the audacious blog

Explore G Alan Stewart’s collection in our gallery, and see for yourself how his art bridges the gap between humanity, nature, and the unknown.

Caelum  , a neo-surrealist artist, creates a distinct portrayal of our world in his captivating works. His vision is a fusion of innocence, monsters, ethereal elements, and peculiar juxtapositions, alluding to the essence of Edward Hopper's America but with a twist. McCall's artwork serves as a gateway to his imaginative realm, deeply intertwined with concerns about the escalating imbalance between the human and natural worlds. As a child, McCall perceived the threat of climate change as nature's defense against humanity's invading horde. He saw the natural world unleash catastrophic events and seemingly impossible creatures acting as Earth's immune system. These beings, which McCall calls 'kami' (a term borrowed from the Shinto religion, where spirits or forces of nature embody natural features, from majestic mountains to the humble pebbles in a creek), draw inspiration from the Shinto religion. McCall's kami creatures, powerful embodiments of nature, play a pivotal role in his artwork. They transform the abstract concept of nature into tangible beings, making the message of his artwork more poignant: if humanity oversteps the boundaries of nature, the world will retaliate, morphing into something less hospitable to human existence, more terrifying. The juxtaposition of innocence and monsters in McCall's paintings creates a haunting and thought-provoking atmosphere. Innocent elements, such as childlike figures or serene landscapes, often contrast menacing creatures or unsettling scenarios. This stark contrast is a metaphor for the delicate balance between humanity and nature, where the slightest disturbance can lead to catastrophic consequences and the potential ramifications of upsetting our delicate equilibrium. McCall's Hopper-esque settings, offset by the incredible layered detail his pen and ink works displays, adds a layer of intrigue to his neo-surrealist works. McCall's compositions echo Hopper's paintings' of familiar yet slightly unsettling atmospheres, infusing everyday scenes with unease and otherworldliness. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the strange juxtapositions, creates a dreamlike quality that invites viewers to explore the depths of McCall's paracosm. Through his artwork, McCall encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and to consider the impact of human actions on the environment deeply. By personifying nature's response to the climate crisis through his kami creatures, McCall's paintings serve as a powerful and timely catalyst for reflection, reminding us of the need for balance and respect between humanity and the Earth. As viewers immerse themselves in McCall's neo-surrealist world, they confront the unsettling realization that the line between reality and imagination often blurs. The creatures in his paintings serve as a wake-up call, urging us to consider the consequences of our actions and the importance of preserving the delicate balance of our planet. Caelum McCall's artwork is a testament to the power of imagination and the role of art in addressing the pressing issues of our world, particularly the escalating climate crisis. Through his neo-surrealist paintings, McCall prompts us to delve into the depths of our relationship with nature and contemplate the potential consequences of our actions. As we grapple with the challenges of the climate crisis, McCall's kami creatures serve as a chilling reminder of the imperative for harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Isabella Losskarn creates highly colorful and captivating images that delve into the complex world of gender. Her artwork is characterized by distinctly familiar yet absurd still-life juxtapositions. These universally relatable visual metaphors address current issues and personal experiences. This universality of her art invites all viewers, regardless of their background, to engage in her discourse about gender. Losskarn's work powerfully comments on the societal influences that shape our understanding and experience of gender. Through her art, she aims to heighten engagement within the broader discourse surrounding gender, inviting viewers to question and reflect on how family, friends, strangers, products, and media shape our perceptions and choices. One of Losskarn's most striking pieces, 'Did You Make That All By Yourself,' encapsulates the artist's gendered experiences. The work's title, posed as a question often condescendingly asked by a parent to a child, references the early stages of childhood development when gender roles and expectations take root. This title serves as a poignant reminder of the societal pressures and expectations that influence our understanding and experience of gender from a young age. Losskarn's answer to this question is unequivocal—we do not choose gender "all by ourselves." Instead, people and societal factors surrounding us influence our understanding and experience of gender. Family, friends, strangers, products, and media all play a role in shaping our gender identity and the expectations that come with it. In ' Did You Make That All By Yourself? ' Losskarn incorporates cereal pieces that scramble 'boy or girl.' This seemingly innocent question, often asked of children, carries the weight of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to binary gender roles. The scrambled nature of the text suggests the confusion and complexity surrounding the concept of gender and the difficulty of providing a clear-cut answer. The cereal pieces, a symbol of childhood innocence and simplicity, are used to represent the societal pressure to conform to gender norms, further emphasizing the artwork's exploration of gender complexity. Losskarn's use of vibrant colors and familiar objects in her artwork creates a sense of accessibility and relatability for viewers. By presenting these complex issues through the lens of everyday objects and scenarios, she invites a wider audience to engage with the discourse surrounding gender and to consider their own experiences and perceptions. Through her artwork, Losskarn challenges the notion that gender is a simple, binary construct. She highlights how societal influences shape our understanding of gender from a young age and how these influences continue to impact our experiences throughout our lives. This powerful challenge to societal norms not only inspires the audience, but also empowers them to question and redefine their understanding of gender. Losskarn's work also serves as a deeply personal reflection on her own gendered experiences. By creating art that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, she invites viewers to connect with her experiences and to consider their own relationships with gender. This personal touch in her art not only fosters a sense of connection and empathy in the audience, but also makes them feel more deeply engaged with the artwork. In a world where gender identity and expression are increasingly recognized as complex and multifaceted, Losskarn's artwork provides a powerful visual language for exploring these issues. Through her use of color, symbolism, and familiar objects, she creates a space for dialogue and reflection on how gender shapes our lives and experiences. Isabella Losskarn's highly colorful and thought-provoking artwork is a testament to the power of art to engage with complex social issues and to invite viewers to consider their own experiences and perceptions. Her work has made a significant impact on the broader art community, sparking conversations and inspiring other artists to explore gender and gendered experiences in their own work. Through her art, she contributes to the broader discourse surrounding gender and gendered experiences, challenging viewers to question the societal influences that shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

