Artscape Spring & Summer 2024
Bombastus:
Bombastus, an artist and poet, disrupts conventional views on personhood, history, and timelines, embracing life as a cyclical intertwining of personal and collective narratives. Currently identifying as a Neanderthal, they draw inspiration from childhood visits to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. With a distinctive outlook, Bombastus recognizes and expresses love for the presence of all, weaving their unique perspective into their work.
Lisette Bourne:
Lisette Bourne, a Southern California-based photographic artist and educator, has been teaching in Riverside since 2021. Her passion for photography ignited at five with her first film camera and was further inspired by a teenage exchange program in Japan. Holding a BFA from CalArts and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University, Lisette integrates her extensive teaching experiences across California into her artistic process, actively engaging her students in Riverside's art scene. Her recent exhibitions, featured in various California galleries, demonstrate her versatility. Beyond her professional life, Lisette is an avid traveler.
Curt Burgess:
Curt Burgess, a fine art photographer and digital artist residing in Southern California, relocated from New York 32 years ago. Since 2008, his work has been represented at the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art and featured in various national and regional exhibitions. He is the author of two photo books and an active participant in the Riverside Community Arts Association. Having retired from his professorship three years ago, Curt now devotes himself entirely to his art, continuing to influence and contribute to the art scene.
Kim Cobb:
Kim Cobb, from Pasadena, CA, has been dedicated to art since she was 3. Now a freelance artist and educator, her work has been displayed in Riverside, Michigan, and Long Beach. Kim's interests extend to knitting, music, and movies. She is passionate about education, enjoying teaching people of all ages, blending her love for art with a commitment to sharing knowledge and skills.
Maryam Crogman:
Maryam Crogman's art, rich in Africo-Caribbean and European influences, emphasizes cultural imagery, life, textures, and colors. Coming from a lineage of artists, her work blends minimal lines with acrylic portraits, bold colors, chains, gold, and spray paint, urging audiences to explore and question their understanding of different cultures. Featured in venues like Riverside Artscape, Ontario Museum of History and Arts, and more, Maryam has also contributed to street murals across the Inland Empire. She owns L’Expression Creative Studios, a community hub and art center fostering unique expressions.
Josephine Estrada:
Josephine Estrada, a Los Angeles-born mixed media artist raised in Riverside County, has engaged with art since preschool. Known for her fearless experimental approach, she constantly pushes her work's boundaries. Her art has been featured in shows from Laguna Beach to mid-city Los Angeles. In her free time, Josephine explores her surroundings, drawing inspiration for her creations, which she passionately shares with the world through her canvas.
Jonathan Jose:
Johnathan Jose, who embarked on his artistic journey in August 2021, has explored painting and drawing, favoring oil, acrylic, and watercolor mediums. As a veteran, he feels privileged to have been chosen for a Veteran Artist event on Veteran's Day in 2023, marking a significant milestone in his nascent art career.
Denise Kraemer:
Denise Kraemer, a Riverside, California-based artist, showcases a stunning collection of four pieces that embody the essence of the seasons. Crafted on cradle panels with selected fabrics and intricate hand-sewn details, her work vividly captures nature's beauty and transitions throughout the year.
Joel Lopez:
Joel Lopez, a versatile painter from the Inland Empire who moved to Riverside in 2023, has been passionate about art since age 10. Fully dedicated to his craft, Joel works on murals, window splashes, his clothing brand, and tattoos. His art has been featured at the Riverside Art Walk, Pomona Art Walk, Woca Gallery, and various pop-ups. Currently, he's under the mentorship of renowned artist Man One, assisting with mural projects and shows. Joel aims to tackle larger projects, showcasing his unique skills and style, and hopes to inspire others with his art.
Afton Lossing:
Afton Lossing, a mixed media artist from Riverside, delights in blending physical media like fabrics into her creations. Fueled by a lifelong passion for creativity that ranges from film to sewing, her art is inspired by the mystique of Area 51, desert winds, and the beauty of the stars, leading her into unconventional creative realms. While pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, Afton skillfully balances her academic goals with her artistic passion.
William Myerchin:
William Myerchin, with 35 years of experience as a photographer in the Inland Empire, ran a commercial studio in Riverside from 1981 to 2006. His journey began as an army photographer in Vietnam, leading him to study at the Art Center College of Design and open his studio in 1979. Now retired, William has shifted his focus to fine art photography, exploring self and the world by capturing serendipitous moments through his lens.
Kamelyta Noor:
Kamelyta Noor, an abstract expressive finger painter from Malaysia, has been residing in Moreno Valley since 1998. Starting her art journey in 2017, she uses vibrant acrylics to express her emotions and inner feelings. Her work, known for its assertive colors and lyrical strokes, invites viewers into her personal narrative of emotions ranging from sadness to happiness. Kamelyta's art has been featured in notable galleries and institutions like the Riverside Art Museum and San Bernardino County Museum, with solo exhibitions in Fontana and a recent showcase at the Ontario International Airport.
