Lisa Lund
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Art is spiritual for Lisa. She hopes it’s reflected in her artwork.
Suzan Sammak
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Suzan Sammak is a Syrian-born American artist, lives and works in Arizona, United States. After she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commercial Banking and worked in commercial field for few years, she returned to her passion and studied at the Syrian Culture Center for Art & Sculpture, Suzan worked with different art mediums. Participated in many art group exhibitions between Syria and United States. She was awarded a merit-based scholarship from Scottsdale Artist’s School in Arizona to study with a professional artist. Suzan is committed to her artistic growth and looks forward to sharing her work with a wider audience.
ARTIST GALLERY
Gabriele Bitter
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Raised in Europe, I have been influenced by many different painting styles, which can be seen in my own art. My works have a distinguishable look with my strong colors and textures. Many of my compositions are anchored with geometric shapes and lines, creating both balance and tension.
In addition to painting my non-object abstract art pieces I also enjoy painting abstract portraits, creating collages, and mixed media. I enjoy creating prints with modern and old printmaking techniques
My works have been exhibited in art galleries and organizations throughout Germany and the United States. My art was also featured in "Project 36" with Theater Arts West and the Playwrights and Artists Series II, and See Me gallery. And I am an artist at the Finer Arts Gallery in Cave Creek.
ARTIST GALLERY
Geoff Culbertson
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My art is a rediscovery. I began studying fine art, but parenthood led me to a different path. Years later, I've returned to painting, finding solace and expression in the process. Inspired by abstract impressionists, I mainly paint landscapes not as literal scenes, but as emotional spaces. I focus on capturing feeling and atmosphere through color and gesture, inviting viewers to experience nature's beauty in a new way.
ARTIST GALLERY
Karin berg
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I have always been drawn to pottery ever since I made my first piece as a child. It wasn’t until I was looking for a way to de‐stress from my corporate job that I signed up for my pottery class – and I’ve been a “potter” since. I’ve found the touch, feel, and making aspects of clay addictive. My inspiration comes from many sources even though you might not find explicit direct links to my work. All sorts of primitive pottery, the works of Joan Miro, fabric art, and the clean lines of Scandinavian design are all of interest to me.
I choose to make many types of container forms but am continually drawn back to making bottles or forms with spouts as well as coil built bowls. I use both coil and slab building techniques as I find these techniques restful and endlessly fascinating. My hope is that my pots bring pleasure to those who pick them up and use them.
ARTIST GALLERY
mikki bendotti
ABOUT THE ARTIST
From the time I was a little girl, growing up in Ohio, I have been sketching people, animals, and their surroundings. I can remember sketching horses in second grade. If I did not chatter too much during class, my second-grade teacher would reward me by posting my horse art work on the classroom walls.
As I grew older, rather than taking traditional class notes, I perfected the ability to draw illustrations of what my teacher was teaching us in class. I used the illustrations to study for test and ... Wow! amazed my teacher with making high grades in all of my subjects!
When I had my own students, I taught my students how to use drawings to help them retain information visually. And, they also were very successful in passing tests and being promoted to the next grade.
As an Elementary School Principal, I sketched our students and teachers engaged in the learning process to reinforce the great teaching and instruction taking place. Art in the practical sense has been a constant in my life, because it translates our "Verbal Learning into Visual Learning - and Vice-Versa"
Now that I am retired, I’m working with oils and watercolors, however, I prefer acrylics. Most often, I paint people engaged in the “Human Experience” called life. My goal is to communicate something very unique about the people I paint – something that a camera might not pick up. When I paint a portrait, if successful, there is a point while I am painting, that the person in the painting truly seems to look back at me and – for a moment we become one in the same place within a “Human Experience.” I can think of nothing more rewarding! I have taught others how to draw and paint portraits. I have seen the same joy on their faces when they achieve the personal essence in their art work. And, they too have experienced the “Human Experience.”
As I continue to enhance my “Art Vision and Missions Quest,” I hope to acquire the required knowledge, skills, and experience to be able to create art that reflects one of my favorite Bible verses:
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report ... think (paint) on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
I truly am looking forward to becoming a member of Ground Floor Artists, and have the opportunity to develop both professional and personal powerful colleague relationships. I have been juried into local artists organizations exhibits including*:
Arizona Artist Guild (11/19/17, 3/4/18,2/25/18,4/25/21) Now a Juried Member
Glendale Art Council (1/10/18,1/8/19,1/3/20)
Portrait Artists of Arizona (11/2/19,10/3/19,1/8/20)
Scottsdale Artist School (1/28/19,1/21/20,1/8/21)
*Art pieces selected for "Ground Floor Artist Directory" have been previously Juried by one of the above "Local Artist Organizations".
