Artists Describing Their Art:
Amanda Coakley - As an atheist I have always looked at religion from the position of an observer rather than a practitioner. When I was younger, I grew up in a predominantly religious area and had felt out of place. My friends would try to get me to join bible school, received sideways looks for purchasing the newest fantasy book series, and needless to say I didnt know the words to prayers when I joined summer camp. My family was mostly atheist and growing up, I didnt know much else. The push towards religion was something I didnt understand as a child. However despite my experiences with religion, my hope is to not denigrate religion but draw light upon the chaos of consumption. Advertisements and the rush to Black Friday events at malls feel similar to me. I havent felt the need to run out and buy the latest I-phone or I-pod, or the latest in fashion trends. Nor have I wanted to find myself in large crowds of people waiting outside malls to get a plethora of stuff at fraction of the cost. Aside from the occasional indulgence into a few well loved book series, I didnt feel like I ...
Niina Niskanen - Often my art is a reflection of my state of mind. I like to fill the surface with delicate patterns and textures. The colors to be rich and deep but there also needs to be emotion, movement, something that catches the eye. Things that speak to my are probably different that the things that speak to the viewer because we are all too different and I donA't want to reveal too much. Art is all about experience and for me as an artist, it is also about personal growth, the journey. ...
Jim Collins - Professional artist of 30 plus years, published over 3000 limited prints of wildlife and landscapes through my own publishing company and Parkwest Gallery in Michigan. Private and corporate collectors internationally as well as through Parkwest at Sea cruise ship auctions worldwide. My current interest is Christian and biblical art displayed....
Mary Jane Miller - Icons are traditional images. The mystery they portray has always provoked the viewer. Each aspect of the icon contains symbolic language in image and color. The variety of icons represented here in the gallery are meant to intrigue the viewer and his or her understanding of contemporary icons. I welcome questions and conclusions about God and religion precisely because we are all trying to live and see our world better. ...