Miles Johnston

Art Appreciation

Miles Johnston was born in 1993 in the United Kingdom. He spent part of his childhood in Brunei, Borneo—an experience he has noted as influential due to the dramatic shift in environment and perspective. 

From an early age, Johnston showed a strong inclination toward drawing, often replicating characters from video games as a way to build technical skill. He grew up in a creative household and came to see art as a viable career path during his teenage years; by 17, he was already working professionally. He later refined his craft at the Swedish Academy of Realist Art, where he would go on to teach part-time, grounding his surreal instincts in rigorous academic technique.

Johnston’s work sits at the intersection of realism and surrealism, drawing viewers into the psychological space of his subjects. His figures—often distorted, repeated, or fragmented—immediately suggest an interior narrative, prompting questions about identity and perception. As he has described in his own process, compositions emerge through intuitive exploration, where relationships between elements create meaning rather than explicit storytelling. 

His approach aligns with influences such as M. C. Escher, Zdzisław Beksiński, and Gustav Klimt, among others. The result is work often described as dreamlike, visceral, and unsettling—images that resist easy interpretation while maintaining strong visual clarity.

Central to Johnston’s philosophy is the idea that emotional response completes the artwork. A piece may be technically precise, but its real value lies in how it affects the viewer. His meticulous process—beginning with thumbnail sketches and evolving through careful layering of tone and structure—supports this goal, ensuring that composition and light guide attention and meaning. 

Countercurrent

Dualism

Hive Mind

Sources:

https://beinart.org/collections/miles-johnston?srsltid=AfmBOoqu7rpzAizTXjoRBJsC80MpnTnqJLGAtay56TxxdDNtHDihfedW

https://www.instagram.com/miles_art/

https://youtu.be/0G_cdyacvqI

https://www.artsy.net/artist/miles-johnston

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Mother Superiority - Movie: 2046

via Mother Superiority 

Walter Bowman Russell

Art Appreciation

Born in Boston on May 19, 1871, Walter Bowman Russell grew up during a period of rapid industrial and artistic change in the United States. Largely self-educated, Russell showed an early aptitude for drawing, music, and observation of the natural world. 

Although he briefly attended the Massachusetts Normal Art School in Boston, much of his artistic development came through independent study and practical work. As a young man, he supported himself through illustration and portrait commissions, eventually moving to New York City, where he became immersed in the thriving American art scene of the late nineteenth century.

Russell built a successful career as an impressionist painter and sculptor, earning recognition for portraits, allegorical works, and monumental public art. His paintings often emphasized luminous color, dramatic light, and soft atmospheric effects associated with American Impressionism. 

He worked with fluid brushstrokes and balanced compositions that blended realism with idealized beauty. Among his best-known works are portraits of political leaders, industrialists, and cultural figures, along with large-scale murals and sculptures commissioned for civic spaces. Russell also gained attention as a designer and architect, contributing to memorials and artistic projects that reflected classical influences combined with modern American themes.

Beyond art, Russell became known for his philosophical and metaphysical writings. He believed the universe operated according to rhythmic universal laws that united science, spirituality, music, and art. These ideas were explored in books such as The Universal One and The Secret of Light. Alongside his wife, Lao Russell, he founded the University of Science and Philosophy to promote his theories on consciousness and cosmic balance.

Kelp harvesting on the flats

Portrait of a Young Girl, 1904

Sources

Wikipedia

https://philosophy.org/about-us/walter-russell

https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/russell-walter-bowman-1871-1963

https://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/list.php

https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/Kelp-harvesting-on-the-flats/602FFF5909061110

Yoga: Erika Elle - Pantyhose for Working Out

via Erika Elle

DANCE: Reliquia - Aerial Pole - Gabriella Sierra

via Forever Aerial

SPINNERS: Clara Giuliani - Groove sessions #01

via Clara Giuliani

Kelly Jo Eriksen

Modeling Appreciation

American glamour model Kelly Jo Eriksen was born on May 16, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised on the East Coast, she developed an early interest in modeling and visual presentation. 

Kelly Jo is known for her classic glamour look, standing 5'9" with blonde hair and green eyes. Her physical profile—often cited as approximately 34-27-36—helped position her within the glamour and adult modeling space, where presentation and aesthetic consistency play a central role.

