Blue Koi Gallery

Menu

Author: Blue Koi Gallery

Posted on

Interview with Graphite Artist: Joni Wagner

Joni Wagner
Artist Interview March 2025

Artist Locale: Florida, USA

Medium: Graphite Pencil

Artist Website
0-1

Congratulations to Joni Wagner, the Winner of the Koi Artist Award February 2025!

Can you share a bit about your journey as an artist? What inspired you to start creating?

I have been drawing my whole life. I don’t think I have had a single inspiration to draw, more like many. As a child I could not get enough of horses and constantly drew them. As I grew older I became a Star Trek fan of the original series and drew numerous illustrations to stories that appeared in fanzines. I started “specializing” in portraits, of humans and animals. I would draw a picture, and when finished, would be on to the next photo that grabbed.

No Job, No Home, No Hope
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

You’ve studied Graphic Design and Fine Art, how have those experiences influenced your artistic style today?

I don’t think my studying Graphic Design and Fine Art has influenced my style at all.  I was not taught how to draw, as at college level, it was expected.  It did introduce me to different media.  And then I end up using perhaps my first learned media, graphite pencil!

Veni Vidi Vici
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

You describe yourself as mostly self-taught. What challenges and rewards come with being a self-directed artist?

I think of myself as self taught.  Being self-taught I can specialize in one medium to my heart’s content.  The last 15 years I have spent solely on pencil.  My “hero” is Emanuele Dascanio.  I aspire to that level.   

Morning
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

How has online learning, tutorials, and community feedback shaped your artistic growth?

Online learning and tutorials have helped me tremendously.  Helped me with the actual drawing and also with finding the right tools.  Invaluable.

The Littlest Equestrian
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you develop an idea into a finished piece?

A lot of times my inspiration comes from photographs put out there to be used for “free.”  I have utilized both Morguefiles and Pixabay for source material.  And, of course, I have used my own photography.

Cheeks
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

What advice would you give to aspiring self-taught artists who are just starting their creative journey?

Draw every day. Look online for free tutorials and listen to advice given in art groups on social media. My favorite saying is “Draw what you “see” not what you think you see.”

What role does art play in your life beyond creating, does it serve as therapy, a form of self-expression, or something else?

Besides using my art as a creative process it is most valuable as therapy. I have been clinically depressed for many years and this has helped me tremendously. I get in the “zone” and, for a while at least, troubles seem to melt away.

The Connection
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

Is there a particular piece of artwork that holds deep personal meaning for you?

I  can’t say there is a particular piece of artwork that holds a special meaning to me.  I CAN say that everything by Emanuele Dascanio is revered in my eyes.  He works in both graphite and charcoal, whereas I only work in graphite.  Dirk Dzimirsky is known for being a graphite artist (another favorite of mine) but a lot of his pieces uses charcoal as well.  As for color work with more commercialization it is Drew Struzan.

The Kiss
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

What are your future goals as an artist, and is there a dream project you hope to create?

My future goals have always been to get better at my craft. I am always striving for the next level up. My dream project? The next drawing on my easel.

Aleksander
Graphite Pencil
For Sale? Yes

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are looking to find their own creative voice?

The same as I would give to aspiring self-taught artists. Draw every day and listen to advice and tutorials online.  Follow those you admire and look up to.

See more of Joni Wanger’s Graphite artwork:

Joni’s Instagram

 

Posted on

Jason Shih Solo Exhibition

Jason Shih Solo Exhibition

Artist Locale: Taiwan, Taiwan

Medium: Painted ABS, Cast bronze, Cast stainless steel and coated with titanium

Artist Website

Artist Statement

 Jason Shih’s artistic vision is shaped by a diverse array of influences, from
contemporary dance to avant-garde fashion. He cites German choreographer Pina Bausch and British designer Alexander McQueen as significant inspirations. Bausch’s explorations of time and space resonate with Shih’s interest in sculpture’s capacity to embody kinetic energy and spatial imagination. McQueen’s innovative approach to contemporary imagery and themes provides Shih with a broad canvas for creative expression.

   Shih’s work is also influenced by the aesthetic principles of Futurism and Constructivism, movements that emphasize dynamic energy and continuous motion. These influences are evident in his pursuit of capturing the beauty of movement and the elegant restraint of natural forces. Shih’s sculptures often depict moments of defying gravity, capturing the fleeting beauty of motion in a static form. For Jason, art creation is to share various moods and stories in daily life.

