“Some of my biggest inspiration comes from the natural world. I often am intrigued by the color of the sky or the shapes of flowers, and I use these influences when painting,” speaks Sarah.

As for artists who inspire me, there are too many to name, but two of my favorites are Cy Twombly and Joan Mitchell. I am also constantly looking at art through social media and getting inspired by fellow creators.” 

The artist continues, “the message I want to convey through my art is simple: to find beauty in your everyday. I believe that taking a moment to absorb something you find beautiful, or to try and find beauty in something ordinary, can be incredibly powerful. We are lucky to live in a world filled with so much to see and learn.”

"I started out doodling on my papers in high school and it wasn’t until later that I started drawing patterns in a sketchbook. At the time, I discovered the artists Mike Perry and Sophie Roach on Instagram and they quickly became my inspiration,” speaks Michelle.

“I’m inspired by lines, patterns, organic and geometric shapes, as well as vibrant colors. Just going to an art show or an artist market keeps me inspired to create! I’ve always been inspired by abstract paintings — I love paintings that some might not see as “real art”. There’s just something satisfying about pouring paint onto a canvas and seeing what happens.”

The artist continues, “I create art because it just feels like the natural thing to do. I’ve always considered myself a creative person. Even as a kid, I would draw characters from my Disney books in my mom’s sketchbook. Working on a new drawing or painting is fun for me, and finishing a piece that I really love is rewarding!”

“What I hope people take away from my art is that you don’t have to be able to draw realistic portraits or paint a perfect landscape to create a piece of art. You can draw or paint or create whatever you want, however want. If I could inspire someone who thinks they aren’t artistic to pick up a paint brush or a sketchbook, that would be amazing!”

See more of her beautiful work here!

“I find myself inspired by artists’ whose work looks nothing like my own. Franck Bohbot, Maria Svarbova, and Matthieu Venot to name a few. I love their use of muted color palettes, symmetry, and geometry to create a sense of surrealism. I’m also madly in love with Ellie Pritts’ work and her dreamy use of vibrant colors—which has some actual influence on the images I create.”

Sam continues, “I fell in love with photography when I realized I could start with something mundane and transform it into something wildly interesting. I am comforted by the knowledge that perspective shapes perception—both in my artistic endeavors and in my daily life.”

“The art I choose to make is the result of trying to cultivate different interpretations of my experiences and the world around me. I aim to create unique and surreal imagery, and to express my emotional journey in the process.

I’ve found myself creating for only myself lately, and if other people happen to like my work—awesome. I am thankful to have such a therapeutic and cathartic creative outlet.”

“I think ones’ artwork is the greatest expression of the uniqueness we each possess, and my goal is to project the message.”

Jake continues, “it’s forever important to work on something to make the world a little bit more a reflection of ourselves. To me, there’s no better reason to make art.” 

Find more of Jake’s work here.

“You don’t have to live in a large city to capture the beauty of everyday life and make great photographs. I try and capture the moments that would typically go unseen.”

“I take photos mainly to express whatever emotion I’m feeling at the time, and I hope the people who see my work get the same feeling.” Christian continues, “Other than that, I just want to continue documenting my life and the people around me.”

Margie Lucier is an accomplished Canadian-born self-taught artist, who has mastered her skills and techniques through a lot of practice, as well as trial and error. Throughout her youth, she exhibited a strong affinity for art. Having been chasing the passion of painting for going on eight years now, she has accrued collectors all across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Working primarily with acrylic paint she captures the deep rich colors of nature and moody landscapes. She uses the color palette to help set the tone of her paintings. From somber blues to purple hues and bright vivid colors in some works. With works varying in size, Margie has notably been focusing on her 2x2inch pieces as of late. 

“My artistic influences are John Constable, John Everett Millais, and Ivan Shishkin. I am also very inspired by landscapes from all over the world. Some of the paintings I've done are based on photos I've seen of Iceland. I hope to travel there someday soon. It would be wonderful to take my own photos out there to use as reference photos for my paintings.”