ARTIST GALLERY
Joanne Allen-Walker
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I’ve been called a creative, mixed media artist, floral designer, crafter and simply an artist. If there was only one simple phrase for everything I’ve done, I’d love it.
Years ago, I started with pressed flowers and I showed samples to a local shop. The owner liked the work but wanted to pay pennies for it. Deflated, I walked out of the shop and noticed a new craft gallery across the way. I walked across the street and presented to the owner. She liked my work and offered me a space. And so started a wonderful friendship that still exists today.
I started with pressed flowers from my garden and then moved to larger flowers, dried and silk arrangements, mosaics and painted furniture. I was also doing craft shows, working with designers and local shops to create custom items.
Since retiring, I’ve been able to allow my creative side to flourish by exploring different ideas and mediums such as art dolls, blackout poetry, and ink line drawing.
ARTIST GALLERY
Sarah simmerman
ABOUT THE ARTIST
From her studio in Surprise, Arizona, Sarah combines vivid colors, dynamic textures, and geometric forms to create bold abstract compositions. Her abstract style has been built from years of practicing art in a variety of styles and mediums. Sarah is inspired by the beauty of the Phoenix area, often using colors and abstracted shapes she sees along the hiking trail. Many of her pieces are introspective, a therapeutic release for emotions and challenges she experiences throughout life. Her original abstract paintings can be seen in exhibitions around the valley, recognizable by her unique style and technique.
Sarah began her studies in art at a young age, taking art classes after school and eventually ended up following this passion to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Throughout her studies, Sarah has experimented with multiple disciplines and mediums but primarily works with acrylics.
www.sarahsimmerman.com
www.instagram.com/sarahsim_art
www.facebook.com/ArtbySarahSim/
ARTIST GALLERY
Tannaz Rouhani
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Tannaz Rouhani is a local artist living in Peoria Arizona. She is a self-taught, full-time abstract artist. With no formal training she has embraced the freedom of abstraction and cultivated a unique, intuitive approach to the arts.
Her creative journey began when she simply sat down with a canvas and a brush allowing instinct and emotion to guide her. What began as a way to relieve stress evolved into a peaceful process of relaxation and self-discovery.
She primarily uses acrylic paints and other elements to achieve her completed artwork. Her artwork reflects the exploration of color and moments of emotion and movement, she creates dynamic compositions. She likes to connect and communicate with her audience and push the limits of abstract expression.
ARTIST GALLERY
Michelle Kohout
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Michelle is a clay artist. Her work focuses body image, caretaking, and her experiences.
ARTIST GALLERY
Rita Chester
ABOUT THE ARTIST
A Journey Through Fibers: My Artistic Evolution
My journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with my family's legacy. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity: my mother's ceramic artistry, my grandmother's vibrant paintings, and my grandfather's skilled woodworking. This constant exposure to different mediums nurtured my artistic spirit and instilled in me the importance of expression. Being a fifth generation quilter, the threads of creativity ran deep, weaving artistic heritage into my very being.
I began my artistic journey as a successful watercolor and fiber artist, my works finding homes in galleries across the United States. Yet, fate had a different path in store for me.
One serendipitous moment on the internet, I stumbled upon an artist crafting stunning bowls using felt. Intrigued, I dove into the world of felting, acquiring the necessary tools and materials. My first wet felted creation marked a pivotal turning point; a new artistic language that spoke to my soul.
Living in Hawaii and now Arizona has shaped my art. Nature's beauty and the cultural richness of my surroundings serve as endless sources of inspiration. Each day, I find myself exploring innovative techniques, refining my vision, and deepening my connection to the art of felting.
I am profoundly grateful for the generosity of fellow fiber artists who have shared their wisdom and for the opportunity to carry on this artistic legacy within my family. Felting, in its tactile nature, has become more than just a medium; it's a reflection of my evolution as an artist, a testament to the boundless possibilities of creative expression.
ARTIST GALLERY
Beth Cornell
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Beth's artistry is ordinary and extraordinary, visionary, and modern. Her work in acrylic painting is within the definition of raw or brut art. However, she has been known to paint a realistic oil portrait or two. For more than 40 years, Beth has provided artistic products and services. From web and digital graphic design to writing and publishing, her services have propelled clients’ success in industries as varied as home construction, pet services, retail, and spiritual services.
Beth has maintained her standing as a local Arizona artists through participation in regional groups and communities.
- Awarded an Individual Artist Grant from West Valley Arts Council in 2007.
- Founding Board member of AFGA/El Mirage Arts Group 2013.