Her career began gaining traction in 2009, notably with her participation in Playboy’s Indianapolis Casting Call, which became one of her earliest credited appearances. From there, she built a portfolio that included features across Playboy-affiliated platforms such as Playboy Cyber Club, Voluptuous Vixens, and Playboy’s Wet & Wild. 

Kelly Jo's work also extended to appearances on Playboy TV and promotional segments, helping her establish a presence within that brand’s network. Her ModelMayhem profile reflects her stated goal of connecting with photographers for publication opportunities, emphasizing glamour as her specialty and expressing openness to creative collaborations.

In the years that followed, she continued working with photographers and independent studios, including projects with Wilder Amaginations, with activity documented into the mid-2010s. Her career reflects a model navigating both traditional publication routes and the more decentralized, online-driven modeling landscape.

Sources:

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Kelly_Eriksen

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Kelly_Jo_Eriksen

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9376783/

https://www.modelmayhem.com/1633953

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254147/

https://www.worthpoint.com/

MODELING: Marie Grippon

Modeling Appreciation

Model: Marie Grippon

Photographer: Xavier Hennebel

Filmed & Edited, PHG Productions, Philippe Guédon

via Normal Magazine

Thomas Wedgwood

Photography Appreciation

Thomas Wedgwood was born on May 14, 1771, in Etruria, into the prominent Wedgwood pottery family. He was the son of industrialist Josiah Wedgwood, whose scientific curiosity and innovation influenced Thomas from an early age. 

Although he did not follow a formal academic path due to chronic health issues, Wedgwood was well educated through private study and intellectual circles that included leading thinkers of the time, such as Humphry Davy. His upbringing placed him at the intersection of art, science, and experimentation—conditions that would shape his later work.

Wedgwood is widely regarded as one of the earliest pioneers of photography, though he never achieved a fully practical photographic process. Around the 1790s, he began experimenting with light-sensitive chemicals, particularly silver nitrate, applied to paper and leather. By placing objects like leaves or small items directly onto these treated surfaces and exposing them to light, he produced silhouette images known today as photograms. He also attempted to capture images using a camera obscura, but struggled with a critical limitation: he could not “fix” the images to prevent them from fading when exposed to light.

Despite this limitation, Wedgwood’s experiments marked a turning point in the development of photography, later influencing figures such as William Henry Fox Talbot. His work was documented and promoted by Humphry Davy in an 1802 paper, which remains one of the earliest written accounts of photographic experimentation. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Wedgwood

https://precinemahistory.com/chapter-seven/thomas-wedgwood-photogram-1800-first-attempts-at-photography-by-using-the-camera-obscura-and-a-photosensitive-chemical-on-paper/

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Ney:3 as Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon (The Witcher)

 

Guess Ciri’s not the tallest after all ⚔️📏#TheWitcher pic.twitter.com/OAXBXNv64p

— 🌻Ney:3🍯 ✨ (@Neyrodesu) April 4, 2026

via Ney:3 

Michelle Jung

Art Appreciation

Michelle Jung is a Connecticut-born painter whose path into fine art developed later than most. Raised in East Hartford, she earned a degree in art history from Colorado State University before working in galleries and later running her own insurance business. 

Her formal transition into painting began around the age of 40, followed by intensive study through workshops and, eventually, a Master of Fine Arts in painting. This nontraditional trajectory plays a central role in her perspective—she approaches painting with both academic grounding and lived experience, often emphasizing that artistic growth is not confined to youth.

Michelle’s career has since grown into a national presence, with exhibitions, awards, and memberships in organizations such as the American Society of Marine Artists and the California Art Club. Her work is rooted in observation but not tied to strict representation. As she explains in interviews and writings, including features on her official website, she studies environments repeatedly—sometimes for years—before translating them into paintings built from memory, sketches, and layered references. This process allows her to move beyond documentation and instead capture what she describes as the “personality” of a place.

Stylistically, Michelle operates between realism and abstraction. Her paintings often read as representational from a distance, but dissolve into expressive brushwork and layered color up close. She works methodically, building compositions over time before executing the final paint application with speed and confidence. Her use of multiple planes, subtle distortions, and unconventional formats—such as square canvases—creates visual tension and draws viewers into the work. 

