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For Artist's Web site
Melissa Tobia
Melissa Tobia is a New York City award-winning pastel artist and recipient of the Chemical Bank Art Award and The Dawn Marie Benz Scholarship. She also won the Second Place Award presented by Congressman Tom Downey for her work in an exhibition at the Islip Art Museum. This year she won a "Member's Choice" award for her oil painting "New York Muscari" featured in the EBSQ Online gallery.

She has a passionate fascination and reverence for the magnificent world of flowers. Her current series of expressive pastel paintings of flowers are inspired by frequent photographic excursions to the Botanical Gardens and Nature Conservatories and those she grows in her garden. Vibrant colors, contrasting shapes, light and shadow set the stage for her bold and dramatic compositions. The artist has a keen attention to detail and she enjoys illuminating those personified qualities that often go unnoticed by the casual observer.

Tobia's work is in many private collections throughout the U.S. and is in the collection of the Long Island Bank, among other public collections. She studied at the Art Student's League of New York under artists Barbara Adrian and Ephraim Rubenstein. She is currently a member of Pen & Brush, EBSQArt.com, and The Art Student's League of NY. Melissa studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and she received her B.F.A. from School of Visual Arts in New York, NY.

Praise for Melissa Tobia
"Melissa Tobia is a versatile and talented artist who excels in every medium of her choice. Her technical prowess and her observation to detail are equal to her imaginative and innovative use of color and expression. Her poetic florals capture the very essence and personality of her subjects."
-- Renée Phillips, Director of Manhattan Arts International

For artist's website:
Lawrence Schneider
"Inspired by positive themes such as Hope and Harmony and a passion for his subjects Lawrence Schneider creates sculpture that leaps off the three-dimensional plane with resounding exuberance. The rhythmic undulating lines in his art soar through space into infinity, entertaining and teasing the eyes of the enchanted viewer. Formerly an aeronautical engineer as well as being a private pilot Schneider incorporates a profound understanding of spatial dimensions. Unlike Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance man, his aptitude for science and art grant him an innovative perspective on his work. His imagination knows no boundaries: He can execute an idea for a three dimensional work of art with unerring technical prowess."
-- Renee Phillips, author and Director, Manhattan Arts International

Essays for catalogue
Paula Cruz
The large, provocative paintings of Paula Cruz resonate with a direct and exhilarating range of expression. Sometimes disquieting, often illuminating and always visceral, they are imbued with a refreshing kind of raw intensity.

Shades of reds punctuated by blacks and yellows inject these works of art with vigour. The colours of blood, passion, and the unknown draw us in. We search through layers of heavy impasto, scratched and bubbling encrustations and slick and slippery puddles and drips. Before our eyes enigmatic life forms and ambiguous abstractions unfold.

We enter their shrouds of mystery as if we are entering several different worlds simultaneously. In this process we discover the artist's visual and spiritual journey as well as unmasking our own levels of consciousness.

Paula Cruz employs a rich and versatile vocabulary, raising many questions about the human experience. She seems to find her inspiration from such deeply rooted sources as cave paintings, tribal cultures and religious symbols. Fertility, conscience, love, mortality are just a few of the profound issues that preoccupy the artist who is also a highly regarded poet. However, for all their intuitive impulses and primitive iconography, these paintings are not without sophistication and proficiency. The artist's curvilinear morphology creates a compelling architecture from which the dream-like characters appear and disappear from the deep shadows.

Most importantly, Paula Cruz's images transcend any particular association to become universal depictions of birth and death, transformation and affirmation. In doing this she is among an important group of artists today who channel their creative powers in order to inspire and heal viewers.

By Renée Phillips, New York based writer, author, Director of Manhattan Arts International, and member of the International Association of Art Critics

Introduction for Catalogue
William P.D. Bailey
Abstract painting has the advantage over realism in that the abstract artist has a greater freedom to define his own artistic and technical parameters. Artist William P. D. Bailey has achieved his own inimitable style as a result of mastering many elements of abstraction with acute precision and creative versatility.

Bailey’s art is a poetic synchronization of balance and harmony and a lyrical juxtaposition of design and spontaneity. His dynamic paintings could be described as “Eye Music” because the artist paints music for the eyes. In his work a myriad of rhythms interact simultaneously. Forms twist and turn, zig and zag, recede and advance across the wood and canvas surfaces. Primary and secondary colors fill simplified shapes in a panoply of permutations. Syncopated movements abound in a medley of contrasts in correlation with classical and jazz music.

The strong musical attributes of Bailey’s work conjure up associations with masters of abstraction – Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky and Henri Matisse – also inspired by music.

Bailey’s syncopation and hard-edge geometry in “Computer II” and “Richard III” echo that of Mondrian, while his supple biomorphic forms, powerful diagonals and undulating movement in “Blue Sea” reflect the best of Kandinsky. And, yet, the whimsical free-floating shapes in “Joy II” are as awe-inspiring as Henri Matisse’s “Jazz” cutouts. Furthermore, we see Bailey’s versatility taking an expressionistic approach in “My Dog” and “Lago.”

Throughout his lively repertoire, Bailey exudes his joie de vivre in addition to a masterful use of color and composition. One could not imagine having created these paintings without having a positive view of life and arising from the deep wellspring of creativity. Unquestionably his images resonate with clarity and stability while so much in the world is in chaos and volatility.

