David Mercado is an artist who resides in Austin, Texas. In the beginning, his imagery focused on the beauty, strength, and movement of hummingbirds—a series that gained him national recognition by their popularity. As his career progressed, however, an exciting new abstract collection emerged which illustrated not only his range as an artist, but showcased the evolution of depth and complexity within his work.
It is the striking imagery of Mercado’s latest venture, however, which reveals a much more personal side of the artist. His “Virgen de Guadalupe” series gives a profoundly intimate glimpse into the faith and heritage which have inspired him. The series unveils an incredible transformation of traditional, iconic imagery into complex, abstract renderings of the Virgin’s image onto board, paper, and furniture pieces. Mercado’s style flawlessly blends the old and new to produce this new intriguing mix of vivid, soul-jarring, and contemporary pieces. @davidmercadoatxEmail David
Lauren Luna was born in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from Kent State University’s School of Fine Arts with a focus in painting, she moved to New York City. She began teaching Special Education for New York City schools and entered a Masters program at Manhattan College. Upon graduation, she moved back to her hometown of Columbus along with her son and continued teaching. Later enrolling in the Academy of Art University for her second Master’s degree, in Fine Arts.
In 2011, Luna relocated to Houston, Texas, pursuing her new life as a full time artist and footwear designer.
Lauren Luna was named a Top 50 Entrepreneur by Scion Car Company, participated in Austin and Houston Fashion Week, was featured in British Vogue and Glamour Magazines, and had a shoe design in an exhibit in the Grassi Museum in Germany.She was honored to receive the Margot Siegel Award for Design by the Goldstein Museum of which two pairs of her hand painted shoes are a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
In 2015, after winning Best In Show at a juried art competition, she was commended by the Alvin Independent School District School Board, and was put into Congressional Record by the District’s State Representative.
She is a frequent participant to local art festivals, and also has a mural at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Luna currently is an art professor at Lone Star and San Jacinto Colleges, and is Co-President of the D.R.E.A.M Affect Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to minority art students pursuing Fine Arts, and grants for emerging artists to show their work.
by Kristy Allmon My signature style with Enchanted Photodesign offers a luminous, ethereal view of a widely diverse array of subjects, from personal portraits to hard-edged urban views, from wildflowers to vivid graffiti. Far more than a business name, Enchanted Photodesign describes my approach to photography itself, a highly characteristic expression of my worldview, which creates a unique and immediately recognizable body of work. www.enchantedphotodesign.com 713-320-2713
Here is the question: Why can’t everything be beautiful? The Beyond Her Collection is a group of high quality, everyday artisan goods made more satisfying with thoughtful design. It starts with original art – watercolors or pen-and-ink drawings by Paule Hewlett (aka “her”- which is then imprinted onto various surfaces, then packaged by hand, with care.
Products include stationery and office products . . . napkins and dishtowels . . . pillows and mugs . . . tee shirts and scarves. Most products include an inspirational or comforting quote, resulting in a soul-satisfying Art + Wisdom experience.
The raw ingredients are carefully chosen – we hunt for natural fabrics, feel-good sizes, practical designs, great styling, sturdy construction, unique textures. The images and colors are carefully chosen to be both visible and durable so that using these humble domestic objects is a joy in itself.
The textile products are silkscreened by hand with eco-friendly water-based inks. Many of the paper products are printed one at a time in our shop. We use small local shops for any outsourcing. All products are lovingly packaged by hand in our own studio, in our own style.
We call it Art for Living. And it makes a difference. Oh, and the name? It comes from the passion that drives this small business. It truly is . . Beyond Her.
My medium is a varied mix of tiny shells, scraps of paper, slivers of glass, thick gel mediums, crusted gouache additives, creamy acrylic and globs of oil paints, traces of watercolor and melted wax crayons combined with hardened enamels and carefully chosen 14kt gold flake.
Every piece is original and every creation is an unpredictable surprise! I create with a clear heart, no expectations. The materials combined together create a resist-like reaction and the results are different every time…..each piece is genuinely unique and original!
I’m passionate about living the artful life. I have a great appreciation for nature and animals,20% of all sales goes to S.N.A.P. (Spay and Neuter Assistance Program) for animals. I am also an active advocate for the “Adopt Don’t Shop!” movement which means finding forever homes for our homeless furry friends.
The Mosaic Series started in 2013 with the “Mosaic Elephant” and is constantly evolving. When creating each animal, I move fluidly through the process with sensitivity to the way I am feeling: every line, color, and texture is made focusing on the energy that encompasses me at the time. Further, patterns naturally form and create a rhythm within the animal. The overall composition is balanced with the focal point on the animal(s) as the primary subject in the artwork. When creating, I let the product naturally unfold before my eyes revealing many truths about my interworking subconscious. The animals are metaphors for things that are going on in my life. I love the contrast with the black background, it brings the animal to life – as if it was leaping out at you! Every painting is created with acrylic paint. Commissions are welcomed!
“If I could choose one thing to do for the rest of my life-this would be it! Nothing else comes close!” I wish you-LOVE.
Acrylic, House Paint, Mixed Media, Collage, etc. on Wood, Canvas, Metal, Board, Found Pieces, etc., and Found Object Sculpture. Basically, whatever I can lay my hand to. I can do a lot with a little. 346-377-8664 @deantsnider
