The arts are a powerful tool for healing.  Using well-chosen art and cultural techniques in a small setting such as a chemotherapy room, many patients can find ways to represent their feelings and emotions, hopes and dreams.  Sharing their words and images in a safe environment can help patients regain a sense of wholeness and hope in the face of life-threatening illness, and can transform frustration, pain and victimization into renewal and rebirth.

Internationally known artist, Antonio Azzato, created an expressive 90 sculpture exhibition in Spain recalling the famous “Las Meninas” painting from the master artist, Diego Velazquez. Azzato is creating a special series of meninas doll sculptures specifically for Florida Cancer Specialists to help share the story and potential of arts in medicine.

Each participating FCS office will receive one of the 10 pound 36” tall resin statues.   I have been contracted by Healing Arts Medicine LLC, to work with up to 6 patients in that practice where together, over three painting sessions, we will paint the resin sculpture to reflect the story and personality of each unique office location. A local personality in the community will be invited to team up with the artist in one of the painting sessions when working on the sculpture with patients.

Completed sculptures will go on the “road” for display at various locations such as local museums, schools, government offices, etc.  The end of the project will be a gala, all sculptures will be on display for a live and online auction; 100% of proceeds will be given to the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.

I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Halo Arts Fellowship award, I am excited to be able to produce this series on “Less Makes More”.

For this series I will use hemispheres and whole spheres, 12 inch diameter 8th inch wall steel. By cutting these up in different ways and welding them back together, I have discovered I can actually grab an extreme amount of space with less material. This fascinates me, literally making more using less.

My challenge here in creating a total of 15 interpretations, will be to see how far I can push the boundaries of a simple sphere.

Check back to see progress and new pieces as they emerge!

Artificial intelligence (AI) has come a long way since its inception. Today, it is used in numerous industries and has the potential to transform the way we live and work. However, with the advancement of AI, there is a growing concern that it might replace humans in certain areas, including creative fields like art. Some fear that AI-generated art will eventually take over the industry, making human artists obsolete. But the truth is, artists will save the world from AI.

One of the primary reasons why artists will continue to thrive in the age of AI is their unique ability to connect with people on an emotional level. Art has the power to elicit feelings and emotions that cannot be replicated by machines. While AI can be programmed to create beautiful images and music, it lacks the ability to create art that speaks to the human soul. The most powerful artworks are those that evoke deep emotions and challenge the way we think about the world. Human artists have the ability to create these kinds of artworks, and it is this emotional connection that makes them irreplaceable.

Another reason why artists will continue to play an essential role in the age of AI is their capacity for creativity and innovation. While AI can be programmed to generate new ideas and concepts, it lacks the ability to think outside the box. Human artists, on the other hand, have a unique perspective and the ability to create something truly original. They can take inspiration from various sources and use it to create something entirely new and unique. In a world where creativity and innovation are essential for progress, artists will always be valuable.

Additionally, artists are an essential part of our cultural heritage. They create artworks that reflect our values, beliefs, and aspirations. Art is a form of expression that allows us to connect with each other and communicate ideas that transcend language and cultural barriers. The works of famous artists like Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and Picasso have stood the test of time and continue to inspire people today. Their legacy reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the critical role that artists play in shaping our world.

In conclusion, AI may be a powerful tool, but it cannot replace human artists. The emotional connection, creativity, and cultural significance of art are qualities that only humans can bring to the table. While AI-generated art may become more prevalent, it will never be able to replace the human touch that makes art so powerful. As such, artists will continue to play a vital role in shaping our world and ensuring that we preserve our cultural heritage for generations to come. So let us celebrate and support artists in their mission to save the world from AI

This was an amazing project to be a part of. I am very honored to be one of the 16 artists chosen to create a piece of work based on an antiquity from 5000 years ago. I submitted a concept based on the 4-headed god Janus. After researching, I learned that Janus is the god of transitions: doorways, beginnings and endings, war and peace, sunrise and sunset.  Janus can see outward in all directions but is blind to internal vision. 

My goal with this piece was to illustrate how our search for self (the LIGHT) can sometimes be a hard path to push through, but the rewards are worth it. The video above shows the work in process and the final piece. I also go into a little bit more depth about the elements of this sculpture. Enjoy!

In this piece you can see I have played with bringing PVC sheet out into a wave form, way more off-the-wall than I have done in previous pieces. It was pretty fun! It’s not a large piece but it can be hung any which way you’d like it! It can even be left sitting on a table!

The 10 cubes that are hanging, are actually not glued to the PVC itself. They are posted on heavy fish line so when you’re actually in front of the piece, you can see airspace between the cubes and the wave.

I have a second much larger piece that I am starting that explores the wave action from two directions. I have only set up the structural support so far and have not begun laying in the waves so we’ll see how that goes, always learning!