Artist Bio

Jason Shih was born in 1972, Taiwan, where traditional craftsmen are active. He has been interested in folk crafts, temple architecture, wood and stone carvings since childhood. In 1993, he began to specialize in metal sculpture when he was a sophomore in the Fine Arts Department of Taipei National University of the Arts. After 2 years of compulsory military service, Jason obtained his MFA degree in metal from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2001. And then, he served as the famous American metal sculptor Albert Paley’s assistant, involved in metal crafts and large-scale public art work practices. In 2002, Jason returned to Taiwan and began to devote himself to the creation of metal sculpture and public art.

Over 20 years so far, he has completed more than 80 public art works. During this period, in addition to participating in the art residency at the Wangsan Kaitian Festival in South Korea in 2003, and JamFactory, a contemporary craft design center in Adelaide, Australia in 2004. Furthermore, in 2008, he was also selected as the first artist-in-residence of the New Taipei City Gold Museum, Taiwan. While developing his creative career, Jason Shih also did not forget to pursue advanced studies in art theory. In 2015, he obtained his Ph.D. from the China Academy of Art. And, in 2022, he obtained an MBA degree from National Taiwan Normal University. Jason Shih currently lives and works in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. He continues to focus on the diverse exploration of sculpture and public art creation. Education China Academy of Art(CAA), Sculpture and Public Art Ph.D. (China) Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Metal Sculpture MFA (USA) National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Administration MBA (Taiwan) Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), Sculpture BFA (Taiwan)

Posted on

Weizhi Cao Virtual Solo Exhibition November 2024

Weizhi Cao Virtual Solo Exhibition November 2024

Artist Locale: Beijing, China

Medium: Digital Art

Artist Website
photo of a digital artist named Weizhi Cao

Artist Statement

Behind the veil, a hidden world emerges—figures stand shrouded in translucent fabric, their faces unseen, their emotions a mystery. This black-and-white surrealist series blurs the line between reality and illusion, revealing the masks we wear in society. The veil is both a barrier and a reflection of our inner world, where individuals lose themselves in the collective, swaying silently or wildly dancing, unaware of the gaze upon them. As viewers, we question: Are we truly outside the veil, or merely hidden observers in someone else’s world, watched as we watch?

Artist Bio

Weizhi Cao is a distinguished digital artist known for his innovative use of artificial intelligence in creative content. His work blends AI-generated visuals with traditional art forms, creating a unique visual language that pushes the boundaries of art and technology. Recognized internationally, his pieces have been showcased in exhibitions and have received multiple nominations and awards at prestigious film festivals. Beyond traditional media, Weizhi Cao has also built a strong following on Chinese social platforms. He remains dedicated to exploring AI’s applications in digital art, striving for breakthroughs that integrate art and advanced technology.

Posted on

Claudiu Anica Virtual Solo Exhibition November 2024

Claudiu Anica Virtual Solo Exhibition November 2024

Artist Locale: Brasov, Romania

Medium: Digital

Artist Website
photo of a digital artist named Claudiu Anica

Quantum Void Studios QVS (Claudiu Anica) Artist Statement

Through spontaneous, unplanned strokes, Claudiu Anica creates abstract expressionist works that serve as a raw conduit for his inner turmoil. Working under Quantum Void Studios, his art emerges without preconceived intent, driven by deep emotions such as rage, conflict, and the ongoing struggle for personal peace. Claudiu’s work often contrasts wild chaos with moments of quiet reflection, inviting viewers to confront their own emotions in the visual turmoil. His pieces are not just expressions but release—allowing him to communicate emotions that words fail to capture. Working primarily in digital media, Claudiu’s abstract compositions blend bold colors and textures to create immersive experiences. His use of intricate layering and chaotic brushstrokes mirrors the intensity of the emotions he expresses, giving each piece a visceral quality that draws viewers into his world.

Portfolio

Artist Bio

Claudiu Anica, working under the name Quantum Void Studios, is a contemporary abstract expressionist artist whose work delves into themes of entrapment, rage, inner conflict, and personal struggle. Through spontaneous action painting, Claudiu’s raw and unfiltered pieces have garnered international attention, including recent exhibitions in London such as Dreams and Nightmares and ART UNLEASHED. His chaotic compositions evoke intense feelings of release, exploring the depths of human experience without the constraints of preconceived intent or structure. In addition to his exhibitions, Claudiu has been featured in an interview with Al-Tiba9, where he discusses his artistic process and the emotional journey behind his work. Each creation is a journey into the subconscious, capturing emotions that words cannot express.

