Sands Artwork, Inc. :: artist profiles

Nine

Or Mr. Anonymous signs each painting as “Nine” as in the number 9. Anonymity is derived from the Greek word ανωνυμία, meaning "without a name" or "namelessness". In colloquial use, the term typically refers to a person, and often means that the personal identity or personally identifiable information of that person is not known.

More strictly, and in reference to an arbitrary element (e.g. an artist), if it is not identifiable, then the element is said to be "anonymous". The term "anonymous message" typically refers to message (which is, for example, communication trough art) that does not carry any information about its sender and its intended recipient. It is therefore unclear if multiple such messages have been sent by the same artist or if they have the same intended recipient.

Sometimes it is desired that an artist can establish a long-term relationship (such as a reputation) with some other entity, without his/her personal identity being disclosed to that entity. In this case, it may be useful for the artist to establish a unique identifier, called a pseudonym, with the other entity. Examples of pseudonyms are nicknames (in this case “Nine”). A pseudonym enables the other entity to link different messages from the same artist and, thereby, the maintenance of a long-term relationship.

Nine paintings can be purchased exclusively through Sands Artwork (www.sandsartwork.com).

Serafino

With a romantic name like, Serafino, it seems inevitable that this person would gravitate towards the arts. And he did. The third child and only son, Serafino, was raised in a lively, Italian, Canadian family where children grew up to pursue careers such as medicine or engineering. His sisters followed these traditional paths. But not Serafino... his heart was set on the arts. To his knowledge, no one else in his family has ever chosen this direction.

During high-school, Serafino confirmed his drive to artistry, and while there, learned how to draw, how to paint, color theory, and practical applications of concepts. He credits an art teacher for anchoring him and helping him form his base from which his art has grown.

After high-school, Serafino attended York University in Toronto, Canada and graduated in 1996 with a BFA. College years were filled with theory and concept, unlike high-school, where he had learned practical application. The university also promoted art works that were an expression of the artist's political and social views. Not wanting his art work to be a political agenda, Serafino learned from his university experience what he did not want to do. He felt and still feels that when someone hangs an artist's work on their wall, it is the greatest compliment that can be given to an artist.

Inspiration for painting came to Serafino from the color field painters of the mid-century (1930s-50s.) Mark Rothko and his floating squares and

Barnett Newman's stripes are two minimalist artists that he particularly admires. In his own work, Serafino, began and remains intrigued by breaking down and reconstructing relationships. Color, line and form are a constant fascination to him. Viewing art, not only with passion and emotion, but as a science, he orchestrates an exquisite balance of texture, proportion, and color harmony often using the chevron, circle or square as themes in his paintings. Because he feels that anything on canvas is taken more seriously, he paints almost exclusively on canvas with acrylic paints.

After university, Serafino worked at several ateliers (studios) in various capacities. He says that continual exposure to the excellence in art work he saw there helped his work to mature and he became very dedicated to painting. At one of the ateliers, he summoned his courage to show his paintings to the President of the company and was hired as an artist. Due to the self- discipline Serafino demands of himself, he is a very prolific painter. He feels that even when a painting does not turn out the way he envisioned, he still learns something from it. And he does not quit, even on days where inspiration is more difficult, because he feels that quitting leads only to stagnation.

When asked what he hopes the future holds for him, this humble and some what reticent man says, his biggest desire is a solo art exhibition.

Others will be surprised only if it doesn't happen. His "hero" is Pablo Picasso, and he aspires to Picasso's greatness. "But," he laughingly says,

"If not, maybe my baby will achieve that when he grows up, and I will have been his mentor."

Laslo

Laslo has had a love affair with art since he was a little boy. As a child, he would see a beautiful scene and think, “Wouldn’t that be a fabulous painting?” However, Laslo was raised in the steel town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where the norm was not a career in the arts.

