"To me, there are three zones that define a work of art: it is purely philosophical, composed solely of truth, and devoid of aesthetic beauty; or it is exclusively beautiful, and devoid of any meaning at all.

The third zone, as you may well have discerned, is that which combines aspects of these two extremes, combining beauty and meaning in such and such amounts.

I think that my work lies in this third zone, striving to be beautiful, yet hoping to convey meaning as well. Sometimes I strive for complete creativity and beauty, but ultimately end up imbuing meaning into the piece.  I cannot seem to achieve complete beauty and creativity.  My philosophical side can't help but creep into my work. Quite frankly, I never achieve the solely philosophical, either.  My sensibility will not allow for it.  I need to make sure that the work is pleasing to the eye, as well as satisfying to the mind.

Thus, my paintings: beautiful and creative, yet significant simultaneously.  Consider both elements as you observe the work.  They are there for your enjoyment."

- Gregory Hahn

    

Mykael Hawley was born and raised in the lakeside town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, close to the Canadian border. He began painting and drawing as a child, and pursued a degree in graphic arts. For about 20 years, Mykael worked in the publishing and advertising field. He moved to Massachusetts with his wife in 1996, and slowly began to explore new techniques. He left the graphic arts field in 1999 and has been working as a picture framer and artist since then.
Mykael works in many styles and media. He is currently working on a children’s book, "Mary Had a Little Lamb".
He has won the following awards:
- Art on the Pews, 2005, Cambridge, MA. Best in Show
- Art On The Green, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, First Place Winner
- Liquitex Color Map Challenge, NY, NY, Third Place Winner
- Campbell’s Soup, "Harvest of Good Foods" Advertising Campaign, First place Winner.
- "Reading is Fundamental" Program of Jimmy Dean, Advertising Campaign, First Place Winner.

Stephanie says: "We are not the painter, but the army of ladies that represent her in the paintings. Since she created us, and since we are part of her, she wanted us to tell the story. The pieces shown here are an autobiography. Using collage, acrylic & oil paints, and various other media, they tell the story of her journey from a life of abuse, to dealing with that abuse by self-injuring and living in fear, to being hospitalized and homeless, and finally, to beginning to heal. Some of the pieces are blatant in their expressions of rage or joy or sadness, but many are subtle and present their message quietly. This is because after years of secrecy and silence, the artist is only beginning to understand the meaning of self expression, the meaning of want, of hope, of fear, of anger, and of joy. Look closely at her story, and take something with you, some bit of her truth, and ours.

Thank you, the ladies."

Ying says: "This is the place for you to feel more relaxed after an exhausted workday! All these pieces are original Chinese brush paintings with Chinese colors and ink, from which you can see the darkness versus lightness, front versus back, closeness and far distance, different dimensions and space. This is also referred to as “Yin and Yang.” These pieces represent the nature of the world by strokes. Most of the Chinese paintings symbolize or serve as a metaphor for people’s strong wishes for  good luck and good fate, happiness and success, health and wealth. I hope you enjoy good fortune.

I was born in Beijing, China, and during my late teens, I experienced first hand the Cultural Revolution. All schools were closed for many years and I had to go to the far off countryside with other teenagers to do farm work. Although the work was exhausting, my experience of nature there changed my life. Since that time I have been very interested in the natural world of flowers, birds, fish, trees, rocks and water, of the landscape I grew to know quite well. Art is my life. Even in my dreams I'm creating art, and sometimes I can find solutions in my dreams that enhance my work.  I draw upon many aspects of my life to create my paintings, which I hope gives them additional depth and feeling.

My bamboo paintings were exhibited at the International Chinese Poetry Conference, Simmons College, Boston 2008. One of my bamboo paintings was in the Nationwide magazine, Poets and Writers, September-October 2008 issue. I am a member of the Boothbay Region Art Foundation and their gallery."

To see more of Ying's work, please visit:  http://www.huchinesefineart.com/