Siempre Avanti
About the Artist
bout Alicia
Alicia is a Los Angeles based artist whose work focuses primarily on the relationship between light and color.She captures this mainly through portraits dressed in her own unique fashion pieces, which she aims to match at her shows. Unexpected color palettes, juicy textures, and tiny inner monologue quotes scattered throughout give her pieces a playful and childlike flair. Originally from Mississippi, Alicia moved to Los Angeles in 2020 where she opened her Beverly Hills based gallery, Alicia Hobbs Fine Art. She now travels the country as a full time artist showing her work.
bout Alicia
Alicia is a Los Angeles based artist whose work focuses primarily on the relationship between light and color.She captures this mainly through portraits dressed in her own unique fashion pieces, which she aims to match at her shows. Unexpected color palettes, juicy textures, and tiny inner monologue quotes scattered throughout give her pieces a playful and childlike flair. Originally from Mississippi, Alicia moved to Los Angeles in 2020 where she opened her Beverly Hills based gallery, Alicia Hobbs Fine Art. She now travels the country as a full time artist showing her work.
I purchased my first plane ticket to France at twenty-years-old, leaving behind all that was familiar to me.
Little did I know the years growing up in the quiet plains of West Africa would make such an impression on my life- or that sharing it with the rest of the world, would become my destiny.
From the Northern part of Burkina Faso, Sabce, Africa, my family and I, of the Fulani Tribe, were nomadic herders. We led sheep, goat, and chickens to greener pastures. I was the youngest of seven brothers and two sisters, and one of three kids in my entire village that had that opportunity to attend school.
However like most other kids, four months of the year, after school, and on weekends, I, too, was a herder. But it was on those two-mile hikes to and from school each day, I recall questioning our way of life.
We ate to survive. Being vegetarian, our main staples were millet and vegetable. And dry seasons in the region were the most difficult as many animals would starve to death. To me, that was very painful as the animals became an extension of me. I was reminded that each generation before me and after me was destined to remain a herder.
Though I loved the lifestyle for what it gave me: a deep connection to the animal kingdom (sheep would sleep beside and on me), the unforgettable beauty of rainy seasons, and an appreciation for nature that would stay with me forever- I became restless and desired change.
My family thought I was crazy to want more from life. My "sky is wide open" philosophy had them concerned that I was denying what our ancestors gave and did for us. But I couldn't help it, something nagged at me. I wanted it to live on, so I began drawing my feelings and nature around me at twelve-years-old.
I purchased my first plane ticket to France at twenty-years-old, leaving behind all that was familiar to me.
Little did I know the years growing up in the quiet plains of West Africa would make such an impression on my life- or that sharing it with the rest of the world, would become my destiny.
From the Northern part of Burkina Faso, Sabce, Africa, my family and I, of the Fulani Tribe, were nomadic herders. We led sheep, goat, and chickens to greener pastures. I was the youngest of seven brothers and two sisters, and one of three kids in my entire village that had that opportunity to attend school.
However like most other kids, four months of the year, after school, and on weekends, I, too, was a herder. But it was on those two-mile hikes to and from school each day, I recall questioning our way of life.
We ate to survive. Being vegetarian, our main staples were millet and vegetable. And dry seasons in the region were the most difficult as many animals would starve to death. To me, that was very painful as the animals became an extension of me. I was reminded that each generation before me and after me was destined to remain a herder.
Though I loved the lifestyle for what it gave me: a deep connection to the animal kingdom (sheep would sleep beside and on me), the unforgettable beauty of rainy seasons, and an appreciation for nature that would stay with me forever- I became restless and desired change.
My family thought I was crazy to want more from life. My "sky is wide open" philosophy had them concerned that I was denying what our ancestors gave and did for us. But I couldn't help it, something nagged at me. I wanted it to live on, so I began drawing my feelings and nature around me at twelve-years-old.
