Artist's Statements:
Shaffer, Kathryn: Kay Shaffer is one of Southwest Floridas most exciting new artists. She combines ancient techniques of batik, the wax resist and dye bath method of artistic design on cloth, with fresh innovation and creativity. Entirely self-taught, her art has evolved to be her own special style of fine art batik in vividly contrasting colors.www.kayshaffer.com
Shoemaker, Roger: Roger Shoemaker is a native of Michigan, brought up on a farm where he developed an early interest in wildlife. His scholastic interest was in the scientific field so he attended college and universities, achieving a Bachelors degree from Calvin College (Grand Rapids, Michigan), a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, Michigan), and a Doctorate from Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, Michigan). His professional career spanned 31 years in the pharmaceutical industry. After his retirement, he decided to pursue his interest in wildlife through the medium of woodcarving. His scientific background has carried over into this medium by his extensive reference research and the anatomical accuracy of each one of the animals, birds, and fishes that he carves. He attempts to achieve in each of his carved pieces the realism that they exist in, in Gods creation. Each of his carvings are unique, no two are alike. He hopes that everyone will enjoy his carvings as a human expression of the Creators handiwork. Roger has attended seminars and workshops with well known carving instructors such as Ernie Muehlmatt and Jim Wilsford. He is a member of the Michigan Woodcarvers Association, the Golden Gate Woodcarvers, the Bonita Springs Woodcarvers, the Naples Artcrafters, and the Naples Art Association. In the past he has shown his carvings at the Naples Artcrafters and Art in the Park shows in Naples, Florida. Roger is scheduled to be the featured artist at the March 2010 Art in the Park show to be held in Naples, Florida also. Currently he has carvings on display at the Whistling Moose Gallery in Mackinaw City, Michigan.
Spignesi, Leo V.: was born in Connecticut and attended Stamford Schools. Graduating from Stamford High, he was drafted into the Armed Forces serving overseas with the U.S. Air Force for four years. After being discharged, he worked for different contractors in the area, finishing his apprentiship as a carpenter. Having worked for many years as a finish carpenter, he worked the last five years for Pratt & Whitney. He then retired and wanted to spend time at home with his family and a change of pace. So, he began a new venture in hand-made furniture. He wanted to develop the art of creating finished furniture from his own designs as well as from patterns. His furniture consists mostly of console, coffee and end tables. Also, special types of nesting tables, collector's tables and children's furniture. "Vincent" is now a member of Naples Artcrafters and displays his work at the Arts & Craft shows in Naples.
Taffe, Linda: I was born in Manchester, England my love of art began at an early age. I was greatly influenced by the beautiful English gardens, rolling countryside, historic villages, and stone homes. I am an avid gardner and have been greatly inspired by the gardens I have created at our homes over the years. You will see many of these themes through my work. I discovered my love of watercolors and now work almost exclusively with them. My goal, when I paint, is to share the beauty and experiences of the places and things I love. I want to take you to places you may not have been and show you things you may not have noticed. Through my use of colors, lighting and composition, I create a peaceful simplicity in my work. I love to travel and I continue to be inspired by the places and things around me. I hope you find as much enjoyment in viewing my watercolor paintings as I had in creating them.
Taylor, Ruth Mueller: is an artist that paints a variety of subjects, concentrating primarily on landscapes, many with figures. Ruths Beachscapes, takes us down memory lane to recall our childhood, fun with our children or grandchildren. Her combination of color and subject matter create a tranquil mood which seems to have a calming effect on the viewer. Ruth's medium of choice is oil which she applies with palette knives to achieve her desired effect in a painting. Ruth specializes in commissioned pieces. More of her work can be seen on her web site. The award winning artists paintings have been purchased by private collectors worldwide and are also in museum and corporate collection. www.ruthmuellertaylor.com
Truelove, Ray: Ray Truelove is a school-trained photographer. I was educated in basic and advanced photography and journalism by the Department of Defense. I also completed a home-study course in outdoor photography some years back. My camera of choice is the Nikon D2X 12.4 megapixel digital camera- but I do still take some photos with my trusty 35mm too. After many years of working as a photo-journalist I decided in 2000 to quit all editor and journalistic positions and concentrate solely on outdoor photography (wildlife, birds, seascapes, landscapes, etc.) My photos hang in many homes in Europe and across the USA. I am also represented by the Abasi Art Gallery in Ft. Myers Beach, FL.
Warner, Theresa: Art has always been a passion for me. After I was introduced to oil painting, I knew it would be one of my great loves. Living in Florida has inspired me to paint the beauty of nature that surrounds us. I have no other choice, but to paint. It is how I express myself. My paintings may be viewed at the Naples Artcrafters, the Naples Art Association, or the Art League of Bonita Springs.
Wilson, Mireille 'Mimi': I was born in the Provinces of Quebec, Canada, I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17. I learned English and became an American citizen by the age of 30. I am married and the mother of two great boys. Throughout all of my life, art has helped me deal with everyday life. My mother is an artist also; therefore I have learned much from her. Art has played a big role in my family. I use oils on canvas, pre-streched most of the time. I love using bold and dark color to add lots of contrast particularly in flowers. I enjoy the challenge of painting animals and people mostly. I am always interested in learning new techniques; new mediums and I prefer larger projects. I hope that you enjoy my art.
"Frog on Ginko"
p: 239.394.3534
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