Posted on

Maxwell G. Miller Solo Exhibition

Maxwell G. Miller

Artist Locale: Ohio, USA

Medium: Oil

Artist Website
Maxwell G. Miller_Self Portrait 2020

Artist Statement

My career began in the theatrical arts. I served as director, artistic designer, and scenic artist at several theaters before pursuing visual art in 2017. I always enjoyed the process of visual problem-solving: How can I take rigid materials and manipulate them to move in a fluid, life-like way? I discovered that by manipulating charcoal and oil paint in this same way, it is uniquely possible to contain the entirety of a complex story in a single image. After refining my technique, I traveled to Scranton to complete an apprenticeship with master artist Anthony Waichulis at the ÀNI Art Academy. After graduating in 2022, I was selected to serve a 2-year international teaching appointment in the Dominican Republic where I’ve worked to cultivate a richer artistic community through art education.

Artist Statement Cont'd

There is a revival of realism happening now that I strive to be a part of and hope to significantly contribute to through a lifelong artistic career. Realism gives me the ability to clearly communicate through recognizable imagery, and art to its core is communication on a fundamental level. When you read an artwork, you discover its themes and ideas for yourself rather than having them told to you. You are influenced by your own voice. This goes a long way in making art so effectively influential in society. I recognize the gravity of this, and the responsibility I have as a visual artist to uplift impactful themes. In past works I have explored topics like mental health, female empowerment, and organized religion. I am very passionate about the influence of realist art and have completely dedicated myself to its revitalization. My sense of theatricality has continued to influence my compositions and has developed into a portfolio of dramatic portraiture and dense still life with a focus on storytelling.

Posted on

Drew McDonald

Discover the Winning Masterpiece

“Obsession”

Drew McDonald

Artist Locale:  Texas USA

Subject Matter: Obsession and Identity

Medium: Oil

Artist Website

About “Obsession”:

This piece intricately entwines my artistry, employing the trompe l’oeil technique to narrate the evolution from sketches and scrap paper to the final painting. Within the monochromatic pink and black painting, a romantic scene is portrayed: my dance with Death on a lake beneath a sunset’s embrace. As society drives us to prioritize possessions, such belongings are often viewed as extensions of individuals’ identities. We are what we own, and an excess of anything can prove fatal. Vanitas has always been a prevailing theme throughout my works, as well as the iconic character Hello Kitty. The sticky-note speech bubble describes a letter: “Dear Hello Kitty, Why does everything I own have your face on it? Dreezy XOXO,” serving as an inner thought I often contemplate as I find myself increasingly drawn to anything with her likeness. I have always been enamored by everything cute; however, she represents the epitome of cuteness in my eyes. Here, she embodies the celestial alignment of Aquarius, a nod to both my identification with her character and my own date of birth. In the upper left, clippings of past works serve as a profound reflection, infusing each stroke with the essence of both triumphs and tribulations. This piece serves as a gateway to my psyche, grappling with notions of art, artistic experience, and mortality.

Giving Guernica

Artist Statement: 

McDonald’s works delve into the interplay between obsession and identity. In a society where possessions often define us, her art explores the nuanced relationship between what we own and who we are. Combining themes of identity, mortality, and the pervasive influence of pop culture, each piece tells its own story while encompassing the dichotomy of a hypercute aesthetic and subversive visual elements. This creates a dialogue that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including iconic figures like Hello Kitty and revered artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, McDonald aims to bridge the gap between past and present. Hello Kitty holds a prominent place in her mind, evoking nostalgia and symbolizing femininity. Through her art, McDonald captures the human experience, blending notions of romanticism with elements of obscenity. Ultimately, her paintings serve as reflections of the complexities of growing up in the contemporary world, allowing her to assert her own identity.

Drew McDonald

Artist Bio

Drew McDonald is an oil painter residing in her hometown of Austin, Texas. She graduated from Texas State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in painting. Since completing her studies, she has enthusiastically participated in numerous exhibitions across Austin, San Antonio, and neighboring regions. McDonald utilizes pink and monochromatic color palettes to express her female perspective through her art. She finds joy in applying her academic background, artistic passion, and personal life experiences to her creative endeavors. 