Bailey admits to succumbing to “the wondrous and satisfying adventure -- quiet flow of undirected thought.” He continues, “My paintings result more from meditation than observation.”

An entirely unique wondrous experience awaits each viewer and each subsequent view of William P.D. Bailey’s work. The satisfying diversity and superb intricacies that comprise his work reveal themselves only progressively to those who make the effort to deepen their connection with it.

By Renée Phillips, New York based writer, author, Director of Manhattan Arts International, and member of the International Association of Art Critics

Introduction for a Book
Joanne Turney
I first became acquainted with Joanne Turney and her art work in 1990. She was having an exhibition in a Chelsea, New York gallery and I was editor in chief of Manhattan Arts International magazine. Upon meeting her I was immediately impressed by the vitality, positive energy and generosity of spirit that radiated from her and her paintings.

Today, at the ripe young age of 79, Joanne’s gusto is as powerful as ever in this unique and inspiring book “The Art of Joyful f Aging” -- a direct reflection of her joie de vivre.

Joannne’s paintings range upward to several feet, however, the paintings that are reproduced within are her “Teenie Turneys”. Although small in scale these precious gems behold an enormous magnitude of versatility, expressive colors, and rich textures. Her luminous abstract paintings are a celebration of the internal rhythms of the natural world and the creative gifts from the metaphysical realm.

To accompany her paintings Joanne has thoughtfully gathered and placed a variety of quotes about aging that range from witty humor to profound insight. This poetic companion of art and words guides the reader on a blissful journey through the ever changing seasons of life.

As a curator I have selected Joanne’s art for several New York City exhibitions over the years and I have observed how viewers stand before it in awe of her artistic prowess. However, Joanne is always quick to dismiss any form of flattery. Instead, she acknowledges that she is a vessel through which the Creator expresses itself. Only someone like Joanne, with such humility and grace, could create such a treasure trove to honor humanity. Her faith has always been a constant flame that burns brightly within her and emanates from everything she creates, and this incredible book is no exception.

We can learn from Joanne who has acquired the art of living “in the present” and celebrates life with daily gratitude and reverence. She views aging as an opportunity for growth and transformation and her spiritual philosophy is clear. I recommend that you savor this gem of a book daily like a health tonic and share its restorative benefits with loved ones and friends. Joanne’s life-affirming art and the quotations are certain to nurture and inspire you to grow younger each day.

Essay for Catalogue
Nadiya Jinnah
Since early in her career in London Nadiya Jinnah has always forged new artistic territories, earning her position as a visionary artist and the creator of a new process using unique casting techniques.

Equally adept in sculpture as well as a master of color Jinnah pursued the challenge of creating the illusion of three dimensions in two dimensional paintings and has succeeded triumphantly.

Currently living in New York, NY, this internationally exhibited artist was born in Uganda of East Indian parentage. Her illustrious career has garnered worldwide attention of private and corporate collectors, the respect of curators, and the praise of critics including the late William Zimmer, art critic for The New York Times.

Having an intimate and spiritual relationship to nature’s elements Nadiya Jinnah begins her abstract works with clay (earth) as the basic material, adding to it the element of water, which the artists says “energizes the clay.” Into this ground she plants the proverbial seed of innate creativity that she nurtures and gently forms into crevasses, cracks, and craters. This casting provides the rich foundation for the highly dimensional painting on canvas to emerge.

As Jinnah allows the intuitive process to unfold, her innovative use of color and infusion of her full spectrum of life’s experiences further illuminate the piece. A myriad of luscious layers of cool and warm colors – from the intense blues of the Mediterranean Sea to the fiery reds of the sun – coalesce and harmonize on the tactile surfaces.

The large and formidable yet very intimate paintings Jinnah calls “Lifescapes” never cease to transform and a new experience awaits the viewer with every encounter. On a visit to her spacious and studio one immediately enters a sacred space and begins a personal journey within – where time and space become an illusion. Whether we feel the palpable sensations of rainfall (“Protective Rain”), or are submerged into the magical depths of the ocean (“Ocean’s Glory”) or transported to the expansive and cosmic universe (“Transformation II”), we discover oneness and wholeness guided by the hand of Jinnah’s inimitable spirit.

When in the presence of Jinnah’s work, I understand fully what is meant by being in the power and presence of great healing art. Whether it is her positive energy force that radiates from her paintings and circulates and soothes one’s nervous system or her colors’ effect upon each charka of the body, I am reminded of Vasily Kandinsky’s words: “Generally speaking, color directly influences the soul. Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammers, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another purposively, to cause vibrations in the soul.”

Nadiya Jinnah is such an artist, causing healing vibrations in the soul.


For artist's webblog:
Dustin DeBoer
Dustin DeBoer is an extraordinary photographer with a keen eye for discovering the sublime in the ordinary. His light-filled photographs reveal the heart and soul of his subjects. His mission, through "Solid Rock Photography" is "to encourage people to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate."

Dustin is a missionary with a camera, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us. His images reach out and hold us in rapture. They take us on a peaceful journey of discovering the light and love-filled divine in nature. Dustin reminds us of the importance to take time to to connect with the spirit and soul of a power larger than us, yet part of us. He also reminds us of our responsibility to retain this sacred gift of nature that we often take for granted.