Andrew Sloan (b. 1976)

Born in 1976, Andrew Sloan is a Detroit native known for his elaborate drawings of muscle cars, urban architecture, and sports icons. Often informed by an aspiration to capture the “Motown spirit”, his vision and style remain cohesive across his body of work while referencing disparate interests and subject matter.

Sloan’s distinct aesthetic is one of incredible detail and careful execution, with thoughtful compositions often breaking the borders of his substrates. Relationships found in nature or within urban landscapes are depicted with subtleties deduced through contemplative observation. Alongside the dynamism and compelling distortion unique to Sloan’s work, each drawing evokes a diligent, meditative quality reflecting the patience and attention invested in his creative process.

Christianne Msall (b. 1969)

Born in 1969, Christianne Msall has been a member of Arts of Life’s Chicago studio since 2008. Always a strong self-advocate, she’s dedicated to both her personal and professional development. Msall’s meticulous graphite and colored pencil drawings are a vibrant marriage of intuitive shapes and symbols, primarily inspired by her spirituality. Using a kaleidoscopic array of colors, she spontaneously articulates the detailed patterns and recurring motifs that appear across her work – crosses, drooping flowers, hearts, wine glasses, and candles. Recent exhibitions include Wake Me Up, Pantheon, and Dance Dance Dance at Circle Contemporary.

“When I look at my work, I see how happy I am, my positivity. When others look, they see how wonderful I am, that I have good ideas and good techniques. I’m very proud of myself.”

Renata Berdes (b. 1994)

The persistence and laser focus Renata Berdes possesses in pursuit of her artistic outcomes is indomitable. She continually pursues her themes, or “obsessions” as she calls them, with voracity and intention.

“I really like the art because you can see everything through art.”

Her sculptural works viewed collectively suggest the assemblage of a new space that plays with scale and permanence. Individually her sculptures are imbued with the magic of what is possible; first there was nothing, and now by Berdes’ hands and imagination the object exists. Found objects are unified through an intimate connection with the sense of touch that manifests in rich textures.

“I got plexiglass for the door because I can see through it. I can see stuff in there. I really like what I made. I was using some string for that water. I like that box that you gave me. It was a good idea, using that box.”

Berdes delivers with confidence and honesty, engaging viewers through her own vulnerability. She invites us to see the world from her viewpoint and delights us with her reinterpretation of what is.

“I want to do it because I am capable. I want to do art.”

Berdes’ artwork has been exhibited at the Chazen Museum of Art in Wisconsin, and is in the permanent collection at the University of Wisconsin” Waisman Foundation. Her artwork is included in Arts of Life’s 20 year anniversary limited edition Platinum Print Collection.