I appreciate Mark Jacques’s stuff a lot. Interesting use of shape and pattern. I ended up clicking into that one first, to check out more by him.

The representation of Infinite Jest was interesting. I recall you mentioning the book before, but I’ve yet to read it.

Thom Faulder’s is neat–trying to use man-made pattern to draw us into the patterns of nature! Very precise expression of a desire!

The Walden one was neat–it would do well as a cover to some edition of the book, methinks.

I am really fond of the cat one too–as well as the owl with the light vision.

Not much else to say at the moment, and Jack says he misses me.

Love you, darl’. Wish I could be showering with you. :p

You are the best thing since sliced sex. :-*

My other favorite is Kenji Nakayama’s “Reflection Returnal”. My favorite visual art tends to be in photographs and I love how the black and white plays off of the few colors and the beam of light at the end of the alley plays as a visual metaphor for hope and beauty even in the darkest of places.

Very insightful critique/s of each one of your features pieces of art for 2009. Hope you share more of these with me as you continue to find them.

Some of the work presented caught my attention.

The image with the link – Kenji Nakayama’s: Reflection Returnal.. Brilliant B&W study in the mysterious. The best work presented in your article (in my opinion). I wrote a long dissertation of the work then chose not to include it.. Suffice it to say – it captured my attention and interest! Such a piece would look very appropriate in this condo.

I also enjoyed Mark Weaver’s ‘Untitled’. He depicts that which many sense, when held in the unblinking gaze of an owl.

Jez Burrows “Walden” caught my eye – then went down in my estimation. At first glance – every tree appeared different, each one unique – a truly industrious effort and creative coup. Closer inspection revealed this was not so and, for some reason, I felt ‘let down’ by the work.

“Money Shot” is the pornography world, being well represented. I felt this was an obvious reflection with little effort towards challenging the viewer. We see the ‘masculine’ art penetrating the woman after that ‘climactic moment’ of distorting her face. In reflection – an excellent representation of pornography itself!
Not in my personal taste unless shared with an equally industrious companion – then only to assist in bring ‘art to life’.

The other pieces held varying levels of interest – is this your chosen profession Nikki – Art Critic of modern works? Do you own/run a gallery in Miami or are you affiliated still with USF?