The top five artists in each category were given awards in the 4th Annual Lines, Shapes & Objects international online art exhibition. Below are the biographies and/or artist’s statements along with the artist’s websites or emails.
To contact these artists directly for purchase inquiries or to see more of their work, please visit the 4th Annual Lines, Shapes & Objects Exhibition page for contact information.
Congratulations again to all the winners and thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Best in Show (Traditional) – Lisa Daniels – “TOUCHED BY MIDAS” – heavy body acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas
I consider myself an “Escape Artist” who creates abstracts inspired by architecture and nature. Depending on the subject I am representing my style of art can include structural shapes or can be free-flowing organic. My abstracts tend to be simplistic in order for the audience to be inspired and by the colors and movements within the paintings to stir the imagination and create their own vision in what it represents. I work with interior designers, architects, developers, set decorators, commission work and more.
To learn more about Lisa and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
Best in Show (Photography & Digital) – John H Diephouse – “WHEELS OF PROGRESS (TURN SLOWLY)” – photograph
I am a primarily self-taught photographer who migrated from film to digital photography about fifteen years ago. After retiring from a professional management career, I have more actively explored the technical and creative sides of this media.
I am attracted to a wide variety of subjects ranging from natural landscapes, botanicals and wildlife to images that provide either abstract expression or social commentary. I am interested in sharing images that evoke a story of some kind. Images may be simply documentary, reflect a sense of time and place, or resonate on a more abstract level of color, shape or form. Others provoke an indefinable question that does not readily yield answers without further study and reflection.
Most often I am drawn back to images created while wandering through the back roads and small towns of the upper Midwest. These images of architecture, commerce and social life often reflect a mixture of nostalgia and a changing set of forces that shape life in the heartlands.
I have exhibited widely and have earned recognition in local, regional, and national exhibitions. My photographs are also included in several corporate and private collections.
To learn more about John and to see more of his work, he can be reached via his Email.
Best in Show (3 Dimensional) – Robert Obier – “CITADEL – ITERATION #3” – mixed media on wood
Robert Obier’s work as an architect/designer/illustrator has been featured in numerous exhibitions, magazines and web articles. His work has appeared on television and was selected for a location shoot in a major motion picture. His range of eclectic influences include the organic architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the explorations of geometry in nature by Andy Goldsworthy and the theatrical creations of Industrial light and Magic for a time long ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Robert’s work explores the intersections and obscures the boundaries between architecture, industrial design and art. Each piece is as much a realization of an abstract design concept as it is a unique work of three-dimensional art. From creation through completion the dichotomy of ‘handmade’ and ‘computer generated’ informs the development and execution of the work.
A strict and systematic organization of components define the work and reveal a discipline that is unmistakably architectural. At first glance, the geometric forms seem strangely familiar as if seen somewhere before – but where – when? Upon closer examination – perhaps the designs are remnants of some distant and secrete civilization or even an, as of yet, unknown and mysterious future. The forms are intentionally abstract giving shape to a brief moment of design inspiration. Schematic concepts emerge as built objects without the practical or functional restrictions that necessarily accompany the development of an architectural or industrial product.
To learn more about Robert and to see more of his work, please visit his website.
2nd Place (Traditional) – Cher Pruys – “CHAINS” – acrylic on 300lb hot press
Cher Pruys was born in Regina. Over the years she lived in many places including Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Fort Frances, settling into her present home in Devlin, on the banks of the Rainy River with her husband Mark, 4 dogs and 2 cats.
By age three, Cher was seldom found without a drawing tool in hand. She worked in pencil, charcoal and ink over the years, until, she picked up a paintbrush at the age of 35. Beginning with oil paints, she found her chosen mediums in acrylic, water color and gouache.
Although self-taught, her dedication and talent has seen her work juried into 99 International exhibits, as well as exhibits in numerous non juried shows. She has won 75 awards for her work at the International Juried Exhibits.
To learn more about Cher and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
2nd Place (Photography & Digital) – Gabriele Gracine – “VENTURE” – digital
I am a self-taught digital artist. My process is a proprietary technique I constantly explore and refine. Bringing the power of beauty to the world is my primary creative motivation. My work is an emotional expression generated by the conversation between my inner and external influences. My creativity is enhanced by intuitively allowing my images to take the lead in bringing them to realization. The cumulative subconscious perception of my experiences are the lens through which my art work fascinatingly reveals itself to me. As I change and mature, my intuition seamlessly absorbs, incorporates and conveys the results to my creative processes. It is not my intention to influence the viewer’s perception. I hope to capture each individual’s wonder and imagination with an object of visual poetry that is unique, deeply personal and extends an offer to contemplate entering the extraordinary digital realm. I believe my images create themselves using me as the medium. My creative experience is pure delight.