Shepard Barnes, a gifted North Carolina photographer, began her journey capturing the world through a lens at a young age. Her story unfolds in middle school, where she first laid her hands on a point-and-shoot digital camera. Unbeknownst to her, this humble device would shape her future career and a lifelong passion. She often recalls the thrill of capturing her first sunset, the way the colors danced across the sky and that feeling of awe. She had found her calling. As Barnes progressed through high school, she invested in her first DSLR camera and dedicated countless hours to honing her craft. She immersed herself in various photography techniques, seeking scenic locations around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill to practice. The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), JC Raulston Arboretum, and Boylan Bridge became her frequent haunts, serving as sources of inspiration and frustration as she worked tirelessly to bring her artistic visions to life. Her process of selecting and editing her photos is meticulous, ensuring that each image she presents is a true reflection of her vision and the beauty she sees in the world. Over the years, Barnes has made significant upgrades to her equipment, enabling her to capture even more stunning images. Her passion for photography has taken her on international adventures to inspiring locations such as Iceland, New Zealand, and Thailand. These journeys have not only expanded her photography experience and portfolio but have also left an indelible mark on her soul, adding a unique global perspective to her work. As a long-term resident of Raleigh, Barnes has a deep connection to the city. Growing up in the Five Points area, she attended Oberlin Middle School and Broughton High School, where she developed a strong appreciation for the City of Oaks. This love for her hometown has remained a constant throughout her life, a guiding light that continues to influence her photography. Barnes has showcased her versatility as a photographer throughout her career, capturing a wide range of subjects and themes. Her work, such as the breathtaking sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vibrant street life of downtown Raleigh, and the serene beauty of a newborn's first smile, demonstrates a deep understanding of light, composition, and emotion. Her images transport viewers to the places she has visited, allowing them to experience the world through her lens. As a photographer rooted in North Carolina, Shepard Barnes has a profound connection to her home state, which is evident in her work. From the untamed coastlines of the Outer Banks to the gentle slopes of the Piedmont and the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains, her portfolio is a testament to the natural wonders that make North Carolina a haven. Her portoflio in the Audacious Gallery showcases her travels and ability to capture the feeling and depth of vastly different places. From San Francisco to New York to Thailand, Shepard's work presents not just objects and places, but moments and feelings. As Shepard Barnes grows and evolves as a photographer, her passion for capturing the world around her remains as strong as ever. With each new project and adventure, she strives to push the boundaries of her craft, creating images that inspire, educate, and connect people to the beauty and complexity of our world. Her journey is one of endless discovery, a testament to the power of following one's dreams and embracing the magic waiting through her camera's lens.

