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Biography

Jeroen van Valkenburg (Leiden, The Netherlands, 1973) is inspired by ancient myths and sagas that he encountered during his study of Archaeology at the University in Leiden. Especially the stories from the Viking era (9th to 11th Century A.D.) play an important role in his works. His interest mainly lies in the religious and mystical side of the Viking culture. He tries to capture their magical and mythical atmosphere in his creations. His oil paintings can sometimes be regarded as icons of gods and goddesses long forgotten. To give his work a real ancient feel, he sometimes uses original oil-paint dating from the 17th to the 19th century. Also his own dreams are a great source of inspiration.

He never had any formal painting or art education, but studied the 17th century Dutch master painters techniques himself for many years. He now passes on his knowledge on traditional oil-painting to over 20 students. His work is mostly monochrome with a large contrast between light and dark. He uses only organic forms and shapes.

His work has been exhibited in many galleries in Holland and abroad, and is also well-known from all the book/cd/lp covers he has designed.

Member Data

Membership: exclusive member since Sep. 8, 2008
Energy Art style: energetic surrealism
Medium: oil on canvas
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Artist Statement

“Sometimes people ask me where I come up with my imagery, trying to figure out what my muse is as an artist. All I can say is that the subjects of my paintings are indicative of another layer of mental experience that has been a part of who I am, for as long as I can remember. I have always been able to tap into the visionary realm. The rudiments of my painting style stretch back into childhood, and I am not ashamed to admit that the body of work I have been developing post-art school has more to do with the hyper-detailed doodles I made in my younger years than with anything I picked up in my formal training. As a child, I used to lie in bed all the time and stare at the ceiling, eyes wide open, until the textured ceiling above would begin to morph into patterns and shapes, eventually becoming a living cartoon that would slowly turn into a sort of conscious dream. This ability is such a natural part of my life that I’m sometimes astonished that others don’t share it.

Only in the last few years have I begun to critically dissect this strange astral world, and I feel that ideally, I am meant in time to climb beyond it into the more abstract planes. I know that I won’t forever be satisfied with my current interpretation of what this inner-space actually signifies. Perpetually evolving robo-ghosts, insectoid beings riding within transparent machinery, the neon feathered and jeweled angelic beings that dance in geometric legions to the sound of rushing waters, it’s all a little crazy I know. I take it with a grain of salt, how real can it be? - and yet it seems to precede this world rather than to be a product of it, and oh so vivid compared to this one! Five minutes of intense visionary imagery seems to provide enough material for a 1000 paintings. My path ahead is long indeed. I have begun to move closer in my work to what I see within, but know that I have still got a long way to go towards developing a technique and approach in painting that will do justice to my inner eye.”

Member Data

Membership: exclusive member since Jan. 7, 2010
Energy Art style: energetic abstractionist
Medium: acrylic / pencil on board / paper
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About the Artist

I consider my approach to art to be unconventional. My paintings are informed by a lifelong exploration and love of fluid dynamics, from the swirl of ink in water to the movement of cream in a cup of coffee. This aesthetic is recreated through a complex layering of paint, and captured at micro levels by means of digital photography.

Patterns emerge continuously from within the flowing paint. Through years of trial and error I have developed techniques to manipulate the chaotic systems at play, learning the importance of colour theory, paint temperature, humidity, and viscosity. Each year new techniques open this artistic process further, deepening my relationship with this unique medium and creating the excitement and awe that I feel each and every time I paint.

My love of art came relatively late in life with the innocent purchase of a camera. Fascinated with capturing the details of the world around me, photography grew from a hobby into a passion, and expanded my horizons well beyond my engineering background. With these artistic thoughts taking root, I returned to school and began to explore the convergence between art and engineering. The art expanded from photography to the work you see here.

Member Data

Membership: exclusive member since Aug. 22, 2008
Energy Art style: energetic surrealism
Medium: traditional painting, digital art
E-mail: contact form

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Artist Statement

“My images are artifacts derived from exploring the relationships between personal experience and concepts that I consider to be significant. Making images is my tool for discovery, and a by-product of the experience of my consciousness. This creative work is how I process and integrate my perceptions of the world into new ways of seeing and insights into living.

I attempt to point to the “numinous”, which is characterized by the quintessential qualities of the sacred: mystery, awe, fascination, satisfaction, and inspiration. In my view, art serves as a reflection of our context, and achieves its maximum potential when it acts deliberately to improve and benefit the whole. This is the intent I create with and I hope that my work, in some way, benefits you.”

Biography

Adam Scott Miller was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania during a blizzard at 3 am in 1984. Since childhood, his path as an artist was clear as he spent great spans of time in concentration rendering his imagination into existence, on paper. This road less traveled has become a lifelong adventure of limitless growth and dilating creativity.

He has procured a BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore) and an MFA in Painting from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design (Boston) and the Fine Arts Work Center (Provincetown).

Member Data

Membership: exclusive member since Jul. 3, 2008
Energy Art style: energetic surrealism
Medium: mixed media - oil and pastel on board
E-mail: contact form

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Artist Statement

“I have always had a creative mind. The decision to make this a priority in one’s life is always up to the individual. In my life - making art and breathing are equally important.

I can only make art because my soul yearns to breath and inspiration is forcing me to gasp for air, I know no other way.”

Biography

Born and raised in the rural railroad community of North Platte, Nebraska, Janelle McKain grew up as the “baby” in a family of three. Her father worked for the UP Railroad and mother was at home with the kids. She attended a state college and graduated in three and a half years to gain certification as a K-12 art instructor. Currently, she teaches Drawing and Advanced Drawing and is Art Department Chair at one of three large suburban high schools in Omaha, NE .

Her drawings are a free fall of subconscious imagery plugged into a knowledge base of technical skills acquired as she matured in her field. She states her work in the studio is intense and requires a mastery of mental state to turn off the conscious mind allowing the essence of the composition to fully effect.

“Music definitely provides inspiration - it transports me from one realm into another, as a young girl I was a singer/soloist in a folk group and toured as a solo act singing in lounges and clubs during college, I wrote my own songs, and recorded a record album at age 16.

At present with a full time teaching job, I force myself to function in reality most of the time, because if left alone, my mind would probably overcome me.”

Member Data

Membership: exclusive member since Sep. 8, 2009
Energy Art style: energetic surrealism
Medium: pencils, watercolor, ink, digital art, photomanipulation
E-mail: contact form