Determined, the budding, young artist defied local convention and remained true to his artistic passion. His perseverance was rewarded far more than he ever could have imagined, and Laslo grew up to become a world-renowned artist and interior designer.

His first mentor was in the third grade. Laslo’s teacher, Ruth, recognized his talent, and she was a wonderful moral support. Further, she encouraged him to believe in himself. Not stopping there, she convinced Laslo’s parents that he had talent and that the arts would be the perfect route for him to follow. Laslo and Ruth have remained friends and still see one another.

During high school, Laslo says he hated football, basketball and math, but he loved art and dance. Taking as many art classes as possible, Laslo’s creative talents became obvious to everyone, and he won dozens of contests and was awarded a four-year college scholarship.

Laslo attended the Philadelphia College of Art. His innovation and interpretations, whether in painting, sculpture or ceramics made a huge impression on his instructors, and after his junior year he was given a cash award that would allow him to study in Europe. But like most young adults, Laslo was tired of school and eager to jump into the “real world” and instead opted to move to New York City.

Laslo’s talent was quickly recognized. He first worked at Doyle, Dane and Bernbach Advertising Agency as the Art Director. He created illustrations for such notable magazines as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, GQ, Playboy and the New York Times. He painted and illustrated entire issues of the New York Times.

Laslo left to start his own freelance business, and one of his first projects was to design the store, Bergdorf-Goodman. He designed for Mikasa and then branched into furniture design, which was so successful that he has his own line. Laslo continued to expand and designs silver, gold, glass, carpet and lamps displaying outstanding and exciting creations in every arena. Quickly winning international acclaim as on of the nation’s top designers, Laslo modestly describes his work as a “twist on the classics.” His chameleon-like approach to art allows him to be ever changing and not be put into a box.

As multi-talented as Laslo is, drawing and painting remain his favorite expression of art. Finding inspiration in nature, Laslo never attempts to copy it too closely as he says, “Nature is the best painter.” He loves beautiful colors and is intrigued by form. Not preferring one medium to another, he can paint abstract art or figuratively.

Framing is very important, as Laslo wants what surrounds his art to reflect the décor of the room. Equally key is the matting because he desires that his work be able to “breathe” within the frame. He dislikes mediocrity and prefers that his paintings be minute or very large so they are not boring. Laslo likes to think of his artwork as floating on the wall. And, he says like a child with a new toy, his last work of art is always his favorite. He does not look back and concentrates on the future.

Art is a pleasure for Laslo, and he wants people who purchase his art to find beauty along with a sense of lightness and a continued sense of joy.

Well known for his own sense of humor, Laslo is a rare combination of creativity, humor and intellectualism.

Laslo has received the distinction of being chosen one of the best one hundred designers by House Beautiful in October of 1999 and 2002. His designs and work have appeared in all of the highly noted journals, such as Architectural Digest, and his accessory collections are sold in premiere stores around the world. Despite his busy schedule, Laslo says that unlike Van Gogh, he does not create in the midst of deep angst.

Rather, he says things just flow.

Freud, Sir Francis Bacon and Picasso are historical greats that Laslo admires. He feels a certain affinity with Picasso as Picasso was always changing and so is Laslo. The only theme that never changes is the excellence Laslo demands of himself. He does not search for ways to make more but rather concentrates on quality.

Adamson

Adamson received her formal training from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Master of Arts in Drawing, but these degrees were simply a confirmation of the fun loving artistic spirit that was hers from birth.

Adamson recalls a time in her early education when she first determined that Art would be her field of study. She vividly remembers coming home and announcing that the next family vacation should include a trip to the National Gallery of Art. Every vacation from that time on regardless of location became a “gallery” in the eyes of this young artist, whether it be a Broadway show, the sunny beaches of the Caribbean, or the splendor of Egypt’s pyramids, the canvas was always alive with color, light, and from for Adamson.

