Art

The Vision is a piece that details one’s travel into the inner soul. A plethora of the mind’s inner environment may be obscure, bemusing, unsettling, magnificent or incomprehensible when journeying far enough, such is the case with the small bird located in the lower right hand corner of the painting.  But when we dig far enough and allow our minds to be vulnerable to new possibilities and opportunities, albeit some uncomfortable findings along the way, a bridge of understanding will form. That is the awakening of an emerging imagination. The painting depicts the obstacles we face when we try to discover what lies underneath until a link carries the mind to open up to the refulgent treasures within. The vision of self.

A native philosopher of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Daniel Marquez is a creative entrepreneur who’s thoughts and ideas carry him throughout the wonders of living wholesomely. A writer, reader and artist, his journey can be followed on demieuj.blogspot.com.

The photo was taken during my first trip to this disputed valley of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. The place has been in constant turmoil; militarily, politically and economically; with the only respite being its natural beauty and the warm hearted citizens. Kashmir has been termed as  ‘Paradise on Earth’ but many people fear to visit this place. When I traveled there, I noticed that the locals welcome everyone with open arms and are excited to show their home to us. It is always hard to comprehend that such a beautiful place, where nature radiates peace is marred by violence. My photos have always been inspired by Nature and I feel that it has the power to make humans realise the futility of power and war, as well as result in creation of their best works. It has been my hope that one day people realise this and give the valley what it deserves, serenity and happiness.

Aarshi Joshi is from Delhi, India. She is currently pursuing History Honours from Delhi University and hopes to go on a backpacking trip around the world, along with her camera. Her interests lie in anthropology, tennis, supporting feminism and children’s rights.

This photo was taken in Rogers, MN. The train that runs through that area usually delivers stacks of lumber making it a place where a lot of teenagers hang out. Before taking the picture, I found a leather jacket and the beret (as seen in the picture) and I thought that these would help make an interesting character so it looks like this girl just usually wanders around places like that to just stop and think about life.

Rachel Bownik is a photographer and filmmaker from Minnesota.

This picture was taken at Shahpura Lake, which is a very beautiful public garden in Bhopal City. On one fine summer evening I was just sitting there and I saw this fisherman trying very hard to catch fishes. Every time he caught one it just slipped through his hands. But he didn’t gave up and tried again and again untill he succeeded in his task. This picture was taken at around 7:00pm which is the period shortly after sunset also known as Golden hour and it is believed that best pictures are clicked in Golden hour so that is how I decided to photograph this. Photography for me is the thing which is connected to my soul and it has also brought many changes in the way I see the world around. Photography according to me is not only about clicking pictures but it is also about the little things and emotions we observe and try to capture them which others can not see. Photography for me is the love affair with my life.

Himank Jain is nineteen years old and lives in India. He is a hobby photographer and has been in this sphere for the past one year. He loves photography because it gives him a chance to make people see the beauty of nature and various cultures around us. He believes that stories are best told through pictures, and pictures speak more than words.

I’ve been an arts model for a few years, but started costume design just a year or two ago. I’m fascinated by the unconventional – designers like Alexander McQueen really inspire me for that reason, but working and studying a field like law enforcement (I’m a criminology major) leaves little room for creativity. Discovering a way to collaborate with visual artists and photographers through photoshoots like these has become a great outlet to explore the possibilities of the unusual and creative!

Rachel Zader is a fashion model, artist, fraud examiner, and demon slayer. She lives in Oakland.