In his Cloud – Joanna's d'Arc series, Polish artist Jaroslaw Bauc challenges traditional depictions of female heroism. Through large-scale, realistic paintings inspired by iconic works by Manet, Titian, and Rembrandt, Bauc explores the evolution of the female warrior figure. His reinterpretations balance realism with abstraction, using chromatic innovation and bold compositions to create powerful visual statements. In this piece, Bauc sheds light on the cultural ornamentation of female figures throughout history and their evolving depiction in art.

In the latest feature from Create! Magazine, we dive into the thought-provoking work of painter Jason John, whose exploration of personal identity, memory, and human relationships transforms the way we engage with portraiture. By obscuring the identities of his subjects, John invites viewers to reflect on the evolution of selfhood and the complex journey toward empowerment. Learn about his journey, his influences, and how he challenges the boundaries between figure and environment.

Tyler Mitchell’s artistic journey is one of experimentation and evolution. Starting as an oil painter, Mitchell has expanded his practice to include surreal photography and 3D installations, allowing him to push the boundaries of creativity and express his visionary concepts. In this interview, Tyler shares how his experience as a carpenter, along with personal explorations, shaped his artistic voice. From his initial passion for freedom and exploration to the integral role of community in his work, Mitchell reflects on the elements that define his practice. Explore his unique artistic path and what drives his creative process.

In her work, Judy Steffens uses oil on canvas to explore human connections, especially through beach-themed scenes. With a focus on friendship, technology’s role in relationships, and introspection, Judy's paintings reflect the nuances of contemporary life. Discover more about her artistic journey, inspirations, and the personal experiences that shape her work in this interview from Create! Magazine.

S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino’s paintings offer a vivid exploration of life’s rhythmic and ever-evolving journey. Rooted in her fascination with organic life and movement, Manya's expressive works balance light, surface tension, and gestural energy. In this interview, she shares insights into her inspirations, her artistic journey, and the powerful role community plays in shaping her creative practice. Read more to step into her reflective world of change, renewal, and awe.

In Issue 45 of Create! Magazine, we feature Agnès Robin, a self-taught artist known for her evocative portraits of women, intertwined with animal symbolism. Her mixed-media works, crafted with acrylics, gold leaf, and collages, delve into themes of vulnerability, strength, and the urgency of caring for all living beings. Explore her creative process, artistic philosophy, and the thought-provoking messages behind her art in this exclusive interview.

In this interview, artist and educator Samantha Haring shares her unique approach to painting, focusing on the unnoticed and often overlooked objects in our daily lives. From still life portraits of packing materials to contemplations on loss and queer joy, Haring’s work invites viewers to engage with the spaces and objects around them in a new and reflective way. Read on to learn more about Haring’s artistic journey, her inspirations, and how community has shaped her practice.

Melissa Arostegui’s art is a visual narrative—blending personal stories, bold portraits, and whimsical still-life compositions. Influenced by iconic artists like Elizabeth Murray and David Hockney, her vibrant works invite viewers to connect with the shared human experience. In this feature, learn about her artistic evolution, her journey as a Chicago-based artist, and the creative process that fuels her distinctive style.

In this interview, Chicago artist Marina Ross shares how the tragic loss of her son in 2022 led her to dive deeply into the iconic American fairytale The Wizard of Oz as a means of processing grief. Through her ethereal, spontaneous paintings, Ross reimagines familiar symbols from the film, like Dorothy Gale and the poppies, to subvert expectations of childhood nostalgia. Read more about her journey, artistic practice, and the role of community in her creative process.

Explore the art and vision of Nasim G. Pachi, a contemporary Iranian-German artist whose work challenges cultural and societal constraints. Her rich, detailed portraits blend the female form with intricate patterns, inviting viewers to reflect on freedom, identity, and the global complexities of modern life. From her diverse experiences living across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Pachi’s paintings encourage us to rethink individuality and the restrictions imposed by culture and religion.

J. Adam McGalliard merges classical oil painting with cutting-edge technology to explore complex themes of identity, myth, and societal change. His layered works delve into personal narratives and human-nature relationships, with series like Erewhon and Projections offering surreal visions of future worlds. Learn more about his artistic journey and the influences that shape his practice in this exclusive interview.

Chicago-based artist Karen Fike creates captivating mixed media pieces that explore the strength, elegance, and chaos within the lives of women. Using acrylics, flash glazes, and textured mediums, Fike brings her figurative abstractions to life in a way that engages viewers on a deeper level. In this interview, she shares her artistic journey, the personal experiences that shape her work, and how community and advocacy fuel her creative practice. Read on to learn more about the vision behind her dynamic and evolving artwork.

Toronto-based artist Vanessa Storoniak uses a blend of acrylic paint on wood and digital design to create captivating abstract compositions inspired by the beauty and serenity of nature. From tranquil landscapes to vibrant, graphic-inspired snapshots, her work expresses the peaceful moments that ground her. Discover how Vanessa’s artistic practice merges modern techniques with a deep reverence for the natural world.

Discover the innovative art of John Romi, a contemporary American-Swedish artist whose style, Cuneiformism, blends the ancient script of cuneiform with bold, abstract imagery. Since 2004, Romi has been exploring the power of art to heal and inspire, creating works that evoke emotion, balance, and timeless narratives. Through his use of vibrant colors, textured layers, and historical symbols, Romi invites viewers to engage with both the past and present in a deeply personal and transformative way.

Nancy Natow-Cassidy’s artwork is a celebration of color, movement, and nature. Her abstract paintings explore the energy and vibration of color and shape, often influenced by her surroundings near a national park and great lake. Learn more about her creative journey, process, and the powerful emotions conveyed through her vibrant works.

Liora Redman, a Kazakhstan-born artist, uses her art to explore the complexities of identity, womanhood, and the challenges of single motherhood. Through intimate self-portraits, she navigates societal pressures and personal freedom, offering a bold and raw look into her experiences. Now based in New York City, Redman’s work has found homes in private collections worldwide, and her gallery serves as a space for artists to express themselves freely. Explore her journey and the meaning behind her powerful creations.

Discover the captivating encaustic paintings of Jodie Sutton, an award-winning artist whose work blends abstract forms with the beauty of everyday landscapes. From her self-taught journey to mastering the wax-based medium, Jodie’s art reflects her deep connection to the world around her. Learn about her process, inspiration, and the importance of community in her artistic practice.

Mark S. Thomas is an abstract artist whose work is defined by his passion for color and organic patterns. Working from his Oakland studio, he combines acrylic paint with mixed media techniques to create dynamic, textured pieces that evoke the fluidity of natural and biological forms. With an intuitive approach to mark-making, Thomas seeks to balance spontaneity and careful editing, resulting in vibrant works that explore the emotional and psychological effects of color. Learn more about his creative process and view his latest works on his website.

Elen Alien, a London-based artist, merges diverse mediums like sculpture, digital art, and oil painting to explore the complex relationship between nature, technology, and human identity. With a background in architecture and a nomadic lifestyle that has shaped her practice, Elen’s work invites viewers to reflect on how we navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape. Read on to discover how her art challenges the boundaries of physical and virtual existence.

In this artist spotlight, Nashville-based visual artist Rachel Karr shares her deeply personal journey of using gouache landscapes to explore themes of legacy, conservation, and the environmental impact of modern life. Her vivid, neon-colored paintings are a testament to both the beauty and fragility of our planet, inviting viewers to reflect on their role in protecting the Earth for future generations. Read more about Rachel’s artistic influences, creative process, and the turning points that have shaped her practice.