Anthony Sarti / Italian. Self taught. Was born in The Bronx, NY 1957. He has four beautiful children. He always knew there was something different about the way he looked at life. Throughout life he always used his imagination and his hands to accomplish whatever task was in front of him. At the age of 60 he started painting with acrylic paste & paint because it was fast to dry, in less than two hours. His father’s name was Zelino so he affectionately signs all of his paintings NINO. He began studying and painting and slowly evolving. Now he is attending classes at Abernathy fine Arts and Callenwolde Fine Arts Center in Atl Ga. His art is shown in Callenwolde’s gallery. In order to get the attention of Collectors and Art Dealers. Anthony still does his own shows monthly in Atlanta, New York, Texas and Miami. In his studio in Canton, Georgia, he stretches his own canvases and makes his frames so he has control and can make custom sizes.
Anthony Sarti / Italian. Self taught. Was born in The Bronx, NY 1957. He has four beautiful children. He always knew there was something different about the way he looked at life. Throughout life he always used his imagination and his hands to accomplish whatever task was in front of him. At the age of 60 he started painting with acrylic paste & paint because it was fast to dry, in less than two hours. His father’s name was Zelino so he affectionately signs all of his paintings NINO. He began studying and painting and slowly evolving. Now he is attending classes at Abernathy fine Arts and Callenwolde Fine Arts Center in Atl Ga. His art is shown in Callenwolde’s gallery. In order to get the attention of Collectors and Art Dealers. Anthony still does his own shows monthly in Atlanta, New York, Texas and Miami. In his studio in Canton, Georgia, he stretches his own canvases and makes his frames so he has control and can make custom sizes.
Reaching far beyond imagination and originating from an integral part of her fearless and passionate spirit, ceramic designer Beth Anne Krah began her journey in clay as her other business (providing infection prevention measures to First Responders) exploded during the Covid pandemic. Clay provided a way of escape and sanity during 20 hr. workdays.
Meticulously handcrafted from porcelain and stoneware, the delicate edges of Beth’s award-winning biomorphic designs stem from an endless fascination of creation and Genesis 1 - the depths of the ocean, the delicacy of Peony petals, and an innate desire to create the impossible. Within each piece is the conflict of an artist who has a
vague idea of what she wants to create, and a clay body that argues back. Relinquishing control, Beth delicately massages each curl with anticipation of the end result.
The patience from rebuilding circa 1750’s cuckoo clocks has come in handy as each sculpture is painstakingly handcrafted, taking weeks or months to complete. The larger, more intricate designs may have been pinched or manipulated upwards of 16,000 times. Each piece has a serial number stamped on the bottom, is hand signed by the artist and truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that cannot be duplicated.
Born in Nazareth, PA with a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, Beth grew up watching her father work intricately with wood and crafting furniture. She spent years hand carving spottled maple until taking up ceramics in 2018. Primarily self-taught, Beth thrives on defying the norm and refusing to do anything typical, but her passion soared to new heights when she stumbled upon her signature wave or petalled edges.
Beth works closely with interior designers to create bespoke masterpieces for their clientele. Her sculptures have been showcased in museums, galleries, designer showcase homes and magazines throughout the United States over the last five years.
Working out of her home studio, she and husband Mark reside in Johns Creek, Georgia. She is a columnist, speaker, educator, and consultant for First Responders and disaster preparedness strategies for infection prevention measures.
Reaching far beyond imagination and originating from an integral part of her fearless and passionate spirit, ceramic designer Beth Anne Krah began her journey in clay as her other business (providing infection prevention measures to First Responders) exploded during the Covid pandemic. Clay provided a way of escape and sanity during 20 hr. workdays.
Meticulously handcrafted from porcelain and stoneware, the delicate edges of Beth’s award-winning biomorphic designs stem from an endless fascination of creation and Genesis 1 - the depths of the ocean, the delicacy of Peony petals, and an innate desire to create the impossible. Within each piece is the conflict of an artist who has a
vague idea of what she wants to create, and a clay body that argues back. Relinquishing control, Beth delicately massages each curl with anticipation of the end result.
The patience from rebuilding circa 1750’s cuckoo clocks has come in handy as each sculpture is painstakingly handcrafted, taking weeks or months to complete. The larger, more intricate designs may have been pinched or manipulated upwards of 16,000 times. Each piece has a serial number stamped on the bottom, is hand signed by the artist and truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that cannot be duplicated.