Margie Continues,  I have always been detail-oriented in my works, but that can sometimes be a downfall for me. When I work on my larger paintings they would take me months to complete because of how I focus on small details. Working on one painting for months would make me feel burnt out, I would work for hours a day and not be able to see much progress.“

The artist continues, “2 years ago I came across canvases at an art store that were only 2x2 inches. I bought them at first to challenge myself, and focus on improving my fine details even more. It didn't take me long to fall in love with painting on small canvases. I could work on one for hours and have it completed! That gave me satisfaction and allowed me to bring more of my ideas to life. I now switch between painting miniatures and larger paintings. This helps relieve any artist block I struggle with.“

“Having always been an artsy guy, my focus hadn’t turned to art until the 10th grade—coincidentally around the time my interest in school was fading and shifting into graffiti. For me, high school was merely a place for me to practice my tags in notebooks in lieu of notes, really feeling the call to pursue my graffiti interests,” speaks illustrator Ryan Underdown. “Those familiar with graffiti understand how crucial it is to grasp single line tags before taking your stuff to the streets, and once I had grasped such techniques, I eventually began to break away and create new things out of the line. Having been absentmindedly doodling from high school to the early days of University, I really honed in on my craft and creativity and was more inclined to learn about art in general — further building upon my graffiti roots. My lack of technical skills lead me to approach things in an unconventional way, and I’m proud to say I’m entirely self-taught.”

Ryan continues, “my influences over the years have changed, having always enjoyed psychedelic and visionary arts. Early on, though, graffiti writers such as: SEWP, LOOTER/GLOBE, GUNS, DOES, and CES along with canvas artist Alex Grey really had an impact on me. These days I’m more influenced by photographers and other artists alike.”

“My goal is to show people—both artists and non artists alike—the idea of art is extremely ambiguous and subjective. Many people respond to my work with comments suggesting a 5-year-old could do better, conversely with those who are avid supporters of my work and show love on everything I put forth.

“Basically, I hope people can see past a dude messing around with paint markers, seeing the belief in myself — disregarding the positive nor negative judgement of my works. If everybody blindly pursued their passions without the fear of judgement or ‘doing it right’, there would be hoards of people succeeding at things they’re already good at, and enjoy! My best work comes when there’s no end result in mind, just a vague plan… then I go. Treat everything with such delicacy, and everything you say, do and create will resemble a beautiful work of art.” 

To see more of Ryan’s work, visit his profile here!

”Prior to beginning my formal painting, I had long since been drawing portraits and still-lives, reminiscent of traditional methods. Ever since taking life drawing classes, I’ve taken a likeness to the female figure. Being out of the somewhat hindering school system, I’m finally exercising my brain and tapping into my creativity once more… opening up and free the bounds of my imagination,” speaks Chris.

Inspired by Matisse and Picasso, I’ve changed my perspective on realism — almost painting as if mirroring a photograph. — still, exactly as you would see them” The artist continues, “Picasso painted and experimented with vivid colors and shapes, much like I do as well — really exploring the possibilities that painting presents, challenging my technique along the way. It’s been far more fulfilling than a traditional realistic style.”

“My Kanvas? I want to convey through my art powerful feelings and emotions, evoking conversations and connections amongst people — much like American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and Martin Kippenberger have; however, I still have a lot to learn before I can do this. I’m fascinated in capturing the human form and have found that this is the path in which I’m gravitating towards within my paintings.”

#whatsyourkanvas

Dedicated to You

How was I to be, if only but a fool

As he asked of my emotional intimacies.

How am I to conceal that which composes my every molecule?

And what am I to do when falsity is my digression?

My love, this depravity is superficially miniscule.

You must understand my source of repression,

My secrets are inexorably worth defending,

At the expense of your silent discourse of thought.

But darling, I fear no presupposed ending,

None to call for the abysmal depth of loss,

Oh, my world, I give you my every intricacy,

If only you promise to oppose all that is cruel.

My intrinsic entanglement with your being

Is the cataclysmic cause of profound healing.

