Spenser Bower’s oil paintings offer a kaleidoscopic view of queer joy and nostalgia, capturing moments from Chicago’s Hollywood Beach, Boystown nightclubs, and Palm Springs poolsides. Inspired by artists like David Hockney and Jenny Morgan, Bower’s work immortalizes fleeting moments of vibrant youth, transforming them into enduring vignettes that transcend time. Learn more about his artistic process and inspiration in this in-depth feature.

Michelle Lee Rigell’s artwork, which blends acrylics and watercolor with the symbolism of origami, explores themes of healing, loss, and cultural identity. Her project, "1000 Crane Project," reflects her personal journey and dedication to art as a tool for emotional recovery. Featured in renowned galleries and publications, Rigell’s work continues to inspire through its intersection of precision and sentimentality. Discover her inspiring journey and creative process in this feature.

April Werle’s art reimagines cultural narratives through a unique blend of paint and relief techniques, capturing the contrasts and connections that define belonging and identity. With exhibitions at the Holter Museum of Art and The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, and features in New Visionary Magazine and Kapwa Magazine, Werle’s work is a powerful exploration of integration versus assimilation.

Mingxian Xiang, a London-based illustrator and animator, uses opaque watercolor to create hazy, dreamlike paintings that preserve fleeting memories. Drawing on her connection to people and the environment, Mingxian’s work blurs the line between reality and emotion, capturing ordinary moments with extraordinary depth.

Emilee Papa’s embroidery art weaves together emotions and personal healing, creating intricate representations of beauty from the macabre. In AQ Volume IV, she shares her journey from pandemic hobbyist to self-taught artist, using textiles to navigate the complexities of depression, creativity, and self-expression. With each stitch, she explores the power of the grotesque to heal and inspire, pushing the boundaries of what embroidery can convey.

Varsha Suresh’s artistic practice weaves together traditional mediums and digital techniques, bringing attention to the hidden beauty of nature. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind her work, how she navigates the challenges of environmental advocacy through art, and her mission to foster a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world. Featured in AQ Volume 4, Suresh’s work encourages us to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.

Award-winning artist Jess Quinn, featured in AQ Volume IV, brings nature's most delicate elements to life through her larger-than-life botanical oil paintings. Her work magnifies the intricate details of flowers and plants, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world and encouraging viewers to slow down and appreciate the simple, yet extraordinary beauty surrounding them. Discover how Quinn's dedication to capturing the elegance of everyday botanicals has transformed her art into a powerful reminder of nature's unseen wonders.

Meet Tanisha Marshall, an AQ Volume IV artist whose abstract creations reflect a journey of healing, self-acceptance, and perseverance. Based in Dallas, Texas, Tanisha shares her story of overcoming challenges and using her art to inspire others to embrace their true selves. From her "Don’t Give Up" collection to her love for experimentation, Tanisha’s work is a testament to the power of creativity and faith.

Anne Wölk, an AQ Volume IV artist based in Berlin, captivates viewers with her imaginative starry landscapes and cosmic themes. Combining techniques of the old masters with modern digital aesthetics, her work bridges Romanticism and Photorealism to reimagine traditional landscape painting. With international exhibitions and awards, Wölk’s visionary art invites us to explore the limitless possibilities of the universe.

Aurora Santika, born in 1996 in Bogor, Indonesia, is a painter renowned for her detailed compositions that explore human relationships. Her art transforms everyday struggles into epic visual tales, drawing inspiration from fiction and cultural iconographies. Aurora holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta, and has exhibited in multiple group shows and solo exhibitions, including "Breaking Through" (2018) and "Dreamscape Anthology" (2023). She recently participated in the Vermont Studio Center residency under the Jon Imber Painting Fellowship. Her work reflects a continuous effort to understand life and communicate complex narratives through the ethereal qualities of fantasy realms.

Angela Wan, a rising artist from Honolulu, Hawaii, blends digital tools and traditional acrylics to evoke the peaceful and vibrant beauty of island life. Featured in AQ Volume IV, Angela’s artwork explores themes of relaxation and creativity, capturing the calm essence of nature in stunning mixed-media pieces. In her interview, Angela shares her journey from product designer to full-time artist, her process of artistic exploration, and her commitment to creating art that encourages viewers to embrace tranquility and peace.

Mie Akatsu’s work merges cultural experiences and intuitive expression to explore the lives of women through oil paintings and pastels. Featured in AQ Volume IV, Akatsu discusses her creative process, challenges, and the power of experimentation. In her latest series, she paints the transitions of the day, overlaying personal stories with universal themes.

Lotte Goede, a self-taught mixed media artist, brings a fresh perspective to abstract painting through an intuitive creative process. Her work, highlighted in AQ Volume IV, is a beautiful exploration of colors, textures, and layers—crafted with play and curiosity. In this interview, Lotte shares how her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a full-time artist has shaped her artistic practice, how she navigates the challenges of creating, and how experimentation fuels her ever-evolving work.

In AQ Volume IV, artist Angela Lane shares her unique journey as a painter blending influences from quilting, interior design, and geometric abstraction. With an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Lane’s work invites viewers to experience the fusion of contrasting ideas and forms. Discover how play and exploration shape her artistic practice, and the challenges she's navigated as both an artist and a mother.

Jong-un Choi, featured in AQ Volume 4, explores the complex interplay of color and perception in her latest series Dialogue with Light. With a foundation in traditional Korean painting and a focus on emotional resonance, Choi’s work invites viewers to engage with a deeper understanding of the visible world. Her innovative approach combines both her cultural heritage and contemporary explorations, offering a unique perspective on the connections between space, light, and emotion.

In AQ Volume 4, abstract painter Stephanie Rado Taormina opens up about her artistic journey and the self-work that inspires her vibrant, emotionally charged paintings. With a focus on presence and the magic of life, Rado Taormina’s works capture raw emotion and powerful human connection. Through her exploration of new techniques and her commitment to staying open and curious, she continues to create art that resonates deeply with audiences.

Franco-Lebanese-American artist Kelly Halabi invites us to witness the profound layers of history, violence, and memory through her striking sculptures. From rock-like forms to bombed building fragments, Halabi’s work speaks to the scars of both personal and collective trauma. With a bold mix of materials and a raw exploration of color and texture, her art transforms destruction into enduring beauty. Read more about how Halabi's creations evoke both a deep past and the complexities of the present.

Discover the bold figurative work of Joanna Pilarczyk, a contemporary painter whose vibrant portraits explore the complexities of relationships, diversity, and self-awareness. Through her captivating use of neon acrylics and oils, Pilarczyk captures intimate moments of rest and reflection, celebrating both individuality and connection. Featured in prestigious galleries worldwide, her work invites contemplation on themes of womanhood, heritage, and acceptance.

Hannah West’s art invites reflection on the simple yet profound moments found in daily life. With her delicate colored pencil drawings, she transforms ordinary scenes into contemplative works that evoke comfort and tranquility. Learn more about her process and how her art celebrates the beauty in the mundane.

For over two decades, Rob Croxford has captivated audiences with his acrylic paintings, blending pop culture references, nostalgia, and a touch of humor. His recent “Sign Language” series reinvents vintage neon signs featuring iconic film quotes, creating a fresh take on familiar imagery. Learn more about Rob's artistic journey and how humor plays an essential role in his work.