Slava Tch:
The paintings by Viatcheslav Tchistiline are cast in an archaic technique, which flourished between the 2nd and 9th centuries A.D. and then died out because of its difficult and complicated nature. The ancient method of mixing paint pigment heated or burned in with melted beeswax, known as encaustic, was extensively employed in Egyptian bas-relief and Byzantine icon painting, but has been rarely used in the 1,100 years since. Slava is a bright example of an artist who synthesizes this ancient, long dormant medium with expressionistic representational art. The main theme for Slava’s work is the longing for the ideal resulting in a sincere, gem like painting which awakens our imagination and naïve outlook on the world. His landscapes are quiet, simple and deserted but the color is hot and pulsating with life as he balances on the edge of primitive and neo-expressionistic.

Slava was born in Kursk, Russia May 6th 1952. He studied Fine Art and interior design at Kharkov University in the Ukraine and later frequently traveled to Germany and Holland to study art and exhibit his paintings. In 1995 he immigrated to Canada where he, his wife Natalia and daughter Olga reside. Currently Slava’s works are exhibited across the U.S., Germany, France, Russia as well as Canada.
www.artslavatch.com

 

Michael Barnes:
The sculptures by Michael Barnes are made of either porcelain or stoneware constructed through the manipulation of slabs, wheel thrown forms and solid masses of clay. Once the creative stage is complete the sculpture is then dried and subjected to a preliminary firing which makes the piece ready for glaze. This method of firing, termed “hi-fired,” is historically related to those used in ancient China resulting in pieces that are highly vitrified, stable, and exhibit subtlety of texture and color.

“The heads, faces, and figures I create,” Michael Barnes says, “are imaginary beings that are suggestive and hopefully inspiring images that are neither race nor culture specific. They are more like composites of real, fictional, and dreamed people pushed, shaped, and fired for life in a vitrified world. The works are a response, both conscious and other, to the inputs I have received from life. Inevitably, I hope my work reflects the viewer’s inner self and progresses beyond my personal scope.” Michael Barnes acquired both an Art and Geology degree from Southern Illinois University in 1979 and has worked as an Exploration Geophysicist, Construction Engineer and Professional Ceramic Sculptor in the years since.

Cody Nicely:

Cody started being passionate about glass blowing when he visited Venice, Italy. During his first year in Wittenberg University, he discovered a glass blowing program at the Spring Museum of Art. By the graduation he has 12 glass sculptures, consisting of 25 pieces. Cody received the Presidential Award for the most outstanding senior art exhibit. His glass sculptures are featured in eight galleries nationwide and he also participates in shows such as the American Craft Council Show, The Buyers Market of American Craft, High Point Market and Americasmart.  He mainly concentrates on a sea world thematic. His different glass fishes and octopuses are surprises with beautiful composition.

www.codynicely.com

Sergey Cherep:
Sergey Cherep was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on January 24, 1969. His creativity and artistic talents were recognized early and with encouragement he began studying art by the age of eight. It was during this time of development that Sergey discovered his absolute love of art and set his goal of attending one of the most prestigious art schools in Europe, the Serovo Art Institute. Included in his extensive studies are all the classic forms of art, including European art history, photography, printing processes, sculpture, restoration methods and painting everything from still life to portraits. His work is currently exhibited throughout the United States, in several European galleries, Australia, as well as St. Petersburg and Moscow in his own home country of Russia.

Today the images painted by Sergey combine both his passion for French Impressionism and his love of color. Imagination, fueled by a lifetime of wanderlust is the key to his lively landscapes. Energy flows from his paintings with a gentle yet powerful force that keeps one captivated for a lifetime.
www.sergaycherep.com

 

Lara Dann Schuchart:
Lara  Dann comes to Knoxville TN. via Rochester New York and does some very interesting fantasy pieces. In her own words " I paint about my fantasies, about the things that trouble me, and also the things that elevate me. I paint about the past, the secrets in between. I paint about where I am going".

www.laradann.com
 












Phil Savage: 
Phil Savage does some amazing panorama photography  in Color, Black and White and Infrared. We carry a variety of his urban cityscapes and nature photography. Phil is also known as an Olympic class gymnastics coach. When asked about his Modus Operandi, he says " I want to explore every possible avenue. I just want to make extraordinary pictures - pictures that have never been done before, thatleave a mark". His son is the lead guitarist of the Death Metal band "White Chapel"