Based in Snohomish, Washington, Nikki Gardner creates evocative oil paintings that draw inspiration from the Dutch Masters while examining universal themes of mortality, beauty, and human connection. Through dramatic light, symbolism, and carefully arranged still lifes, her work invites viewers into moments of quiet reflection.

New Zealand artist Emma Bass creates luminous floral photographs that bridge fine art, nature, and wellbeing. Influenced by the Dutch Golden Age still-life tradition and informed by her background in nursing, her work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience beauty as a meaningful form of care. Featured in Create! Magazine's 10th Anniversary Book, Bass shares how her practice has evolved through international collaborations, healthcare installations, and an ongoing exploration of art's restorative potential.