Born in Nazareth, PA with a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, Beth grew up watching her father work intricately with wood and crafting furniture. She spent years hand carving spottled maple until taking up ceramics in 2018. Primarily self-taught, Beth thrives on defying the norm and refusing to do anything typical, but her passion soared to new heights when she stumbled upon her signature wave or petalled edges.
Beth works closely with interior designers to create bespoke masterpieces for their clientele. Her sculptures have been showcased in museums, galleries, designer showcase homes and magazines throughout the United States over the last five years.
Working out of her home studio, she and husband Mark reside in Johns Creek, Georgia. She is a columnist, speaker, educator, and consultant for First Responders and disaster preparedness strategies for infection prevention measures.
Buitrago discovered his passion for cartooning at an early age while still in school. Shortly after graduating from high school, he realized his ability to bring his drawings to life by handcrafting with cardboard and foam. This skill led him to design window displays for local retail stores, quickly gaining recognition. Before long, he became
well known in his community and was engaged in several projects, creating props for major events through-out the city. During this time, he was contacted by a Miami-based editorial company that needed cartoons and illustrations for its monthly publication. This opportunity became the platform for the beginning of his career in the U.S.
In 1991, Buitrago moved to Florida to pursue a career in Graphic Design. While freelancing, he enrolled in the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, studying Commercial Art. He later transitioned to Computer Animation and earned a scholarship for Computer Arts at The International Fine Arts College in Miami.
In 1996, Buitrago started his own screen-printing business, where he applied his computer design skills. Three years later, after selling the business, he returned to the editorial industry as a Creative Director for various publications in both Hispanic and American markets.
By 2005, inspired by pop artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Chuck Close, and others, Buitrago embarked on a new artistic project. His work combined acrylic painting, wood crafting, and digital imagery. He used this technique to capture celebrities, animated characters, and iconic figures, as well as to explore abstract compositions.
In addition to his personal projects, Buitrago creates commissioned artworks for private clients. His first exhibition of these recent works was held during Miami’s 2008 Art Basel Week.
Buitrago was born on July 30, 1969 in Cali, Colombia
Buitrago discovered his passion for cartooning at an early age while still in school. Shortly after graduating from high school, he realized his ability to bring his drawings to life by handcrafting with cardboard and foam. This skill led him to design window displays for local retail stores, quickly gaining recognition. Before long, he became
well known in his community and was engaged in several projects, creating props for major events through-out the city. During this time, he was contacted by a Miami-based editorial company that needed cartoons and illustrations for its monthly publication. This opportunity became the platform for the beginning of his career in the U.S.
In 1991, Buitrago moved to Florida to pursue a career in Graphic Design. While freelancing, he enrolled in the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, studying Commercial Art. He later transitioned to Computer Animation and earned a scholarship for Computer Arts at The International Fine Arts College in Miami.
In 1996, Buitrago started his own screen-printing business, where he applied his computer design skills. Three years later, after selling the business, he returned to the editorial industry as a Creative Director for various publications in both Hispanic and American markets.
By 2005, inspired by pop artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Chuck Close, and others, Buitrago embarked on a new artistic project. His work combined acrylic painting, wood crafting, and digital imagery. He used this technique to capture celebrities, animated characters, and iconic figures, as well as to explore abstract compositions.
In addition to his personal projects, Buitrago creates commissioned artworks for private clients. His first exhibition of these recent works was held during Miami’s 2008 Art Basel Week.
Buitrago was born on July 30, 1969 in Cali, Colombia
In the symphony of life, I found my artistic crescendo later than most, launching my creative journey after six decades. As a self-taught artist, I am devoted to Op-Art, where shapes and colors harmonize to create visual experiences that transcend the ordinary.
Inspired by Bridget Riley, Victor Vasarely, and Jesús Rafael Soto, I am drawn to the pulsating rhythm and optical illusions of this captivating genre.