Enedino Padilla:
Enedino (Dino) Padilla, a representational painter who relocated to Riverside, California from San Gabriel Valley in 2016, has passionately pursued art since 2019. His work, which has been exhibited at the Riverside Art Museum, delves into the beauty and complexity of the world, focusing on the technicalities of shape, value, and edge. Dino aims to connect and build a community with fellow artists in the Inland Empire, sharing and growing together through artistic expression.
Velocity Parker:
Velocity Parker, a mixed media artist from San Jose, California, moved to Riverside for her studies in psychology and studio art, graduating from the University of California, Riverside in 2022. Passionate about art her whole life, her current work delves into self-perception and environmental interactions. Exhibited at UCR Arts in 2022 and Old Town Artisan Studios in 2023, Velocity is also a founding member of FSHCAKEZ, an artist collective designed to encourage collaboration and community among artists. She aims to evolve her artistic practice while pursuing further education in fine arts.
Pezer:
Pezer, a 26-year-old French artist now based in Riverside, California, brings a unique blend of painting techniques refined over a decade to his burgeoning mural portfolio. With a background in graphic design and experience as a tattoo artist in Paris, Pezer is driven by the diverse Californian art scene. He aspires to gain renown as a painter, dreaming of his artwork gracing buildings citywide.
Carmen Polan:
Carmen Polan, a Los Angeles-based artist, turned to art for solace after leaving an abusive relationship. Overcoming initial criticism, she developed a unique style inspired by her inner battles, creating unconventional, monster-themed artwork with love. Carmen, holding degrees in Art History and Fine Art, has showcased her work in California galleries for over 20 years. Beyond her art, she supports charitable causes and enjoys karaoke and dancing. Art serves as Carmen's personal refuge, aiding her mental resilience and strength. She aims to foster a passion for self-expression in her daughter, highlighting the value of sharing art with the world.
Frao Samaro III:
Frankie Samaro III, rooted in the Inland Empire his entire life, embarked on his artistic path at just 8 years old. Now a muralist, Frankie contributes to public art, displaying his skills across Southern California. As a business owner and licensed contractor, he focuses on creating large-scale murals for schools, businesses, and private clients, blending his passion for art with his professional expertise to enhance community spaces.
Barbara Simpson-Lara:
Barbara Simpson-Lara, a Los Angeles native, found her passion for photography early on, overcoming financial hurdles with her Kodak Instamatic. The acquisition of a Pentax K1000 in 1979 was a turning point in her self-taught journey, leading to high school awards and deep involvement in the arts community after relocating to the Inland Empire in 1989. As she nears retirement from her Riverside County career, Barbara is excited to pursue an MFA in Art at Cal State San Bernardino, aiming to further her commitment to photography.
Mario Solorzano:
Mario Solorzano, a Pomona-based mixed media artist, turned his creative passion into striking artworks during the pandemic. Initially self-taught, Mario quickly gained attention, with his art featured in galleries across California and enhancing numerous businesses. Known for his blacklight reactive art and a unique style with hidden elements, Mario has earned accolades at the Del Mar County Fair and created murals for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Committed to community service, he curates for the Klownski Foundation and volunteers for charitable causes. Specializing in portraits, Mario continues to explore and push the limits of his artistry, making significant strides in the art world.
Alexis Spears:
Alexis Spears, originating from Riverside, CA, and raised across the Inland Empire, has nurtured a passion for art from a young age, culminating in a recent graduation from the University of California, Riverside. Their mixed media work, celebrated at esteemed venues like The Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts and internationally at Artmill in the Czech Republic, reflects a broad and evolving exploration of art forms. Currently, Alexis is exploring analog photography and tactile manipulation, further broadening their creative scope and artistic expression.
Sheryl Stradling:
Sheryl Stradling, a mixed media abstract artist from Western Washington, moved to Riverside County from Mesa, Arizona in 2021. With an art minor from Western Washington University and further studies at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, Sheryl has shown her work in Menifee, Fallbrook, and Temecula, becoming a Dorland resident artist in 2018. Her art, a spiritual journey reflecting life's interconnectedness, continues to evolve in her Menifee home studio. Semi-retired, Sheryl balances creativity with writing, meditation, martial arts, gardening, and home projects, embodying a holistic approach to art and life.
Rose Tran:
Rose Tran, from Colton, CA, is a versatile artist balancing her pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art at UCR with her role as a substitute teacher. Her artwork, which includes large-scale textile pieces and sculptures, has gained recognition at Oakland University. Overcoming initial hesitations, Rose is now focused on gaining broader exposure and establishing herself as a full-time artist. Inspired by her Asian American background, her work delves into themes of cultural assimilation and personal experiences, reflecting a deep engagement with her heritage and identity.
Johanna “J” Villa:
J Villa, an artist from Ensenada, Mexico, raised in Lake Elsinore, California, took a leap of faith in 2021 by quitting his job to collaborate with New World Order in Wisconsin, showcasing his art. His chance meeting in 2022 with the CEO of High Flows Capitol on the beach led to securing a studio in San Diego, where he now thrives as a freelance artist. J occasionally exhibits at local events, with a recent showcase at Palette & Poetry in LA. He aspires to host a solo show, aiming for sophistication and connection with his audience through the emotions his work evokes. Beyond painting, J enjoys cycling, park visits with his dog, and Ben & Jerry's Dirt Cake ice cream.