Sources:

https://www.michellejungstudio.com/

https://www.instagram.com/michellejungart/

https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/michelle-jung-16

https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/about-opa/bloggers/michelle-jung/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxTkJ1oBXQg&t=1s

Body Art: Kazim - Belgian Bodypaint Championship

Artist: Kazim Christophe Cwikla

via Kazim 2C 

Cobra Starship: You Make Me Feel... ft. Sabi

Music Appreciation

“You Make Me Feel…” is a 2011 single by the American synthpop band Cobra Starship, featuring guest vocals from Sabi. Released on May 10, 2011, the track served as the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, Night Shades, and was made available digitally through iTunes the same day. 

The song marked a continuation of the band’s shift toward mainstream pop and dance music, following the success of earlier hits like “Good Girls Go Bad.” The collaboration with Sabi, who was then emerging in the pop scene, added a polished, radio-friendly dynamic, with her vocals providing a bright counterpoint to Gabe Saporta’s lead.

Lyrically, “You Make Me Feel…” centers on the rush of attraction and the liberating energy of nightlife, with a tone that leans more toward carefree indulgence than emotional depth. The chorus, driven by Sabi’s vocals, reinforces themes of desire and escapism, while the verses maintain a playful, slightly irreverent tone typical of Cobra Starship’s style. 

Musically, the track blends synth-heavy production with a four-on-the-floor dance beat, reflecting the early 2010s pop landscape dominated by electronic influences. The song’s structure—catchy hooks, repetitive chorus, and upbeat tempo—was designed for club play and radio rotation, contributing to its commercial success.

The music video, directed by Kai Regan, captures a chaotic house party filled with vibrant visuals and youthful spontaneity. Much of the video unfolds through photobooth-style sequences, where partygoers document their night in quick, candid snapshots, reinforcing the song’s theme of living in the moment. 

One of the most memorable aspects is a cameo by actor Robin Williams, whose unexpected appearance adds a layer of humor and cultural intrigue. The video’s fast cuts, saturated colors, and playful energy mirror the track’s upbeat tone, helping cement it as a defining pop anthem of the early 2010s.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/cobra-starship-mn0000571913

https://www.billboard.com/artist/cobra-starship/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpyZEzrDf4c

https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666029/cobra-starship-you-make-me-feel-video.jhtml

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/cobra-starship/you-make-me-feel

https://genius.com/Cobra-starship-you-make-me-feel-lyrics

Cosplay is an Art: Best of Sakura Con 2026 (Seattle Anime Convention)

via Justin Pineda Media 

Carmen Kinsley

Modeling Appreciation

Carmen Kinsley was born on May 8, 1984, in Houston, Texas. She entered professional modeling in her early twenties, adopting the stage name Carmen Kinsley as she began building a presence in adult-oriented media during the mid-2000s.

Kinsley began her nude and adult modeling career in 2006 and remained active until about 2009. During that period, she accumulated credits across numerous studio productions and appeared in a range of magazine features, photo sets, and video releases, including roughly 20 cover appearances alongside multiple photo sessions and filmed projects. 

Standing about 5 feet 3 inches tall, with blonde hair and brown eyes, she was frequently noted for a youthful look, natural figure, and approachable on-camera presence that aligned with popular modeling aesthetics of the era. Her work included collaborations with several well-known studios active in the mid-2000s online distribution boom, helping her gain steady visibility among viewers of subscription and digital platforms.

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2361798/

https://grokipedia.com/page/Carmen_Kinsley

https://www.thenude.com/Carman_11737.htm

https://www.amkingdom.com/tour/model/car076

https://www.indexxx.com/m/carmen-kinsley

 https://www.freeones.com/carmen-kinsley

Caught in the Act… Thanks to My Best Friend

One of my closest friends called to see if I wanted to join him for the Lady Longhorns NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament game in Austin. That was an easy yes—I wasn’t going to pass up that opportunity. 

The seats were solid, giving us a clear view of the court, and the arena was packed with Longhorn fans. Missouri State brought energy too, with a surprisingly rowdy section and a lively student band.

While my friend—Vietnamese and fully committed to his slice of pizza—kept it simple, I went a different route with an $18, 8-ounce can of sangria. Yes, I’m the guy drinking wine at a college basketball game. Judge if you want; I’m fine with it.

We’ve been friends for over 25 years, so we know each other well—what we like, what annoys us, and how to push each other’s buttons. Vegas trips, shared rooms, no surprises. So when he nudged me mid-game and said, “Hey, check out that chick on the left—she’s got nice boobs,” I knew something was coming.