Each deliberate brushstroke unlocks the profound language of visual expression, a conduit for emotion and passion that transcends spoken language. My paintings, steeped in the energy of Op-Art, with its rhythmic patterns and optical illusions, compose visual
poetry that pirouettes on the precipice of perception. The amalgamation of shapes and hues forms a dynamic symphony, captivating the senses and inviting viewers to explore their own perceptions.
As I navigate this artistic chapter, I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless possibilities that unfold with each stroke. My paintings are windows into the soul, inviting viewers to discover the nuances of perception and the interplay
of shapes. In a world that often values youth and novelty, I celebrate late-blooming creativity and the wisdom of a life well-lived. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their passions, regardless of age, and recognize the transformative power
of a single, carefully placed brushstroke.
Art elevates us. Art is essential to the human soul. Art is relevant, important, and transcendent in nature. Art sustains and nourishes our spirit and essence. With art we are inspired, without art we merely exist.”
Formerly a NY lawyer and law librarian professor, with an MFA from the NY Academy of Art, I am now an award-winning Miami artist, who exhibits locally and internationally in different venues, including art fairs, galleries, government institutions and museums. I am a former board member of ArtsUnited and a member in good standing with ArtsUnited, the Broward Art Guild, and the National League of American Pen Women – National and Fort Lauderdale Chapters. I also support various charitable organizations, most recently Stonewall Museum, OurFund, SFGN, Children’s Diagnostic Center, Island City Theater and Wilton Art.
Art is my passion, my calling, my purpose. I perceive the artist role as that of messenger, philosopher, outlier, and empath. This role includes, to challenge our known perception and preconceived notions, and to dare to be raw, emotional, psychological, sensual, spiritual, and provocative.
My unique and noticeable style involves fragmentation of forms, raw emotive lines, and vibrant use of colors. The bare essence of the fragment -- abstracted, shredded, eroded, yet substituting for the whole. The line, in turn, allows for the abstract yet relatable emergence of the figures, portraits and objects, providing their movement, energy and vitality, as well. Thematically, by pushing the limits visually and metaphorically with my style, I explore the internal and external workings of the female form, androgyny, the inner psyche, objects of desire and beauty, and the essence that makes us energy in Motion.
Art elevates us. Art is essential to the human soul. Art is relevant, important, and transcendent in nature. Art sustains and nourishes our spirit and essence. With art we are inspired, without art we merely exist.”
Formerly a NY lawyer and law librarian professor, with an MFA from the NY Academy of Art, I am now an award-winning Miami artist, who exhibits locally and internationally in different venues, including art fairs, galleries, government institutions and museums. I am a former board member of ArtsUnited and a member in good standing with ArtsUnited, the Broward Art Guild, and the National League of American Pen Women – National and Fort Lauderdale Chapters. I also support various charitable organizations, most recently Stonewall Museum, OurFund, SFGN, Children’s Diagnostic Center, Island City Theater and Wilton Art.
Art is my passion, my calling, my purpose. I perceive the artist role as that of messenger, philosopher, outlier, and empath. This role includes, to challenge our known perception and preconceived notions, and to dare to be raw, emotional, psychological, sensual, spiritual, and provocative.
My unique and noticeable style involves fragmentation of forms, raw emotive lines, and vibrant use of colors. The bare essence of the fragment -- abstracted, shredded, eroded, yet substituting for the whole. The line, in turn, allows for the abstract yet relatable emergence of the figures, portraits and objects, providing their movement, energy and vitality, as well. Thematically, by pushing the limits visually and metaphorically with my style, I explore the internal and external workings of the female form, androgyny, the inner psyche, objects of desire and beauty, and the essence that makes us energy in Motion.
I BRING MY INSPIRATIONS TO LIFE.
WE LIVE IN A WORLD FULL OF DISTRACTIONS. WE ARE INUNDATED WITH SOCIAL MEDIA. SCREENS SHOWING US THE “BEST MOMENTS” OTHERS ARE HAVING. WITH ALL THIS CHATTER IT IS SOMETIMES HARD TO HEAR OUR OWN INNER VOICE - THE ONE THAT TELLS US WHAT IS TRULY PERSONALLY INSPIRING. IT IS SO EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP IN WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING, THINKING, SAYING, PRODUCING, CURATING… THE LIST GOES ON. BUT WHAT TRULY INSPIRES ME?