An Atlanta-based photographer and videographer, Erik Mearidy looks to cultivate meaningful relationships and long-lasting moments with each and every shot, shoot, and video he’s apart of.

“I would say the influences for me to create come from the elements around me. I aim to draw influence from the things that I encounter or interact with in my life. There are a few photographers that I follow on Instagram that also really inspire me to work and improve my concepts — many of which I use regularly in my own workings. I love to see others’ work to keep myself challenged and inspired. I do videography as well, so, this helps me keep a strong, interesting composition in my photography.”

Erik continues, “after basketball, photography was my first love. I have always been fascinated with showing the world my viewpoints, further creating something that would be satisfying to me and very representative of that moment. I’m appreciative of photography as a medium, as it’s a true reflection of the stoppage of time, coupled with creating images that are both visually appealing as well as true representations of myself and the models with whom I work.”

“My Kanvas is definitely my wondrous mind. I always wonder, "What else is out there?" "How can I get my point across through an image?" I like to feel challenged when I work because it brings the best out of me to create the best image possible. The use and importance of lighting is a key factor for me when doing my work. As long as I have my mind, I have a large canvas to draw from to create art.”

“I started taking drawing seriously 8 years ago, then painting 6 back and forth, despite having a creative mindset prior. Painting for me is my connection of what is internal conveying what is to be external. My ambition for further goals lies with what I tend to creative wise, even if it other than painting.” 

Zach continues, “I think what matters most is creating and working hard — and after having a multitude of practice, it shows . Having drawn influence from the likes of Edgar Maxence, Sorolla, Ilya Repin, Keita Morimoto, Grimes, and Norman Reedus, I’ve found having inspiration is key, especially amongst works I loved for years. I think work ethic works best when an individual’s deeper being is a part of the natural world.”

The artists continues, “What I want to convey and show is how others can connect with what compels them... I want to work on creating ideas that are conceptual: simple, complex, or harmonious alike, as it all shows their thought process. Creativity isn’t just about what one may express... it’s about how they connect to any subject in the world that’s around us.”

Theresa Kim // Illustrator and Storyteller

“I'm sure most creatives will tell you they fell in love with art since childhood and I'm no different. I think it says a lot about us as humans; creation is an innate necessity.”

Theresa continues, “Art has been intimately entwined with storytelling since history and I became fixated on this concept as a child. It's why my major influences include Miyazaki films, illustrated fairytale books, and old Hollywood movies. This is who we were, this is who we are, this is who we can become.

The artist continues, “I like to think all art - especially film - whispers these things. Though I work in illustration, I'm transitioning towards filmmaking including animation. It hasn't been easy, finding what I wanted to do with art...but when I thought about filmmaking, my life just made sense. The best stories remind us of our humanity and whether it be a quick sketch or a short, I've always liked to leave at least a hint of it. I certainly have a ways to go, but I hope that never changes so I never have to stop!”

#whatsyourkanvas

Oils, Acrylic Painter, and Printmaking

Residing in Madrid, Spain, Elisa de la Torre has loved creating since her adolescent years, drawing in her sparing time. “I studied Fines Arts and obtained a master’s degree in Printmaking, with a current pursuit of my PhD in Art and teach.” Elisa draws heavy influence from the likes of: Gerhard Richter, Carlos León, Anselm Kiefer, Rothko, and Klint.”

“What excites me the most is the power art has to transmit emotions through color and form. It’s very basic yet so powerful, even I don’t think we are fully aware of its’ depths. Creating, for me, was a way to express myself … ultimately finding myself. I discover things in my paintings that teach me about life, and I learn through them exactly how I feel: instead of putting my life into words, I express my life through color.

Elisa continues, “through colors and textures I want to convey an overwhelming feeling of serenity… ‘fluid painting’ is a game of trying to control the realm of randomness. I found that peace in the midst of chaos is an astonishing feeling and it’s what I intend to express.”