At 50, my eyes don’t snap into focus like they used to. As I turned and tried to zero in on where he was pointing, I noticed the woman already looking in my direction. Our eyes locked. I quickly looked away, pretending to scan the crowd. Too late.

“She saw me,” I muttered.

He started laughing. Got me again.

 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Malika Favre's "Taking Flight and Rea Irvin "Eustace Tilley" for The New Yorker

Source: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cover-story/cover-story-2025-12-01 

Francine Van Hove

Art Appreciation

Years ago, I wrote about Francine Van Hove and how one of her pieces caught my attention. I was new to writing about artists and their work, and I fell short in expressing a proper appreciation.

Born on May 5, 1942, in Saint-Mandé, France, Francine Van Hove is a French contemporary painter known for her quiet, intimate portrayals of women in domestic interiors.

She studied at the prestigious École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts, where she developed a strong foundation in classical drawing and painting. Her early training emphasized observation, composition, and the human figure—elements that would remain central throughout her career. Growing up in Paris, she was immersed in a rich artistic tradition that shaped her sensitivity to light, space, and mood.

Van Hove’s career is defined by a consistent focus on contemplative female figures, often depicted reading, resting, or lost in thought. Her technique reflects careful draftsmanship, soft brushwork, and a restrained palette that leans toward warm neutrals and muted tones.

Influences from artists such as Johannes Vermeer are evident in her handling of light and interior space, while her compositions maintain a modern simplicity. Rather than relying on narrative drama, her paintings emphasize stillness and introspection.

Among her most recognized works are her depictions of reclining women, seated figures near windows, and quiet bedroom scenes—often untitled or simply described by their subject. Her work has been exhibited widely in Parisian galleries and across Europe, reinforcing her reputation within contemporary figurative painting.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.galerieclaudinelegrand.fr

https://www.artnet.com/artists/francine-van-hove/

https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Francine-Van-Hove/overview

Heather Kozar

Modeling Appreciation

Heather Kozar was born on May 4, 1976, in Akron, Ohio, and raised in nearby Green, Ohio. She grew up in a strict Christian household and graduated from Green High School in 1994. Tall at 5'8" with blonde hair and blue eyes, Kozar began modeling in her early twenties. Her Midwestern upbringing and conventional background contrasted with the high-profile modeling career that would soon follow.

Kozar’s breakthrough came when she was selected as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for January 1998, photographed by Richard Fegley. Her popularity led to her being named Playmate of the Year in 1999, and she appeared on the cover of the June 1999 issue. 

She also received international recognition, including Playboy Russia’s Playmate of the Month (December 1999) and Playboy Romania’s (March 2000). During this period, she appeared in Playboy videos and promotional campaigns, solidifying her presence within the brand.

After Playboy, Kozar expanded into television and commercial modeling. In 2001, she became one of the “Barker’s Beauties” on the CBS game show The Price Is Right, appearing in over 200 episodes. She later stepped away as outside modeling and commercial work increased, including campaigns for BMW, Wendy’s, Brut cologne, and Cutty Sark whisky. In 2002, she served as the St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel. Her image also appeared in works by artist Jeff Koons, including variations of his “Elvis” paintings.

In her personal life, Kozar married former Tim Couch, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, on February 26, 2005. The couple settled in Lexington, Kentucky, and have two sons. Over time, Kozar stepped back from public modeling work, focusing on family life while remaining part of late-1990s pop culture history.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Kozar

https://www.playboy.com/read/playmate/heather-kozar

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0468601/

https://www.boston.com/sports/football/2009/09/ten_prettiest_nfl_wives/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005104/

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Heather_Kozar

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Heather_Kozar

https://hotnessrater.com/infinite-scroll/5675/heather-kozar

DANCE: Magic Mike Pole Performance Blush Dance Showcase 2026 Stockport

via Blush Dance Aerial & Pole Studio

N.W.A. - Express Yourself

Music Appreciation

“Express Yourself” appeared on Straight Outta Compton and was released as a single in May 1989. Unlike much of the album’s confrontational tone, this track stood apart for its clean lyrics and funk-driven groove. 

Produced by Dr. Dre, the song samples Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s 1970 track of the same name. Notably, Ice Cube does not appear on the song; instead, Dr. Dre takes center stage on the mic. The single broadened N.W.A.’s reach, earning radio play and MTV exposure at a time when much of their catalog faced censorship. 