To learn more about Gabriele and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
2nd Place (3 Dimensional) – Cynthia Correia – “CROSSROADS” – latex paint on wood
Cynthia Correia graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Art. She is an accomplished artist and designer. Her dimensional paintings reflect her graphic design background and her love of color. Cynthia was influenced and inspired early on by Frank Stella and Josef Albers without really understanding the impact that color would have on the rest of her life. Her dimensional paintings and sculptures are painted on wood to give depth and texture to her work as well as a playful sense. At times her work is additive and at other times she invokes subtractive measures to draw you in. Her “Crossroads” piece follows form and function and can be a sculpture, table or enlarged for outdoor public art. At each turn you experience a different view. Her paintings give you the experience of different depths, highs and lows and the perspective that color can take us to.
To learn more about Cynthia and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
3rd Place (Traditional) – Jay Johansen – “URBAN INNOCENCE V” – mixed media on canvas
Raised by his artist-father in Oakland, California, portrait artist Jay Johansen, began his journey into the art world at a very young age. Painting ballerinas, matadors, and Hawaiian dancers, Jay established an international collector base, ultimately leading to commissioned paintings of music icons, world dignitaries, as well as a long list of celebrity collectors. After a brief hiatus, Jay returned to painting full-time in his studio with an interest in creating nearly photo-realistic figurative paintings. Today, Jay enlivens monochromatic faces of women with vivid colors that bring life to the canvas. Using broad strokes, as distinct from his previous style, Jay enjoys a freedom he’s never felt as a professional artist. Imbued with an energy of renewal, Jay is creating art with the verve he had as a child in his father’s studio. He refers to his work as Pop Fusion Art.
To learn more about Jay and to see more of his work, please visit his website.
3rd Place (Photography & Digital) – Gareth Jones – “THE CUSHION” – photo/digital
Photography and digital art are my artistic expressions – my imagination, vision, and inquisitive mind’s visual life are released. I explore all images – including abstracts or concepts created from my photographs or digital art. I strive to balance life. I attempt to give people a breather from the stress of today’s world – and I simply have to create! I see the world with all its wonders, big and small and then I put my take on it, that’s what I do and my images are my gifts to the world. I simply love to create, imagine and capture what I see, what I think. I hope my images give the viewers some spark to their day – a thought, an aha! moment, the chance to enjoy the place my image takes them. My mind is full of images, they just have to come out and I love to share them.
My artworks are in private collections around the world and are sold on a number of web galleries, through my website or directly via my Facebook / Instagram pages. I have won various international competitions for both photography and digital artworks in both Canada and the United States. I am also an invited speaker on topics such as “The Challenge of Creativity”, “My Artistic Journey” and “What will I do next?” Finally, I am now expanding my creative interests and creating short videos containing my images and my soundtrack.
To learn more about Gareth and to see more of his work, please visit his website.
3rd Place (3 Dimensional) – Jacki Cohen Glass Art Designs – “JOYFUL” – glass
Translating the World into Glass Color.
Vibrancy. Bold design. Translating the world into glass ignites my soul and fuels my spirit. Whether it’s a crimson sunset, the cover of Vogue, or a fresh sprig of mint in a celebratory Mojito, my passion is in transforming everyday objects into innovative glass designs through sensory observation, imagination and meticulous technique.
“I’ve played in many visual media. Fused glass is the single art form that allows me unbridled creative expression.”
I love life. I wake up every morning at 5am to exercise. Whether I’m in the gym training or hiking the majestic Arizona mountains, pushing my body to perform is part of my process. As an artist, my outlook informs my approach to my work. Building physical strength, flexibility, and balance enables me to feel the power of nature and translate that vitality into glass. Plus, so many of my greatest designs are inspired by nature!
Art enriches the soul and brings light to everyone. I’ve always been impassioned to spread that luminosity through my connections to family, friends, and community. When someone relates to my vibrant outlook on life, I want them to be able to carry that energy and joy into their own home, office, or share it with friends and family.
To learn more about Jacki and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
4th Place (Traditional) – Yann Abily – “IRIS” – acrylic and oil
Yann Abily was born in Paris, France in 1965. He grew up in an artistic family. When he was 7 years old, he moved to the Loire Valley. It will influence his palette and his setting in art. When he was 28 years old, he migrated to the USA living in Louisiana, Indiana, and Florida. All moves had an influence on his art. He was trained in one of the best French Universities for Fine arts. In France when young he had several opportunities to emerge rapidly as a young artist, however, due to unwanted circumstances he could not take advantage of the given opportunities. Now he resides in Florida working to create robust pieces. He said that the final visual of the artwork is what is consider the most important aspect of creating art. Lately, colors are leading his work, creating shapes and balance. He uses mainly oil and acrylic in his art works. For him painting is a thinking process, artworks and the creation of paintings evolves over time. Growing up in the French culture, the memories found a way to transition in his artwork. Ranging from certain recollection of memories to upscale landscape, Yann roots show a presence throughout his art process, as well as pieces.
To learn more about Yann and to see more of his work, he can be reached via his Email.