“I’ve always loved drawing, but was very private about it until going to college. I started painting with watercolors a few years ago, for a while only painting these explosively colorful portraits of birds. I was going through my first really bad bout of depression, and the act of creating something beautiful gave me purpose again ... making me feel connected to myself and the people around me.” The artist speaks, “eventually, I was able to branch out into less avian subject matter and began doing illustrations and creating comics.”

Bailey continues on, “For me, creating art is an incredibly personal experience - I am inspired to create by the unlimited potential I have to improve my craft, and by the monumental challenge of accurately expressing the way I see the world.”

”I wish I could say that I have some deep, philosophical message I hope to communicate with my work, but its real purpose is very simple - to tell stories. I'm inspired by the glimpses I get of little individual impressions of our world through comics and illustrations and novels and fine art - I hope to share a little piece of MY human experience through my illustrations. Being able to contribute to this amazing tradition of human storytelling is what makes me feel like I have a place in this world.”

Scott Southall (@bandogphoto) // Photographer

Columbia, SC based photographer Scott Southall says of his work, “The only person I’m trying to impress when I’m taking photos is the one in front of the camera. I’m usually trying to show someone new how I see them and a different way to see themselves. It’s always a fun challenge.”

He continues, “I think I’ve quit taking photos about 6 or 7 times since I started 8 years ago, but I’m not smart enough to delete Instagram so I see someone with a unique presence about them, or I start following someone who liked a photo I posted and I can tell by their feed our personalities would click, and suddenly I’m planning another shoot. There are just so many intelligent, creative, beautiful women in this city who make me want to pick up a camera and roam around town having adventures, so I don’t think I’ll ever have to try to be inspired for the rest of my life.

Find more of Scott’s work here.

With heavy influences from the likes of Kathe Kollwitz, Joan Semmel, Max Beckmann, Matisse, Picasso and Jenny Saville, Josie Roebuck conveys her life experiences via all facets of her work.

“Art has always been my second passion. I came to the University of Georgia for soccer, not art. It wasn’t until I had a career-ending injury that my passion turned to art full time. Originally focusing my art work on my family—as I am an adopted child—I later experienced something personal, which changed my focus to rape, rape victims, and women.”

Josie continues, “The message that I am trying to get across with my work is that rape is a heinous crime and that it can’t be ignored anymore. Women have been victimized since the beginning of time, and their stories are always told through the perspective of men. I am here to change that. I want the world to know what rape is like through the eyes of a woman. As Susan Brownmiller said, “Rape could not be envisioned as a matter of female consent or refusal.” This has haunted women for centuries and even to this day. Women are still afraid to speak up about rape because they are still afraid that nobody will believe them or even blame them.  I am here to change how the world perceives rape and to help those speak up about this heinous crime.”

Find more of Josie’s work on her website here.

Sarah Kennedy // Printmaker and Installation Artist

"Through use of traditional printmaking techniques, sculpture, found object, and text I want to understand the fine line between a hoax and a miracle.”

Sarah continues, “While my work is often focused on subverting traditional fine art techniques—like framing and eliminating the preciousness of work—I also think my work has inherent value stemming from putting in time, effort, attention to craft, and care."

"My background in zine making and DIY art movements allows me to focus on making art that is accessible to the public—both in theme and in display—while also making work that is personal, honest, and embarrassing. The mundane can be elevated, art can be silly, and not everything we lose is totally lost."

Find more of Sarah’s work on her website portfolio here.

Heavily influenced by creative pioneers such as Calder Wilson, Jas Davis, and Ari Fararooy, Wesley Arnold is an Atlanta photographer with a fervor to capture all that life brings.

Wesley shares, “with my work, I enjoy capturing moments of happiness—be it at a music festival or portrait session—as well as flowing landscapes.”

Find more of Wesley’s work here.

Primarily working with Digital and Film Photography, Erin Teixera has long been interested in the arts from a young age, really diving into photography after her first film course in college. “ I fell in love with the process of creating imagery and the possibilities of pushing the boundaries of photography.”

Erin continues, “I want to create work that is engaging, thought provoking, beautiful, complex, and intrigues a viewer beyond a two dimensional snap shot. My photography involves layers of physical manipulation—as opposed to digitally Photoshopping the effects. I alter my digital photographs after they are printed by means of physical or chemical manipulation, and alter my film images through the process of double exposure.” 