Lyrically, the song is a manifesto about authenticity and creative freedom. Dr. Dre criticizes radio censorship, industry control, and imitation within hip-hop, urging artists to stay original and speak their truth. Lines rejecting conformity underscore the group’s larger stance against authority, though here the message is framed as empowerment rather than aggression. 

Musically, the production leans heavily into West Coast funk, built around a prominent sample groove, crisp drum programming, and layered backing vocals. 

The music video, directed by Rupert Wainwright, uses surreal, dystopian imagery to critique censorship and state control. It depicts a futuristic society where individuality is suppressed, with Dre symbolically challenging uniformity.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.allmusic.com/album/straight-outta-compton-mw0000651981

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nwa-mn0000316120

https://www.discogs.com/master/11374-NWA-Express-Yourself

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/straight-outta-compton-205885/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906738/

https://genius.com/Nwa-express-yourself-lyrics

https://www.whosampled.com/N.W.A/Express-Yourself/

Ana Bagayan

Art Appreciation

Armenian-born artist Ana Bagayan is known for paintings and drawings that blend symbolism, surrealism, and metaphysical themes. Raised between Armenia and the United States, Bagayan later studied painting at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where she refined her technical skills and developed a highly imaginative visual language. 

Ana’s artwork explores cosmic consciousness, spirituality, dream imagery, and the unseen forces that connect human experience to the universe.  

She has exhibited her work in galleries throughout the United States and internationally, earning recognition for compositions that balance fine art traditions with contemporary surrealism. Her work reflects influences from mysticism, mythology, and metaphysical philosophy while maintaining a distinctly modern aesthetic.

Beyond gallery exhibitions, Bagayan has built a successful career as a commercial illustrator. Her illustrations and commissioned works have appeared in projects connected to companies and publications such as Sony BMG, Rolling Stone, and Spin. 

Silence, 2009

Bitcoin Baby Blues, 2018

Alien Venus, 2021

Sources:

https://www.anabagayan.com

https://www.artcenter.edu/

https://www.instagram.com/anabagayan

https://www.artsy.net/artist/ana-bagayan

https://www.artpal.com/popmodern

https://laluzdejesus.com/product-category/exhibitions/ana-bagayan-strange-attractor/

Violante Placido

Acting Appreciation

Italian actress and singer Violante Placido, born May 1, 1976, in Rome, grew up surrounded by cinema and performance. She is the daughter of acclaimed actor-director Michele Placido and actress Simonetta Stefanelli, an artistic environment that shaped her early ambitions. 

Violante entered the entertainment world at a young age, making her film debut in Quattro bravi ragazzi (1993) alongside her father. Raised in Italy’s cultural capital, she developed interests in acting, literature, and music, building a foundation that allowed her to move comfortably between artistic disciplines. 

Known for her brown hair and blue eyes, she has maintained a recognizable screen presence throughout a career spanning more than three decades.

Violante’s acting career expanded steadily through Italian cinema during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her breakthrough arrived with Sergio Rubini’s L’anima gemella, followed by roles in films such as Che ne sarà di noi, Ora o mai più, and Ovunque sei. 

She gained international visibility portraying Moana Pozzi in the 2009 television miniseries Moana, a performance praised for its emotional nuance. Hollywood audiences later recognized her from The American (2010), opposite George Clooney, and as Nadya in Marvel’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011). On television, she joined Transporter: The Series, portraying intelligence officer Caterina Boldieu, further strengthening her presence in international productions.

Parallel to acting, Violante cultivated a music career under the name Viola. Her 2006 debut album Don’t Be Shy… featured largely English-language songs she wrote herself, influenced by singer-songwriter traditions associated with artists such as Suzanne Vega. The single “How to Save Your Life” highlighted her introspective style, blending folk and alternative pop elements. 

She later collaborated with Italian musician Bugo and released her second album, Sheepwolf (2013), confirming her commitment to music as more than a side project. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.instagram.com/violante.placido

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686376/

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Violante_Placido

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Violante_Placido

https://www.cdastudiodinardo.com/artista_3168_1_1_Violante_Placido.htm

https://www.freeones.com/violante-placido

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/violante-placido-mn0002004387

https://cineuropa.org/en/artist/5387/

MODELING: Justine Nikolaiev

Model: Justine Nikolaiev

Photographer: Arthur-Hubert Legrand

via Normal Magazine