Lisa Wright’s multimedia practice is rooted in resistance, reinvention, and the power of unexpected materials. Raised in Littleton, Colorado, Wright first felt the urgency of storytelling during the Columbine shooting—an experience that continues to inform her politically charged work. From tampons to birthday candles, her unconventional materials speak volumes, disrupting expectations and inviting viewers to reconsider what art can say and how it says it. Through sculpture, photography, printmaking, and collage, Wright crafts striking visual commentaries that provoke thought, spark dialogue, and challenge the dominant narrative.

Reno-based artist Beck Baumann transforms sequins and recycled materials into whimsical sculptures rooted in childhood memories and creative freedom. Her work reimagines discarded objects as vessels of beauty and wonder, radiating color, joy, and unexpected charm.

Painter Lindsay Mueller transforms her encounters with nature into sculptural works that blend material, memory, and emotion. With surfaces built from plaster and paint, her landscapes reference parks, roadsides, and the layered history of shared spaces. Now featured in Create! Magazine’s Land and Longing virtual exhibition, Mueller’s work asks: how real is this space—and where does it rupture?

Richmond-based artist Elizabeth Coffey brings together oil painting, domestic textiles, and stenciled text to explore the complexities of female identity. Her work, deeply influenced by a background in graphic design and early experiences with sewing, challenges the divide between fine art and craft. In this powerful artist statement, Coffey shares how lace curtains, typography, and portraiture become layered symbols of the seen and unseen.

Discover the work of Kestin Cornwall, a Toronto-based artist whose art examines the complexities of race, beauty, and society. With a blend of classical techniques and modern digital art, Cornwall challenges societal norms and explores the impact of culture, media, and entertainment on public perception.

Sofia Saleh's art delves deep into the traces left behind by human presence, capturing the forgotten remnants that speak volumes about our identity and experiences. Through her innovative use of discarded gum, Saleh connects personal loss, collective memory, and global humanitarian issues. Her work invites viewers to reflect on the fragility of life and the lasting impact of even the smallest actions. Explore her journey from personal grief to a powerful social commentary in our latest feature.

Sena Shah, a former health and social care leader turned full-time artist, uses felt fabric and reflective materials to create dynamic abstract art that evolves as you move. With a unique lenticular effect, his work invites viewers to interact and find positive emotions in the transformation of each piece. From sell-out shows at major art fairs to unique, limited-edition series, Sena’s art encourages a new way of experiencing visual art.

Philadelphia-based artist Brian Jerome transforms personal experiences into powerful abstract works that explore memory, trauma, and resilience. Through painting and mixed media, he creates diaristic compositions that serve as both personal therapy and a broader invitation for discussion. His work, exhibited internationally, challenges viewers to engage with the complexities of human emotion and vulnerability.

Alena Ahrens' art delves into the complex interplay of identity, emotion, and memory. Through abstract assemblages and prints, her work explores the transformative power of conflict and change, inviting viewers to find beauty in fleeting moments. Ahrens’ unique approach to materials and texture offers a personal interpretation of emotional evolution, bringing performance art’s influence into her layered visual compositions.

Charles Clary’s meticulously hand-cut paper artwork fuse typography, Southern charm, and intricate layering to create dynamic works that explore the power of language. His series Text-I-Monials transforms common expressions into visually striking, multi-dimensional compositions. Represented by Paradigm Gallery + Studio and R02 Gallery, Clary’s work has been exhibited internationally and featured in WIRED, Hi-Fructose, Create! Magazine, and more. Read our interview with Clary in Issue 49 to learn more about his process and inspiration.

Jessie Weitzel Le Grand crafts sculptural objects from imagined alternate realities, offering glimpses into dimensions with their own rules and logic. Her work, recently exhibited internationally, explores the idea of communication between these worlds and our own. Through playful yet mysterious forms, she invites viewers to engage with the unknown. Read more about her process and inspirations in our latest feature.

Sommer Roman’s art draws us back to our wild, interconnected selves through an exploration of plant, animal, and human forms. Using mundane materials like post-consumer clothing and natural items, Roman creates work that dismantles disconnectedness and embraces the wild feminine. Read more about her recent exhibitions and how her art merges surrealism, craft, and feminism.

Elizabeth Arzani, an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in Portland, OR, brings a unique perspective to contemporary art through her dynamic use of materials and thoughtful narratives. With exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally, Arzani's work reflects her dedication to exploring the intersections of painting, education, and cultural dialogue. As a member of Carnation Contemporary and recipient of several prestigious grants, Arzani’s art continues to evolve and engage audiences across diverse platforms. Learn more about her creative journey and recent projects in this feature.

Maria Blokhina's Sadaveena collection is a stunning fusion of art and sustainability, featuring handmade fabric plants crafted from discarded textiles. With a focus on eco-conscious design and upcycling, Blokhina's work challenges us to reconsider our relationship with waste and embrace the potential for transformation in everyday materials. Explore how her art not only creates beauty but also fosters a deeper connection to the environment.

Yuya Saito’s art is a reflection of the ever-changing cityscape—where chaos, movement, and fleeting moments converge. Inspired by his roots in skateboarding and street culture, Saito utilizes curved shapes and traditional bentwood techniques to create abstract representations of urban life. His work interweaves architectural structures and city materials, offering a fresh perspective that transcends conventional art history and street culture narratives.

Self-taught artist Robin Kerr blends multifaceted elements of culture, history, and personal identity in her abstract work. Drawing inspiration from the nuances of living between places, Kerr’s art explores themes of belonging and perception, creating thought-provoking pieces that challenge and celebrate humanity's diverse expressions.

Kelly Tsai’s SKyGiRLS is a striking portrait series that explores the complexities of identity, representation, and the Chinese diaspora. Through carefully constructed persona diptychs, Tsai embodies women whose stories have been overlooked or misrepresented, creating a powerful dialogue between history, mythology, and personal identity. Inspired by the surge in anti-Asian violence during the pandemic, SKyGiRLS is both a personal exploration and a collective reimagining of Chinese womanhood.

Bella Cardim’s powerful artwork merges personal experience and conceptual inquiry, addressing themes of food, identity, and emotional nourishment. Using mixed media, textiles, and photography, Cardim’s work invites reflection on the cultural norms surrounding body image and the emotional facets of eating disorders. In this post, we explore her practice and recent exhibitions, including her upcoming residency focused on emotional nourishment and societal expectations.

Chris Lael Larson’s work blurs the boundaries between photography, painting, and installation, creating layered, immersive experiences. Using a mix of hyperreal lighting, bold color, and unconventional materials, his pieces reimagine perspective and depth, offering a fresh take on contemporary visual storytelling.

Featured in AQ Volume 5, artist Vanessa Osmon creates thought-provoking abstract portraits that reflect the unique challenges and beauty of military spouses. Through her layered figures, Osmon explores themes of identity, resilience, and the nomadic lifestyle that shapes her community. Learn more about her powerful process and the personal stories behind her work.