Featured Artists

 “Jennifer Mones (b. 1993, Pacoima, CA) creates oil paintings that explore themes of psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and humanity’s complex relationship with nature. Influenced by artists like Soey Milk, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Remedios Varo, her work delves into the surreal, often touching on the occult feminine and figures such as Persephone and Artemis.

A lifetime of searching for belonging and healing has left a mark on her practice. It’s what got her interested in art, philosophy, and psychology. Connecting and learning about the world this way has been her way of navigating the grief that comes with the human experience.

Jen has exhibited in over 40 shows throughout Detroit- including three solo exhibitions at Congregation in Detroit, New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck, and Two James in Corktown. Her work has been featured in venues such as Playground Detroit, Gallery 46, Garage Cultural, and the Detroit Artists Market.

Her translucent layered colors bring light to the beauty and pain of human existence. The vibrant colors and tropical flora in her work are influenced by her roots in Colombia and the Dominican Republic, where her parents are from. She looks forward to growing her career and artistic practice.”
 

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/senomneart 

I'm a Bloomfield Hills, MI based artist and have exhibited in exhibitions in Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe and Detroit. Born and raised in Northern Michigan, I went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Master's Degree in Organizational Development. However, my real passion has always been music and the arts.

When I first approached Detroit in particular with my camera and tripod, I thought I was capturing a fragment of the city's loss and decay in 2001. However, upon studying the images, I found that many of the buildings had only lost their first function. They now occupy center stage as visual objects of commanding beauty and endless decorative iteration. They pull us into a dreamtime of movement, into what was and what will be, just like the automobile. Detroit put the world on wheels. My automobile photographs are not about conventional thinking. The automobile is where the boundaries of design are pushed to achieve fresh ideas and cutting-edge concepts. I am intrigued by that concept. I have renewed and extended my fascination with these shapes through my images.

My wish for you is to see these images as other than what they seem to represent. The images of cars are not just cars. The images of buildings are not just buildings. All of these images are abstractions to one degree or another. What is being emphasized are forms, ideas, and qualities apart from the particular object pictured. Images then become ideas. They can vary from person to person and time to time with the same person. The images come from a part of me that works unconsciously. They come from that private part of me and I hope it will touch that part of you as well.

I am a firm believer that art is a collaborative work between the audience and the image, and art happens somewhere in the space between. I prefer not to bias observers with whimsical or abstract titles. It seems to me this limits the art's power to be something different for each person - instead of letting the image speak for itself.

Leona L. Webb
 

ARTIST STATEMENT

My journey through artistic expression is deeply rooted in my entire life’s engagement with nature and climate activism. My work is an advocacy tool rather than a personal narrative to bring environmental issues to the forefront of public discourse. Through my work, I paint a call to action, inviting the viewer to interpret the world through a lens tinted with responsibility and care. I maintain an eco-friendly studio by using non-toxic water soluble oil paints and other mediums that don’t require harsh chemicals and can be cleaned with water. I often use recycled canvases, wood and other surfaces on which to paint including mixed media with found and natural materials.

The content of my works often depicts the devastating consequences of climate change, from glacial melting to the rapid increase of fires and floods. My abstract style, while open to

interpretation, deliberately incorporates the chaos and beauty of natural landscapes under duress. By abstracting these forms, I invite the audience to confront the unsettling reality of environmental changes and consider their own impact on the natural world.

My work continues outside the studio as I raise Black Swallowtail Butterflies, recycle, participate in climate change groups and clean up efforts on trails and beaches, underscoring my belief that direct action is essential in the fight against environmental decline.

In collaboration with @Freshmind | Benjamin Gantois

Meet Zach Curtis, a gifted artist whose work goes beyond technical proficiency to tell a compelling story that resonates with his audience. Born in southeast Michigan in 1992, Zach has been honing his craft since he was a child, and his mastery of art materials and elements is evident in his work.

What sets Zach apart is his desire to connect with viewers on a deeper level. Through his art, he invites us to take a closer look and see the world through his eyes. His subject matter often includes objects that hold special meaning to him, and he uses them to weave a visual narrative that draws viewers in.

Based in Pontiac, MI, Zach's work has gained recognition across the US and in Mexico. His self-defined style of "painterly realism" combines technical skill with expressive flourishes, resulting in dynamic pieces that burst with color and energy. His preferred mediums are acrylics and spray paint, which allow him to work quickly and experiment with different techniques.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Zach is also a dedicated mentor, sharing his passion and knowledge with aspiring artists in his community. His relatable approach and engaging personality make him a sought-after teacher and mentor, inspiring others to pursue their artistic dreams.

As Zach's body of work continues to grow and evolve, he remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative frontiers. His art is a reflection of his unique perspective on the world, and his ability to connect with viewers is a testament to his talent and vision. Take a closer look at Zach Curtis' work and see for yourself the depth and beauty of his artistry.