Scott Fife

Scott Fife uses humble materials: cardboard, glue and wood screws to create life-like portraits of famous figures. Even with their visual imperfections it puts an emphasis on the process of the how each sculpture is made.

Ron Mueck

Ron Mueck has been a favorite of mine for a while. His hyper-realistic sculpture captures every little hair to goose bump. A surprising fact that I wasn't aware of until researching her further is Paula Rego's son-in-law is Ron Mueck. It was Rego that introduced Mueck to Charles Saatchi which kicked off his career from special effects artist to world known art star.

Paula Rego

I was first told about Paula Rego while I was doing my undergrad. I remember not really taking much interest at first. But last year while I was living in Portugal I saw a majority of her work in person and I fell in love with her work and her process. The fact that she builds her sets and subjects herself I love. She is the most famous living artist to come out of Portugal though she lives in England. She was honored with her own museum Casa das Histórias in Cascais just last year and the collection is impressive.

Elizabeth Higgins O'Connor

Elizabeth Higgins O'Connor's sculptures remind me of over loved and at the same time abused dolls. They were make believe monsters I'd see in a pile of clothes as a child in the dark. There is something grotesque and diseased but also nostalgic about them. I would love to see them in person.

Me

This is an older piece of mine- I did this while I was in undergrad. I can't wait to get back in the studio and make a whole new body of work. I'm really interested to see how my work will change.

Arthur Gonzalez

Ceramic sculpture by Arthur Gonzalez, a ceramic professor I had while studying in California. I have always loved the raw experimental quality of his work.

Christina Bothwell

Christina Bothwell's work shows such amazing craft in mixing medias of both ceramic, glass, and wood. I love the old folk tale quality they all have. gorgeous.

Shary Boyle

Shary Boyle is a young Canadian artist. I love her creepily beautiful porcelain vignettes.

larytta - souvenir de chine - video directed by körner union

I love this idea... simply captivating.

JR

Work done in Rio de Janeiro


JR - EXTRAIT "WOMEN ARE HEROES", Kibera, Kenya
Uploaded by JR. - Arts and animation videos.

One of the most significant Art Activists out there right now, JR, is personally a huge favorite of mine. Not only does his work shine a spotlight on those whose voices are very rarely heard, it brings communities together to celebrate who they are and where they come from. There is a sense of pride and empowerment that he gives to every community he works within. Please check out his many other works at http://jr-art.net/ as well as the BBC news article and slide show at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8091890.stm

Wendy Plomp

Dutch Designer, Wendy Plomp, gives a second life to cardboard that is usually used for packaging and then just thrown away. And she turns discarded material into something beautiful, precious, and thought provoking. The idea of printing on cardboard boxes has a number of social implications as well; praying rugs improvised, temporary shelters made or even a stage for break dancing.

Nick Cave - Art in Motion

Nick Cave

Not to be confused with the Australian musician, Nick Cave was actually a professor of mine. I saw his exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center in '06, and was completely blown away. The work was incredible. Cave's "Soundsuits" can stand alone as intricate sculptures but also can take life when worn by dancers in performances.

Phyllis Galembo

I find myself less attracted to photography than any other medium but this artist Phyllis Galembo's subjects are completely awe inspiring. He has traveled through Nigeria, Zambia, Haiti, Cuba and many other countries documenting the fantastical costumes used in traditional ceremonies. Check out his many exhibits on the link below:
http://www.galembo.com/exhibitions.htm

Nina Chanel Abney

Nina Chanel Abney has been featured in numerous blogs, The New York Times, and Essence Magazine. I find her work to be unexplainably attractive with it's bold colors and graphic style. Please take a look at the rest of her work at http://www.ninachanel.com/

There are days here, now back in the states, that make me wish nothing more then be back in Honduras...

...with the children and other teachers at La Esperanza (Dia del Niño- the video is from our celebration of children's day)

... or back on those amazing weekend adventures exploring.