Durham's Beloved Artist and Educator Let's take a moment and embark on a whimsical journey through the vibrant world of Beth Palmer, Durham's artist educator extraordinaire! Beth isn't just a master of color and canvas; she's a beacon of inspiration, spreading the joy of creativity far and wide. So, let's grab a palette of curiosity, and explore the life and work of this incredible individual who's making the art scene in Durham shine while she spreads her message of art, healing, and the power of connection. Magical Beginnings A young Beth Palmer discovered the enchanting world of art right here in Durham, NC. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature and the rich tapestry of her hometown's culture, Beth's imagination took flight like a paintbrush on a canvas. Little did she know that these early sparks of creativity would ignite a lifelong passion that would transform the lives of countless aspiring artists, collectors seeking healing, joy, and connection, and health care professionals using art to transform medicine! Honing the Wizardry Beth's artistic journey included countless hours of practice, experimentation, but most importantly the ability to authentically and honestly tell her story and portray personal and difficult truths. She embarked on a quest to master her craft, studying at prestigious art institutions where she dove headfirst into a kaleidoscope of mediums and techniques. From painting to sculpture, Beth fearlessly explored every nook and cranny of the artistic realm, emerging as a true Renaissance woman of the art world! Enchantress of Education While Beth's artistic creations can transport viewers to fantastical realms, her role as an educator makes her a superhero in the eyes of aspiring artists. With a heart full of passion and a mission to nurture the next generation of creative geniuses, Beth has dedicated herself to sharing the magic of art with everyone she meets. Through workshops, classes, and community outreach programs, she empowers budding artists to unleash their inner Picassos and embrace the joy of self-expression! Technicolor Dreamscapes Step into the world of Beth Palmer's art, and you'll find yourself in a technicolor dreamscape where imagination knows no bounds! From whimsical landscapes that dance with vibrant hues to thought-provoking abstracts that challenge the mind, Beth's work is a testament to the limitless possibilities of creativity. Whether she's painting en plein air, capturing the beauty of Durham's natural wonders, or sculpting in her studio, Beth infuses every piece with a contagious sense of wonder and joy that will leave you grinning from ear to ear! Leaving a Trail of Inspiration As Beth Palmer continues to blaze new trails in the world of art, her impact on the Durham community and beyond is nothing short of extraordinary. Through her awe-inspiring creations and her tireless dedication to art education, Beth is leaving a legacy that will inspire generations of artists to come. In a world that can sometimes feel like a blank canvas, Beth reminds us that we all have the power to create something beautiful with a bit of imagination, a dash of courage, and a lot of heart! A Happily Ever After As we celebrate her incredible contributions to the art world, let's also take a moment to embrace the magic of creativity in our lives. The healing power of art, the connection we gain through creative community endeavors, and the joy of sharing your feelings, experiences, and truths are great examples of what makes Beth's work so powerful.

Meet Zach Gunty , the man who traded in his stuffy corporate gig for a life behind the lens. This Chicago boy made his way to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he has lived for the past eight years with his amazing wife, loyal pup, and his trusty sidekick, Zooey the cat. But here's where the story gets interesting – Zach experienced an epiphany during a mind-blowing trip through the Pacific Northwest in April 2023. Picture this: stunning landscapes of Olympic National Park, the mesmerizing Hoh Rain Forest, and the serene Puget Sound. Amidst these breathtaking scenes, Zach had his "aha!" moment. As he sat in a charming port town, scrolling through the incredible photos he'd snapped, everything zeroed in on these images, this moment - he wanted to follow his calling, photography. Zach had always possessed a knack for photography, thanks to uncles who were photography pros. But it wasn't until that life-changing PNW adventure that he decided to go all-in. With his wife Andi cheering him on every step of the way, Zach took the plunge and bid farewell to his international logistics career to pursue his passion full-time. Of course, embarking on this new adventure wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. Zach navigated the unknown, faced his fears, and said goodbye to the comfort of a steady paycheck. But with Andi by his side and a fire in his belly, Zach tackled each challenge head-on, determined to make his dream a reality. Fast forward just six months, and Zach is already crushing it in the photography world. He scored a permanent spot in a Raleigh gallery and even snagged a coveted "People's Choice Award" at the Durham Art Guild's Annual Juried Exhibition. Talk about making a splash! But that's not all – Zach's stunning photos (and now his prints) have flown off the virtual shelves, raking in sales. As a self-taught, color-blind photographer (yeah, you read that right), Zach's unique perspective and unwavering dedication set him apart from the pack. Perhaps it's this unique distinction that gives his work an edge, focusing on composition - the overall feeling and shapes he captures undistracted by specifics of color, his work evokes feeling in a different way and communicates how he sees the world with an incredible breadth of emotion. Looking back on his wild ride from corporate to clicks, Zach shares some wisdom: take the leap, chase your dreams, and don't let fear hold you back. His story proves that big rewards can come from taking risks and following your heart. So, to all you dreamers and daredevils out there, let Zach's journey inspire you. Embrace the uncertainty, trust in yourself, and get ready to unlock a life filled with purpose, joy, and endless possibilities!