Drifting to Sleep
Posted on

Hollis Richardson

Discover the Winning Masterpiece

Hollis Richardson - Winners

“Winner”

Hollis Richardson

Artist Locale:  Ohio, USA

Subject Matter: Expressive Contemporary

Medium: Mixed Media

Artist Website

About this Piece:

I have long been intrigued with the endless artistic opportunities of portraying women, their style and their relationships. I believe woman should have power and control over their own lives and the right to make choices for themselves. Female bonding and mentoring is an important part of the process for that path to be accelerated. 

Winners is one of a series of my recent artworks that explore the many ways this theme can be portrayed in portrait stylized presentations. Juxtaposing these two women almost nose to nose suggests a close encounter and relationship. The  bright, happy colors  assure us there is something very positive happening between them.  I used repetitions and variations of color and shapes to illuminate their moods and personalities and to brighten and balance the overall composition. They have the same colors with different patterns in their hair, but here is a line between them and they are on different colored backgrounds, suggesting they are indeed separate people with their own individuality.

Hollis Richardson

Hollis Richardson grew up in rural Oklahoma, the seventh of eight children. He discovered the joy of drawing in childhood and was awarded recognition for a mural he created for his high school. After serving in the Army in Korea, he used the GI Bill to attend college. He earned a BA in art and an MA in art education from Southeastern State University, Durant, Oklahoma. He taught on the Navajo Reservation, and in Europe with the military dependent schools, where he saw the great masters in European Museums. He was particularly interested in the post impressionists, known for pushing past realism and an emphasis on obtaining an abstract quality to their work. While working as a mental health worker and a teacher for many years in California and Idaho, he consistently devoted
all of his free time to meeting the challenge of developing his artistic skills.

In the early 1970s, he created detailed realistic drawings of people, using radiograph pens, yielding fine lines that ultimately expressed the character of the person portrayed. It was an unforgiving medium. An error in the drawing or leak from the pen could not be erased. The artwork had to started over from the beginning on new paper. Oil paintings were less realistic, more post impressionistic. He participated in juried shows, earning recognition in several states. Every acceptance and award spurred him onward. He continually educated himself about the work of other artists, which influenced him to explore several genres. Upon discovery of Nicolai Fechin, the Russian born artist in Taos, NM, he emulated his techniques, painting in an impressionistic style. At the time he was living in Idaho and Colorado, attending native American Powwows and frequently visiting Taos and Santa Fe, where he trudged through the many art galleries, learning what made a painting good art. During this period of time, he created a body of western work mastering impressionism. He learned that regardless of the genre, the principles of good composition involved the use of contrast, emphasis, proportions, rhythm, movement, variety and unity.

Riveting News 20 x 8

In 1992, Richardson moved to Ohio and devoted himself full time to his artwork. He continued to invest in art books, studying the works of Van Gogh, Egon Schiel, Gustave Klimt, Chaim Soutine and African art. He liberated himself to follow and develop his own unique path. He created abstract oil paintings, and small sculptures in polymer clay and stone work that were figurative and whimsical. As he aged, he was forced to find another two dimensional medium, not involving the use of turpentine. He discovered the rich color and light fastness of Caran D’Arches Luminous colored pencils, similar to the qualities of oil paint that he loved. With the return to drawing, his work is increasingly more stylized with a strong abstract quality, often using distortion to enhance the composition, something he had learned early to appreciate. His art is informed by his experiences with people and cultures and reflect his deep empathy for people, often tinged with a touch of humor. They result from his varied experiences: a child migrant worker in California, a teacher of Navajo Reservation, s soldier in the last days of Korean War, life in Germany and France as a teacher in Army schools, a school teacher in rural Idaho and a mental health worker for many years in California and Colorado. His observations of human nature and his love of oil painting have consistently intermingled over the course of his lifetime.

Hollis continues to devote himself full time to his art, pursuing artistic excellence and expressing his appreciation of people who strive to maintain dignity and positive attitude in a complex world. His goal is to create expressive contemporary art, each artwork a better composition than the last. His distinctive art has achieved national recognition and can be found in homes and offices of discerning collectors throughout the United States.

