Art is a powerful means of communication between the artist and the viewer. Most artists consider the reactions others will have upon viewing it. In fact, this may be a very important factor that guides them in their creative process. For instance, Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else.”
Wolf Kahn remarked, “I want the people looking at my work to feel a sense of all the possibilities of painting, and, through that, in life as a whole. When that happens, I feel I’ve accomplished something useful.”
In this article we reveal how artist members want viewers to respond to their art. Their statements tell us a lot about what they strive to convey to the viewer. In reading them, we may gain more appreciation for their artistic visions and abilities.
The artists’ names will take you to their pages. Please visit them and also their websites. Contact them directly to purchase their artwork. Visit our online art gallery to view all of our artist members’ art.
Peter N. Van Giesen
“Love of tranquility and beauty is my pursuit. While I paint to capture the interconnectedness of the natural world I put LOVE and Tranquility into each work. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my talents with those interested and am pleased to have you consider joining me on my journey as a friend.”
Andre Chatelain
“I believe in humanity and will continue to paint with a positive vision of our future. I have been painting the beauties of Africa through its people hoping to change the generalized perception and transmit a lasting emotion to the viewer by showing a different aspect of this amazing continent.”
Beth Sheridan
“My goal for my art is to ultimately bring the mission of restoration and healing to others. I want people who view my art to also find that art can be healing for them as well – be it through the enhancement of their environment, the story it tells or inspiration to be creative themselves.”
Roopa Dudley
“It is my hope that those of my art viewers who may not agree with my allegories, can at least be able to appreciate the beauty of how these allegories are presented. I happen to be in complete agreement with Dostoevsky, ‘Beauty will save the world’.”
Rajul Shah
“The series ‘Alchemy of Renewal’ is a visual representation of the transformative power of embracing imperfections, the balance of energies within, and the vibrancy of the human experience. I wish to convey that our scars do not define us; they become a canvas for rejuvenation, renewal, and an evolution into enhanced versions of ourselves, fortified with newfound strength and purpose.”
I love the way Teri Leigh Teed captures nature in her photographs. As I look at her galleries from time to time, I’m drawn to Psalm 19: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge” (vv. 1-2). Teri’s photographs speak the language that God’s creations speaks “day after day . . . night after night.”