- Supporting artist at Phoenix Pride's artist alley 2010-2018.
Websites:
www.bethcornell.com
www.benicedesign.com
ARTIST GALLERY
Ken Van Egdom
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ken grew up in the Northwest part of Washington State on a 120 acre farm. He went on to graduate from Lynden High School, Skagit Valley Junior College, and Western Washington College. He taught and coached in the public schools for eight years and then worked in the real estate world for 30 years where he received many awards and was president of Lewis County Realtors Association.
Ken took up wood working after cutting down a large maple tree (23 feet around) that had all sorts of unique patterns in the character of the wood. His wood working started out being a hobby that turned into a small business that he loves.
Ken and his wife Connie are snow birds with a home in Washington State and one in Surprise, AZ
Ken loves to work with live edge projects and has made tables, benches, coffee and end tables, bowls, cribbage boards, wine racks, fireplace mantles, beds, hat racks, clocks, jewelry boxes, charcuterie boards and many other types of wood projects.
Ken does custom work and has items located at Semiahmoo Resort in Washington State and he is now selling his wood projects at Ground Floor Artists in Surprise, AZ.
ARTIST GALLERY
Linda Bergeron
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Linda’s passion for art began at a very young age; in the midwest, where she was born and raised.
After studying abroad, years of travel, employment, and living on both coasts; she eventually put down roots in the Pacific Northwest. There, she painted professionally and taught art to high school students for three decades. Recently turning a new chapter, Linda retired, and now snowbirding has landed her here in sunny Arizona.
Her creativity is inspired by capturing nature’s beauty and life experiences. She paints with emotive imagery and fearless stamina in a dream state, leaving behind preconceived notions. Engaging with color’s voice, navigating her way towards truth; Linda strikes balance between light and dark, subconscious and conscious and dances on the line between ambiguity and clarity. Her brush strokes morph into compelling colors until the canvas no longer yearns for attention.
She capitalizes on the uncomfortable interaction of high contrast, bold textures, color, reflective materials and endless layers that deeply transcend a multitude of perspectives. The intimate dialog that emanates from these perspectives is what continually feeds her unyielding determination to paint.
BA in Fine Art and Communications MACI University of St. Thomas
Artist Trusts Edge program, Seattle WA
"We must remain as close to the flowers, grass, and the butterflies as the child is who is not yet so much taller than they." — Friedrich Nietzsche
ARTIST GALLERY
Claire Vining
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Claire Vining is a ceramic artist living and working in Peoria, Arizona. She has over 30 years of experience in clay, both creating and teaching. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Stephen F. Austin in 1995 with an emphasis in Ceramics and Printmaking. She earned her Master's of Art Education in 1997 from the University of Houston and began her teaching career as a high school art teacher in Cypress, Texas. Claire taught predominantly sculpture/ceramics and drawing/painting for over 20 years before moving to Arizona in 2014. Claire is excited to explore ceramics again after a much too long absence from the medium while "life" took over. She is thrilled to have found such a creative and collaborative community here at Ground Floor Artists. Currently, Claire likes to create functional ceramics, both on and off the potter's wheel, that can be enjoyed everyday. From the act of eating a simple meal and how your knife and fork skate across the plate, to the comfort of holding your favorite mug while you take your first sip of tea, to how the lip of that mug sits on your mouth as you take that first sip in the morning. Those are just a few of the things she considers while making functional pottery. She draws inspiration from the colors and shapes found in nature and loves to incorporate texture, both visually and physically on her work to reflect that beauty that nature provides us. Claire has been married to her husband Jeff for 27 years, and they have 2 children, Layton (20) and Julia (24).
ARTIST GALLERY
Lynn Byrn
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist Name
Lynn Byrn, the "Bliss-filled" artist and founder of Sun Baked Studio, creates art using paint, colored pencils, stencils, and craft paper. Her "sun-baked" artistry involves drying layers of paint and paper under the Arizona sun. She is currently exploring luminescence in her work, adding elements that shimmer and catch the light.
Initially, Lynn's art journey was personal, experimenting with various mediums and attending classes. She sketches "ghosts" of ideas that evolve, with her art supplies mirroring her inner vision. She finds the final piece always surprising, embodying what she believes to be the essence of great art: an initial allure that invites deeper exploration of its intricacies. Her latest works provide distinct glimpses into an ever-expanding imaginary universe, expressed through vibrant colors and forms. Lynn dedicates time to her art daily.
As a debut illustrator, Lynn's upcoming book, "Perched in Our Heart: A Family Read-Aloud Book about Loss and Healing," set for release in December 2024, is a heartfelt reflection on loss and hope. The illustrations bring to life real individuals, settings, and narratives, offering solace to those struggling to articulate the pain of losing someone dear.
