August 6, 2021: Natalie Bradford (mixed media), Brian Trees (poetry), Lora Cazwell (painting)
Natalie Bradford
I'm a mixed media artist based out of Kalamazoo, Michigan with a focus in alternative printmaking methods and collage. In my work, I explore memory, temporality, and the passage of time through personal family photos and other vintage/collaged elements.
Website & social media: linktr.ee/natalie.bradford
Just Right
The sun, warm on my forehead
When I close my eyes, I feel the soft, warm glow.
I taste the salt on my lips, from sweat and corn chips
And feel the pleasant heat of sunburn on my neck.
My legs are tight with an ache that reminds me of the climb just made
My bike, leaned against the convenience store window
Looks heavy and fast at the same time.
I sit on the curb
Like I’ve done so many times before
Nodding to the motorists paying for their gas
Enjoying a sliver of shade and gentle dusty breeze.
Hardly anyone is as lucky as me
To be in the right place at the right moment with all the time in the world.
Brian Trees
July, 2021
Brian Trees works full time with adults with wonderful strengths and abilities. He began painting and writing poetry during the pandemic. He lives in Baltimore, MD and his work can be viewed at Home | downshifting|designs .
Pretty Pale Bedlam 1- 50cm X 40cm - 2021 - Acrylic on Canvas
Pretty Pale Bedlam 2- 50cm X 40cm - 2021 - Acrylic on Canvas
Lora Cazwell is an abstract acrylic artist, mother and art teacher based in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario, Canada. Her work balances the boundaries between letting the paint go as it pleases and restraining it to certain areas, colours and textures. Her inspiration has been based on her experiences, her faith and the beautiful surroundings of Northern, Ontario, Canada.
"My work is a diary, a sacred vault into my inner world. What cannot be said is spoken through canvas conversations; ink and paint telling my stories. The disconnect between release and verbal expression is resolved with a brush; the paint explains my soul. My work can cause some feelings of anxiety but once immersed in the work, the beauty and calmness of all of the layers envelops the viewer.
Painting unlocks new discoveries each time I put ink to brush; often it brings meaningful and authentic expression, and other times it releases suppressed sadness unleashing the chaos of complex emotions.
We are all created for a purpose; I was uniquely designed to bring about beauty. Beauty transfixes us, it unifies us, and it is a beacon in the darkness. What paint does for me, I can do for others, make beautiful chaos a thing to behold."
Website: www.loracaz.com Instagram: @loracazwell
Pretty Pale Bedlam 3- 60cm X 45cm - 2021 - Acrylic on Canvas
Pretty Pale Bedlam 4- 50cm X 40cm - 2021 - Acrylic on Canvas