I FIND THESE MOMENTS AROUND THE STUDIO. IN THE GARDEN. AMONG PLANTS, OLD WAREHOUSES FULL OF FURNITURE (EVEN THOSE BEYOND MY OWN STUDIO). AND SOMETIMES AROUND OTHER CREATIVE PEOPLE - THE ONES WHO ARE ALSO ON THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT TO FIGURE OUT “WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?”
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE FEEL THE NEED TO CREATE. BUT I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN IT IS WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO DO. AND SO … I DO IT. MY WORK IS THE PHYSICAL OUTPUT OF AN INTERNAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN MYSELF, MY SURROUNDINGS AND EVERY THING I ENCOUNTER ALONG THE WAY THAT BRINGS INSPIRATION. I NEVER KNOW WHAT IT IS GOING TO BE - I JUST LIVE LIFE, AND WHEN IT HAPPENS, I DO MY BEST TO CAPTURE IT.
THE HARDEST PART OF THIS JOURNEY IS TO CREATE FOR THE JOY OF CREATING. TO PAINT - NOT FOR LIKES, NOT FOR ATTENTION, OR TO “IMPRESS” - TO ACTUALLY JUST SEEK CREATIVITY IN ITS PUREST FORM. THE WAY IT WAS WHEN I WAS AN 8 YEAR OLD JUST HAVING FUN AND NOT WORRIED ABOUT WHAT EVERYONE ELSE THOUGHT.
SO I SAY - DO WHAT YOU DO, WHAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE HERE TO DO. AND I WILL DO THIS - BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I AM HERE TO DO.
I BRING MY INSPIRATIONS TO LIFE.
WE LIVE IN A WORLD FULL OF DISTRACTIONS. WE ARE INUNDATED WITH SOCIAL MEDIA. SCREENS SHOWING US THE “BEST MOMENTS” OTHERS ARE HAVING. WITH ALL THIS CHATTER IT IS SOMETIMES HARD TO HEAR OUR OWN INNER VOICE - THE ONE THAT TELLS US WHAT IS TRULY PERSONALLY INSPIRING. IT IS SO EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP IN WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING, THINKING, SAYING, PRODUCING, CURATING… THE LIST GOES ON. BUT WHAT TRULY INSPIRES ME?
I FIND THESE MOMENTS AROUND THE STUDIO. IN THE GARDEN. AMONG PLANTS, OLD WAREHOUSES FULL OF FURNITURE (EVEN THOSE BEYOND MY OWN STUDIO). AND SOMETIMES AROUND OTHER CREATIVE PEOPLE - THE ONES WHO ARE ALSO ON THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT TO FIGURE OUT “WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?”
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE FEEL THE NEED TO CREATE. BUT I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN IT IS WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO DO. AND SO … I DO IT. MY WORK IS THE PHYSICAL OUTPUT OF AN INTERNAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN MYSELF, MY SURROUNDINGS AND EVERY THING I ENCOUNTER ALONG THE WAY THAT BRINGS INSPIRATION. I NEVER KNOW WHAT IT IS GOING TO BE - I JUST LIVE LIFE, AND WHEN IT HAPPENS, I DO MY BEST TO CAPTURE IT.
THE HARDEST PART OF THIS JOURNEY IS TO CREATE FOR THE JOY OF CREATING. TO PAINT - NOT FOR LIKES, NOT FOR ATTENTION, OR TO “IMPRESS” - TO ACTUALLY JUST SEEK CREATIVITY IN ITS PUREST FORM. THE WAY IT WAS WHEN I WAS AN 8 YEAR OLD JUST HAVING FUN AND NOT WORRIED ABOUT WHAT EVERYONE ELSE THOUGHT.
SO I SAY - DO WHAT YOU DO, WHAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE HERE TO DO. AND I WILL DO THIS - BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I AM HERE TO DO.