H-I

 Artist Statement

FROM THE day I opened my first box of crayons I was hooked on colors; Seafoam Green, Periwinkle Blue and Carnation pink were some of my favorites. I studied fine art at the University of Washington under some of the most loved and respected teachers, George Tsutakawa, Alden Mason and Bill Ritchie. 

The love of color and design has shown up in every aspect of my life, from a clothing buyer for the Bon Marche, remodeling homes, owning a home staging company, and as a real estate broker for Windermere, I have always found time for art. Acrylic on canvas is my preferred choice. Whether it’s abstract, sky, clouds, beaches, boats or the Baja, it’s always color and the play of light that moves me to paint and express what is in my soul. Hours fly by when I’m painting and, in the zone,…it’s what gives my life balance.

Check out Michele's available work at Fogue. 

 Artist Statement

 As I was trying to heal from a painful divorce in my 40s, my therapist asked me what I liked to do as a kid that made my happy. Immediately, I knew. I answered, I liked painting and doing art. She said wonderful, are you doing that now? I said no-I tried a few years ago, and well, I’m really not that good at it. Why does that matter? She asked. Didn’t it make you happy? I nodded, without a good argument. She gave me an assignment. Bring me a painting next week. I stumbled, gave a few paltry excuses, and agreed to try.

I went to the art supply store, I bought a few canvases, some brushes and paint. The clerk at the store asked me what kind of artist was I? Flustered that my cover had been blown, I explained to her that I wasn’t an artist. She smiled; well you are now!

That week, I did my first painting, I wasn’t particularly proud of it, but I brought it to my therapist. She asked me all the right therapist questions-“how did it make you feel” and it made me feel pretty happy.

I then decided I needed to really do this. I signed up for every class and workshop I could afford and fit in my schedule. Suddenly I was painting with a group of women in the jungles in Costa Rica, traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, sitting in the desert in Albuquerque, staring at the mountain that Georgia O Keefe made a pact with God saying, “If I paint this mountain enough, can it be mine?” I suddenly knew this path was the one I needed to take. Or at least try.

I sold some paintings at the salon I work at as a hairdresser, also to some friends-that encouragement helped me to do more. To my amazement, I was accepted as an artist to a gallery in Georgetown called Fogue Studios that I had recently applied to. I suddenly had an artist community to belong to, as well as inspiration and amazing support.

Well then Covid.

I was now out of work for the first time in 30 years. What could I do? I painted and painted. I painted 8 hours a day. In 3 months, I painted over 100 paintings. I also sold almost all of those paintings. For the first time, this little hobby was actually feeding me, literally and figuratively. Painting was saving my sanity and actually my life.

I am so beyond grateful to everyone who has encouraged this in me, and I now know, I will probably never go a day without trying to create. (At least I hope!)

I find inspiration in many places. I love animals, (I have 3 chihuahuas!) The beautiful faces of all the women who sit in my hairdressing chair-(whose vulnerability and kindness never stop amazing me!).

I love the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, 80s music and I do have a love for punk rock and surprisingly heavy metal!

Find Anjanette's Available Works Here

 Artist Statement

Nature offers an endless source of wonder, mystery, and inspiration. Any time spent outdoors provides a rush of revelation and sensation…. the smell of wet leaves, the incredible chartreuse of moss, the soft, silken whisper of bird wings in flight, the sparkle and splash of fish at the water’s surface, the feel of gnarled bark on a hundred-year-old tree. 

My motivation to create is driven and informed by all this and the natural order, sublime integrity and cohesive interdependence of earth’s plants and animals who graciously share their space with us. My current creative process in art making has evolved from a background in printmaking, drawing and painting, all now distilled into a mixed media application focused on experimentation, accident and intention. To convey a sense of the dense, organic atmosphere, strong texture and deep colors that I’m drawn to, I focus on building many layers which involve extensive use of hand painted papers and mono prints, ink, watercolor and pencil. Additional layering of acrylic glazes, collaged papers and other elements continue until the work is complete. A finished mixed media piece utilizing this process may go through up to three dozen individual steps to completion. 

I hope that my work inspires a desire to reconnect to earth and nature, encouraging us to listen, respect and take greater care of our precious planet, so that in doing so we take care of ourselves, our future generations and fellow creatures. 

Check out Kevin's available work at Fogue. 

  Artist Statement

Art has been a lifelong journey . . .

Art has taken a lot of twists and turns throughout my life. I’ve always had a rich imagination and desire to express myself. For most of my life, I used my talents in practical ways: sewing for the family, making costumes, creating art activities during my lengthy teaching career as an elementary school teacher.  I also enjoyed a myriad of arts and crafts with textiles, cardmaking, scrapbooking both physically and in digital format.

I have an insatiable appetite for learning and experimenting with different mediums and processes.  I have taken more classes and workshops than I can count.  I learned the art principles of good design, value and color from a wonderful assortment of art mentors.  

I have an intense yearning to manipulate paint and various materials to create paintings that have a deep connection to my emotions.  My moods and life experiences are the subject of my paintings. Acrylic paints, collage and various pencils and mark making tools excite me and I am driven to paint intuitively!  My style is organic with rich colors and physical textures.  I tend to paint in many layers, sanding or scraping away to reveal hidden surprises.  I love the interplay between colors and how they can bring a painting to life right before my eyes.  

I am constantly amazed when a painting reveals it is done!  Almost like it is in charge and I’m just along for the ride.  It is an exhilarating thing to be part of it.  It can also be exasperating when I think a painting will go one way but it says NO!  Ugh!  That generally results in more layers and more marks.  It’s always an exploration.

I usually work on a series of paintings at a time.  As I work over a period of days, weeks and sometimes months, each painting evolves in its own way yet is related to the others by either the color palette, mood or an intention that evolves.   It’s an exciting process that I wish I could predict.   But alas, I can’t.

Find Diane's Available Works Here

 Artist Statement

Influenced from an early age by artist LeRoy Neiman. Neiman's vibrant colors and movement ignited a strong desire in Marcus to become an artist. His artistic journey began in British Columbia, Canada, where he delved into the world of art and classical animation at the renowned Vancouver Film School. This immersive experience surrounded him with a diverse community of fellow artists, fostering collaborative learning and the acquisition of techniques across various mediums. His career spanned nearly two decades in the gaming industry.

In 2015, Marcus shifted to painting as his primary expressive outlet. His works breathe with dynamic energy, seeking to evoke profound memories and sentiments. Working primarily with oil and acrylic, Marcus skillfully creates each artwork to capture both the essence of movement and emotion. He likes to think each piece is a representation of abstract realism.  He has resided in the Pacific Northwest for over four decades on this creative journey to be an artist.

Find Marcus' Available Works Here

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