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Gary Van Haas‘ unique art works have evolved from love of surrealist imagery and his search for expression in today’s quixotically dominated socio-political arena. In his paintings, he combines an illusionary vocabulary with non-objective subject matter as a way to impress color and collage, which instead of relying mainly on imagery, responds formally and expressively to the illusionist idea of surrealist space and time.
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Fabrice Poussin teaches French and English at Shorter University. Author of novels and poetry, his work has appeared in Kestrel, Symposium, The Chimes, and dozens of other magazines. His photography has been published in The Front Porch Review, the San Pedro River Review and more than 350 other publications.
My work focuses on social criticism, sexual expression, and issues of identity. This series is titled Halloween on Christmas. The juxtaposition of figure and environment is meant to draw attention to the aggressive pull of straight cis society to assimilate into a culture that will never accept us. Being queer in straight America often feels like getting dressed up for Halloween on Christmas.
You can check out more of my work on Instagram @aartaamandaa
These pieces are acrylic pour paintings created by combining acrylic paint with various substrates and silicone oil. The layers of paint react within the mixture according to their density, and form an abstract design. I interpret the design in terms of land, water, sky, body, and natural elements and phenomena. My aim in creating this collection is to present unusual and alternative views of life and nature in order to inspire viewers to “widen their world.” I believe that when we can perceive with our imaginations and not rely only on literal interpretation, our world (our connection to and understanding of it) becomes more meaningful to us. The way the paints interact with the substrates is solely science based (think specific gravity) but what is produced is random and unique. Our understanding of the earth, the sky, and the body opens on other levels when viewing this art and our appreciation for our world grows. Perhaps in this awakening, we might be inspired to better protect and conserve what we so often take for granted.
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Sandy Coomer is an artist and poet. She is the author of 3 poetry chapbooks, including Rivers Within Us (Unsolicited Press). Her art has been featured in local art shows and exhibits and has been published in literary art journals such as Lunch Ticket (Antioch University Los Angeles), Varnish, The Wire’s Dream Magazine, and Inklette, among others. She lives in Brentwood, TN.