find your place of peace.

I manipulate tinted epoxy resin to create abstractions.  My work is created on wood panel.  It is not a single process but a multi layering to create depth and rich color.  I am drawn to bright colors but now my palette includes earth tones.  The high gloss finish is the medium and not a last coat.