What stated out as a hobby in traditional photography soon began to explode with light, color, line and detail as Adamson began to throw out tradition and take the road less traveled. With each new medium that she embraced, she found herself more at home and as her education continued she found more encouragement from mentors and peers to stretch her creative psyche. Adamson was honored with the Art Student League Award during the 1999 Student Competitive at UALR.

Adamson resides in Little Rock, with her husband, Justin.

Butler

Butler has created and successfully marketed artwork, wall coverings and furniture accessories for many years. Butler Design Incorporated enables Butler to design looks that shape today's industry trends.

A native of Washington, Butler began his flourishing art career in historic Pioneer Square. Butler’s creative flexibility with materials and techniques and his inclination to employ non-traditional materials in the service of traditional design and imagery soon captivated the decorative art industry. Butler’s fusions of giclee prints and metallic and pure paints on paper enriched by embossments have brought to life imagery that ranges from leafy botanicals to pure abstractions.

Jardine

The variety of styles present in Jardine’s artwork speaks volumes of this artist’s natural curiosity and dynamic perspective. As a child, Jardine was raised on and artistically shaped by the sights and sounds of New York City.

Jardine would journey to a different museum every Sunday with her father, who is also a painter. In an engrossed effort to study and learn from the master painters, Jardine would blur her eyes at a time in order to change her perspective and fully appreciate the compositions and the brushstrokes. Broadway shows also heightened young Jardine’s senses to the endless combinations of color and light, fantasy and whimsy that would eventually be incorporated into her work.

Jardine gravitated toward the tactile and, as an undergraduate student at the State University of New York in Buffalo, she concentrated on textile design and clay forms. There she developed an interest in incorporation fibers into porcelain wall pieces. The resulting series was displayed in an exceptional solo exhibition granted her before graduation by the University.

In a conscientious effort to return to more traditional media, Jardine began an apprenticeship with a graphic design studio and developed skills in various advertising art and production techniques. Eventually, she began working free-lance and built a strong reputation as a skilled concept illustrator and art director. This work paved her return to watercolors in various genre as florals, landscapes, still life and abstracts. Today, Jardine flourishes in varied media but especially favors acrylics for their texturing and from-building abilities.

A self-professed coffee-holic, Jardine’s tastes run the gamut from the cool, blue sounds of Joni Mitchell to the manic, wacky humor of the movie Beetlejuice. Gustav Klimt is her idol; the master artist’s style and flavor is preeminent in Jardine’s work, especially in the gilded palette, rich patterns, and exotic textures. Jardine’s art is at once uncomplicated, vibrant, powerful but capricious.

Although Jardine credits much of her inspiration to her fascination with fashion and the 1920’s, her love of travel unquestionably fuels her creativity and stimulates her artwork. Wanderlust has swept her to exotic countries both near and far. She has toured extensively throughout Asia and been on safari in Kenya. Ultimately, her travel has revealed itself in many of her pieces in the primitive pattering and Serengeti-inspired colors. At one memorable moment on a visit to a Masai village, all the women came out to greet Jardine and her traveling party with a tribal welcome song, an especially lasting and touching experience for the artist.

Neukam

Neukam began her artistic career just after high school. She learned the exacting science of mat cutting and was able to create layered mat treatments that had never been shown in wholesale market before. Neukam’s trained eye and desire to learn more was conducive to her becoming an art photographer. Her dedication and attention to detail helped her become a master at artwork display and merchandising. In addition to her work behind the camera, she became adept at setting up advertising shots and working with the processor to correct color.

Later in her career Neukam took the responsibility of documenting processes and mediums used by the artists whom artwork she used to photograph. Before long, she began to dabble in the mediums first hand and with little prompting she began creating her own artwork. She honed here skill throughout the years and developed a distinctive style.

After raising two daughters as a single mom, Neukam met and married the love of her life. She now enjoys cooking, gardening and fishing, especially when she is able to take her grandson along. Although, still a newlywed, Neukam recently set up her in-home studio and planning on releasing a whole new line up of exciting artwork in the near future.