Hollis Richardson
Posted on

Kylo-Patrick Hart Virtual Solo Exhibition

Kylo-Patrick Hart Solo Exhibition

Artist Locale: Texas, USA

Medium: Photography

Artist Website

Artist Statement

From the moment I received my first camera as a young boy, I have been fascinated by how every individual sees the same imagery, and chooses to capture it, in remarkably different ways. I have long realized that my way of observing and documenting the world around us — from what I decide to shoot to how I actually proceed in doing so — is unique to me as an artist, which is why I love expressing myself through the medium of photography. With my images, I strive to demonstrate that our world is a continuously fascinating and beautiful place offering endless aesthetic pleasures to those who take the time to observe its nuances intentionally closely. My current project, from which these ten photographs have been culled, is titled Slivers of Life (with the word ‘slivers’ referring to the somewhat atypical dimensions of the images themselves).

Artist Bio

Kylo-Patrick Hart is an award-winning photographer and chair of the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media at Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas, USA). He received his formal training in digital media arts while a student at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, with additional instruction provided by offerings of the Maine Media Workshops and Santa Fe Workshops. As an artist, his motivation is to discover and capture the beauty, even when it is not always readily self-evident, that surrounds us continuously in all areas of our everyday lives. His photographs have been exhibited in numerous cities throughout the United States and in several countries abroad.

Posted on

Barbara Miner

Barbara Miner Solo Exhibition

Artist Locale: OH, USA

Medium: Digital print, Stencils, Spray Paint, Posca markers

Artist Website
Blue teasel

Artist Statement

I live in a 15-acre woodlot in an area of Ohio called the Great Black Swamp. I walk the property every day and I am struck by the clash between the speed of the external digital world, and my sanctuary-bubble where the slow and steady reclamation of human-abandoned fields by the natural world continues on relentlessly. Virginia creeper, ash saplings and thistle repopulate lawns wrenched from the rich black soil. Any tiny space that is left “unimproved” by weed killer or asphalt becomes a complex and layered miniature biome for mosses and insects. Rather than duplicate what I see, I strive to create an impression of what I experience during my time in nature.

Artist Bio


Barbara Miner holds the position of tenured Professor and Chair in the Department of Art, at the University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. Miner has been a working artist/scholar for 26 years and a full-time, self-employed studio artist producing ceramic tableware for 10 years prior to that time.
Her mixed media sculptures, installation works, paintings and prints, informed by the nexus of human/nature interaction, and the practice of meditative repetition, have been exhibited nationally (Maine to California) and internationally (Sweden and Poland) in over 107 exhibitions.

Most recently, she was a finalist for the Uptown Green Shade Project, Toledo, Ohio, first place award winner for the third international online juried art exhibition of the International Visual Literacy Association, and awarded an Individual Artist’s Grant from the Ohio Arts Council for the 2022-2023 year. She has curated three exhibition events, including a lecture/workshop with the noted Author and Photographer, Rosamond Purcell and the sculptor Dewey Blocksma. Miner has participated in numerous national and international artists’ residencies, from Maine to Poland and Sweden. She has presented at national and international conferences and contributed articles to Ceramics Monthly, Dialogue/Arts in the Midwest, and the journal published for the International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability. Miner has received many internal and external grants in support of her research and art practice, as well as numerous Awards for Excellence/Merit.

Posted on

Sara Grunblatt Solo Exhibition

Sara Grunblatt Solo Exhibition

Artist Locale: New Jersey, USA

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Artist Website
sara_grunblatt_newyork_2024_acryliconcanvas_14x18

Artist Statement

Each time I approach my workspace with the intent to create, my mind leads me to a central theme: the city and the juxtaposition of urban life and nature. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the idea of the city. I lived close to New York City: the template for living amongst the like-minded, for chasing your dreams, and to, most importantly, for the “grind-never-stops” mindset. In more recent years, I learned to slow down, to appreciate nature, and to appreciate the Earth. While my fascination with this lifestyle was prevalent when I was a child, it has transitioned to quite the opposite. Because of this, a lot of my work expresses my inner child longing for the lifestyle that the city holds, as well as my current state, longing for a quiet way of living and the realization that urban imperfection results in the destruction of the Earth.

Artist Bio

Hello! My name is Sara Grunblatt and I’m an independent artist from NJ. I have a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh, but I spent four years in college studying something I didn’t truly enjoy. Within the past few months, I made the decision to stray away from engineering and start my own business. It’s been a hard 12 months but looking back, I would not have wanted it to work any other way. I’ve been drawing for most of my life, which expanded to painting, design, and some photography. In recent months I have opened my own LLC, participated in numerous art shows around New Jersey, and started taking graphic design classes online. I continue to learn every day and am so thankful to be able to communicate my ideas through art.