With a passion for traveling and exploring new landscapes and cultures alike, Erin uses her camera as a tool to share the way she views the world with others.  

Find more of Erin’s work here.

#whatsyourkanvas

Cole Waldron is an acrylic painter with influences from artists such as: Gerhard Richter, Joseph Beuys, Sterling Ruby, Wassily Kandinksy, and Piet Mondrian. 

“I’m trying to put on canvas what I imagine my thought processes to look like. Sure, I understand the brain communicates with itself, neurons, and dendrites and stuff — but I try to inject a bit more emotion into it.”

Cole continues, “from there, I try to react to the various problems faced by the world. Much of the tension in my work is a direct reflection of the tension I feel from: global climate change and racism, two of the issues I think will define my generation.”

Find more of Cole’s work here.

Karl Hsu is a London-based photographer who ever since traveling to Saudi Arabia and South Africa on safari, has developed a passion for wildlife and landscape photography.

“The moment I held a camera, instantaneously my love for animals, nature, and geography triggered the perfect combination of the three in the form of photography.” Karl continues, “I now take my camera everywhere—most recently documenting travels to places such as Morocco, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, Switzerland, and the Hawaiian islands—noting a variety of ecosystems along the way.”

In an effort to capture the beauty of the natural world—both perceived and elusive—Karl couples his academia and photography to encourage a respect for, and conservation, of our rapidly-changing environment. 

Find more of Karl’s work on his website here.

Nick Sheridan, is an Atlanta based illustrator, painter, and graphic designer. The majority of his work is inspired by human form and body language, and tends to be surreal, energetic, and super saturated.

A graphic designer by trade, Cassidy McCrea loves the art of pyrography. “I love creating studio art and getting a break from designing,” speaks the artist.

Cassidy continues, “I love creating a piece of work from nature, and being able to use that same, organic piece of nature as a canvas. There is so much to enjoy around us and I love capturing that in detail.” 

Find more of Cassidy’s work here.

Mary Beck Pinkston—curator of Moon Station—caters her craft, love of multimedia, and attention to detail into all her works — ensuring no two pieces are the same, with fresh and exciting ideas abound.

A common theme in this Atlanta artist’s pieces is the Mandala, a geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism.

“My Kanvas is to symbolize the harmony and synonymous relationship between nature and meditation, as it guides us on our journey for prosperity and peace.” The vibrant artist continues, “In a hectic world in which we are consumed by errands and technology, I want to create so many can escape their hectic lives.. to have a small moment of balance and peace.”

Brandon Coe is a graphic designer, whose favorite medium is pen and ink, with a splash of marker every now and then. “Having drawn my entire life, I’m a firm believer that practice makes perfect,” preaches the artist. “I still consider everything I create as a ‘doodle’, even if it takes eight hours... it alleviates the pressure of making a masterpiece, and rather turns it into myself having fun with it.”

“For me, My Kanvas is the mind; anything that comes from within our thoughts and is conveyed for people to see and interpret, THAT is art.” Brandon continues, “music is art. Literature is art. Our bodies and what we do with them is art, and I for one love all forms of art. At the end of the day, I encourage everyone to dig deep—don’t be shy—and make something truly expressing themselves. Anyone can do it, some have just been doing it longer than others!”

Find more of Brandon’s work here.

“Thread by thread, warp by weft; the shuttle zooms through the clanking and clamoring as the loom types my tale row by row.” .

A creator by trade, Arianna Mantas creates art, stories, cloth, meals, and environments.

Understanding the origins, Arianna sees textiles and weaving as the tools necessary to create products upheld in everyday life. “Through observing nature’s elements and patterns of reaction, I seek comfort in weaving a cloth that tells a tale of survival,” speaks the artist.” With a contemporary view on cloth, I strive to push traditional elements into a more modern fabric that speaks my tale of survival and transcending time.”

Find more of Arianna’s work here.