4th Place (Photography & Digital) – Roni Ben-Nun – “ROTOR” – digital photo
Roni Ben-Nun was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and grew up in southern Israel. He studied architecture in Florence, Italy and later moved to the US, where he earned a BFA in Electronic Design & Multimedia from The City College of New York, an MFA in Digital Media from Lehman College and a Doctoral Equivalency from The City University of New York. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Hebrew and Italian. Roni Ben-Nun has been teaching art and design at Bronx Community College since 2003, first as an adjunct and later as a full-time faculty. He now serves as the chairperson of the Art & Music Department and the College Senate. His artistic career goes back to the 1990’s, and over the years he worked as a designer, draftsman, photographer, illustrator, and freelance graphic and web designer. He enjoys photography and attempts to capture the world around him through the lens of his camera.
To learn more about Roni and to see more of his work, he can be reached via his Email.
4th Place (3 Dimensional) – Brian Mark – “ANZA BORREGO” – alabaster
Like humanity, all stones are unique and tell their own story: each has its own color and its own hidden beauty. Each stone has its own language and I strive to understand that language. These conversations continue until nature’s stone and my imagination marry and together say, “Stop – our work is done.” I do not strive to make statements with my art, but rather bring beauty into the world, and at the same time soothe my soul by fulfilling the creative process.
Born in Schenectady, New York, raised in Washington, D.C., I have been intrigued by art of all kinds for most of my life. By the time I entered college, I knew that literature appealed to me and ultimately, I earned a PhD in English and taught English literature at university. While I was doing scholarly work on English literature, I began to feel a tug toward doing, not just intellectualizing about art. I started stone sculpting 20 years ago and I continue to be awed by what nature brings to me in the form of raw stone.
To learn more about Brian and to see more of his work, please visit his website.
5th Place (Traditional) – Julie S Mantis – “LILY POND, BALBOA PARK” – oil
Julie Mantis is a Los Angeles based artist creating art that celebrates the beauty of everyday life. Born in New York City, she then traveled extensively as the daughter of a naval officer. Creating art throughout her life, oil painting has been a lifelong ambition. However, working full time, supporting, and raising three kids, put her artistic goals on hold.
Growing up in beach towns, Julie spent most of her childhood outdoors. She finds inspiration in nature and every day scenes. Julie captures “moments in time” that captivate her. She explores unique compositions, colors, and shapes to share her artistic vision through her paintings.
Julie’s paintings have been exhibited in Laguna Beach, CA galleries. She has also participated in juried exhibitions and been awarded recognition from Fusion Art, Light Space & Time Online Gallery, Grey Cube Gallery, Art Show International, Art Preservation Initiative and the Contemporary Art Gallery Online.
Julie studied visual arts at New York University and was a graphic artist in the pre-digital era. Currently residing in the Los Angeles area, she continues creating original artwork in mixed media and oils.
To learn more about Julie and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
5th Place (Photography & Digital) – Hunter Johnson – “FOUR CIRCLES IN AN SQUARE” – photography
An interest in strong images that build a moving narrative began with stacks of National Geographics in my grandparents’ attic. Along the way, I’ve been influenced by most every photograph, painting, or other graphic image I’ve seen.
My photography comes out of my training and work as an architect and as a sociologist; both create a combined vision of how individuals and society interact with our built and natural environments, an ecology of our culture. Through my camera I work to capture specific details that isolate a strong graphic element, reveal what otherwise might not be seen, create an insight into our common humanity, and, in the best case, combine to tell a story that stirs unexpected feelings and enriches our lives.
Early on I saw buildings as a part of a larger environment. While recording my projects I wanted accurate representations. Over time, I began to see the different elements of buildings as beautiful in isolation, eliminating context and often much of the subject’s structure. As a result, my photography moved from representation to interpretation using minimalism and abstraction. I work to emphasize the beauty of a building’s parts…details, juxtapositions of shapes, and geometric patterns. Abstracting these components using light and shadow, tight focusing, cropping. The intent of these images is not to make the subject unrecognizable; rather, I want them to be not about the building itself, but instead capture graphic qualities like line, texture, tones, shape, patterns, and rhythm.
To learn more about Hunter and to see more of his work, please visit his website.
5th Place (3 Dimensional) – Lily Stone – “DIFFERENTLY THE SAME” – acrylic on painted wood manikins
Though her undergraduate majors include Theatrical Design, Lily Stone’s varied careers stayed closer to her postgraduate law degree, until medical leave finally brought art into a more central life focus. Artists have explored tarot for nearly six centuries. Usually comprising 78 specifically structured images, tarot doesn’t require but does suggest subjects for each card, as well as interrelationships, visual content, esoteric meanings, and much more. Lily’s tarot journey began with a gift in 1976, launching her collection of nearly 2000 versions, and the creation of seven decks, now found on her website https://thelilystonequarry.com/my-tarot-art/ .
Recently, Lily began painting again, covering 12″ artist’s manikins with intricate patterns of lines and dots. To develop this technique, she first studied “dot mandalas”, a popular hobby on the web derived from many forms including aboriginal art, Asian sand paintings, henna designs, and more. Practitioners use only hard tools to apply paint, no brushes. After wrapping manikins in paint with this genre’s mark-making vocabulary, feathered and beribboned hats top them off. Here, “Differently The Same” assembles seven painted manikins.
To learn more about Lily and to see more of her work, please visit her website.