Contact Lynn at sunbakedstudio@yahoo.com
ARTIST GALLERY
Triss Edwards
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I’m an imaginative realist painter specializing in oil and acrylic works that explore the boundaries of reality and abstraction. My art is inspired by the expansive beauty of solar systems and the emotive depth of contemporary abstract art, merging cosmic themes with dreamlike landscapes that invite viewers into realms both familiar and otherworldly.
Originally trained in fine art at South West Jr. College and Woodbury College in Los Angeles, CA, my early career as a technical artist included working on a youth opportunity campaign at Sandia Laboratories Livermore. However, due to financial circumstances, I had to set aside art to pursue a 45-year career in banking. In retirement, with the encouragement of friends and mentors Steve and Sandy Nelson, I’ve rediscovered a lifelong passion for painting.
Now, I dedicate each piece to evoking wonder and curiosity, blending vivid imagination with a realist touch. Through this journey back to art, I hope to inspire others to reconnect with their own creative dreams.
ARTIST GALLERY
Sandra Schou
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My art journey began in MI at a young age, and I've wholeheartedly embraced its exploration ever since. In 9th grade, I enrolled in studio painting classes and created my first 18” x 24” oil painting of the Greek Parthenon. I even incorporated this artwork into my English project on Greek mythology, taking an unconventional path that ultimately earned me top grades.
Throughout high school and community college, I nurtured my passion for art, sharpening my skills at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. I expanded my artistic repertoire by studying computer graphics and photography, focusing on capturing striking portraits and breathtaking landscapes.
At 35, I took a bold step and launched 'The Beveled Edge,' a thriving custom picture framing business that flourished for twenty years. This venture became my primary creative outlet while deepening my passion for photography. Alongside this journey, I pursued university business classes and mastered trading stocks and options, dedicating nearly two decades to this endeavor with remarkable success.
I then embarked on a transformative year of solo travel across the country, capturing stunning photography and portraits. This invaluable experience allowed me to fully embrace my artistic vision.
Now, my art journey has come full circle, reigniting a profound passion for painting. I joined a dynamic group of 12-15 talented artists who meet weekly to paint from live models. Starting with minimal experience, I welcomed the challenge and committed myself to improvement. Through consistent practice, I’ve witnessed significant growth and have begun showcasing my work in exhibitions. This inspiring collaborative environment fuels my creativity and excitement for the future.
In 2018, I embraced the exhilarating decision to purchase a condo in Peoria, AZ, where I immerse myself in the vibrant local art scene and connect with skilled artists engaged in plein air painting.
I’ve discovered a wonderful balance in my work, dividing my time between portraiture in Michigan and plein air painting in Arizona. This dual focus continually inspires me, and I eagerly anticipate what new creativity awaits. Oh, look! A squirrel! :)
ARTIST GALLERY
Shadowcat
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I am an illustrative artist that works in the media of pencil, ink, and watercolor. My work is inspired by my experiences in nature as a wildlife biologist, the pangender personalities of my cats, and my healing journey through a lifetime of trauma. My work is intended to capture my "emotional landscape" where the natural features and creatures intuitively emerge from the page as deep psychological and spiritual symbolism. The seemingly cute and approachable characters and vibrant colors contrast sharply with the depth of their traumatic, and sometimes dark, meaning. My work could be perceived as illustrations from a children's book whose story crosses a threshold between dream and nightmare. My work has allowed me to process my survivor journey with animals that embody acceptance in a world where the rainbow path leads you with hope.
ARTIST GALLERY
Diane Kent
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist Name
My Waterworks Artists group exhibition titled Realism to Abstraction and Abstraction to Realism was the origin of my focus of changing to nonrepresentational. I first pursued an abstracted composition with paper collage and watercolor mediums. This led to what I now pursue — the painting of broad geometric shapes. The smooth application of acrylic paint is fitting for the broad geometric shapes in my compositions.
For the creation of my geometrical art, I use an approach that I personally developed. It involves reworking drawings from completed paintings. I rearrange, enlarge and reduce the shapes into a totally new design and then trace the new onto wrapped canvas. New ideas about expanding this method continue.
By nature, I am a creative person, whether it be in the kitchen, at the table producing beaded jewelry or in the art studio. The challenge of generating the next piece is what inspires me to continue painting a distinct and recognizable work of art. My goal is to have the viewer’s eye drawn into the painting, captivated by the unique composition of shape, color and movement. I want the art audience to be anxious to move onto view the next one hanging on the wall, and to find the one that enamors them the most.
