The Thought-Provokers: Celebrating Artists & Creatives

Through a mix of mediums, formats and perspectives artists illuminate the unknown, color the previously black-and-white and add depth to our understanding of our surroundings, our lives, circumstances and more. Through our research process for the Thought provokers series we’ve come across so many stories of artists and creatives that have inspired us and we’d like to share some of our favorites we you below.

Ira Meyer

Having just turned 40, I found myself not owning a business or home, nor involved in a relationship for the first time in quite a few years; and thought: when does someone have this kind of freedom? So I bought a used van in which to drive to Alaska. Knowing I was going to drive up some scenic roads and hike some gorgeous trails, I purchased my first ever camera: a $180 Fuji point-and-shoot. Read More >>

Merrick Porcheddu of Artist Uprising

We went to Dalanzadgad, which is in the heart of the Gobi Desert. It was in the ger district that I met a 16 year old girl who spoke little English, yet she supported her family by being a costume designer on set for american and European film crews that would come to Dalanzadgad to shoot films. She used her skill set to became known in the town as “the seamstress.” I asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up. She said, “I want to design costumes for Beyonce.” My heart was moved. I saw the traditional Mongol wear she created from scratch. Beautiful, colorful perfect garments. It was that day that I knew I needed to go back to America, finish my degree and do whatever it took, to highlight people like her to the world. Read More >>

Falyn Huang

I started out painting as a kid and all the way through high school but always found an interest in photography and fashion. When I enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I decided to transition into photography and created primarily fashion-based images. I couldn’t find a makeup artist to work with so naturally, with my painting background, I also started doing makeup for my own photos. And now… here I am. Read More >>

Christine Sciortino

In 2015, I created the Cinema Makeup and Makeup Effects curriculum in the department of Cinema and Television Arts at Columbia College where I now teach the program and guide my students as they work on the thesis films of their peers. We focus on these same principals of visual storytelling. Some of the most satisfying moments to me are when students from other departments such as Directing or Cinematography come up to me and say things like “so you really wouldn’t have a move without the makeup artist making that guy look like a vampire” or “what’s the best way to communicate with my makeup artist if I was something to look a different color? I never realized how much power they have to influence the look of the film.” It makes me confident that we are better conscious of integrating character design into the process for the next generation of filmmakers and it’s so exciting! Read More >>

Justin James

I quit my community college 3 years into it because I refused to go to a university and take student loans and be miserable. During my 3 years there, I hoped I would find THE dream career, and when I finally realized that it wasn’t for me, I quit and started working full time and that is when fell into photography. A buddy of mine (at the time) was starting photography and it inspired me to get in front of his camera because I enjoyed fashion and creating content. One thing led to another and I realized that I had way too many ideas in my head that would translate into beautiful photographs. So, I took a trip out to Best Buy and spent my entire tax refund check on new camera equipment and booked my very first gig shortly after. Read More >>

Parker Moon

Abstract paintings are like environments. They have a vibe. When it comes to my own work, I am very much feeding the canvas my internal vibes. I don’t plan them, I just walk up and let my heart speak. I am a very emotional person and I connect with abstract aspects of the world around us deeply. For example, I love electronic down tempo music without lyrics and as I listen It often takes over my mind as the soundtrack to a personal past memory or fantasy about the future. Usually it is enough to move me to tears if it goes dark. This is how I feel about my work. I have many times in the studio where if someone walked in they would rush over and ask if I’m alright as I’m sobbing loudly and blending deep blue into greens on a canvas like a crazy person! Much of my work is produced in my hardest times, of which there have been many, but I don’t think that my work is dark always. What I want is to create something beautiful to leave for the world to look at over and over and enjoy and interpret for themselves. What happier ending could I ask for each time I go through a hard experience? Read More >>

Christopher Brown

Soon after graduating, I moved to Chicago and lived in Logan Square. I then began working as a freelance illustrator and fine artist. It didn’t take long for me to discover the awesome art community here in Chicago. Since coming here, I’ve come across amazing opportunities, from having my work in exhibitions to working with Joe Freshgoods on his “Thank You Obama” collection featuring Chance the Rapper, in addition to working with other clients and collaborators. Read More >>

Brian Singer

I’m a Bass Player who makes music. My approach to bass is not only to play the part. I like to bring ideas and collaborate with other artists. What I think makes you different is what you bring to the table. I like to over deliver every time I show up. By putting your own flavor and creativity separates you from the rest, of course having a good attitude always help. Read More >>

KASM78

As a graffiti artist my main tool is the spray can, but I also use other mediums like latex paint, tape, markers and pens. I enjoy painting building walls more than anything due to their size and texture–naked bricks are also a great canvas to use. Although my main focus is on letter structure, I’ve began to work on more characters and abstract work. Each style has its own challenges and I like to switch between the three so that I can keep my work fresh. Read More >>

Caroline Ryan

Most recently, I have been utilizing old family photographs and “found” photographs I have purchased from secondhand stores. As with the paintings of my father, this is another way for me to connect with my family, and even strangers. While making these paintings, I am reflecting on moments I often times, have no knowledge of (despite these being my family photographs.) In a sense, it is similar to the connection/lack thereof I have with photographs of strangers. By painting my old family photographs, and photographs of strangers, I am reflecting on memory and shared experiences. I am ultimately negating the purpose of the photograph, which is to capture a moment instantly, by engaging in the practice of painting — where I spend hours with the photo and the canvas. Read More >>

Jayoung Yoon

Human hair is intimately corporeal, tactile and focuses the viewer’s attention on the body. I try to convey an intimate feeling and physical tension through wearable hair sculpture. Also, since hair doesn’t decay long after death, it is an especially appropriate symbol of remembrance. I use the hair sheared from my head, then transform the hair into sculptures. Each strand of hair is hand-knotted or woven into forms, which can be seen through, conjuring invisible thoughts and memories. Such forms are often used in my video and performance works. Read More >>

Jared McGriff

My work is meant to encourage the viewer to identify commonality with the people and environments created while asking questions like – what is this person thinking? What language does this person speak? What moment am I sharing with this subject? In this manner, my work is an invitation to explore the roots that link people together and contemplate similarities instead of focus on perceived differences. Read More >>

Samantha Lazarus

While my style and choice of medium has changed over the years, the one thing that has remained consistent is my love of complex and fine details. I see each mark or paint stroke like a collection of atoms, it’s only when they all properly come together that you can see the final image. In my current body of work I have been exploring various mental and psychological states. Many individuals who deal with mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, often internalize or mask their symptoms, but just because you can’t see the pain doesn’t make it any less real. It’s these feelings that I personify in my latest portraiture series. I have created these larger than life surreal charcoal portraits that give a face to the symptoms associated with these psychological states. Measuring over four feet tall, these contorted faces symbolize how overwhelming and consuming these feelings can be for an individual. Read More >>