LAND WATER SKY
AUGUST 2025
BEST IN SHOW
PAUL J. COLLINS
* ANCIENT ANCHORAGE AT LOW TIDE *
Photography
“As a landscape photographer I’m inspired by nature and all its manifestations combining my passion for photography with my love of the outdoors which gives me a calmness of spirit and an affinity with the land. When I’m in a place which may be unfamiliar or one which I have decided to revisit I will observe everything around me with expectation. There are times when the beauty of the land is enhanced by magical lighting or a dramatic sky. These are the moments I continually strive to capture. Very often they are fleeting. When I venture out to create photographs there are no preconceived ideas in my head but I try to choose those times of the day when the lighting is favourable, working with what nature offers, understanding its unpredictability and applying the technical skills I have learned.” — PAUL J. COLLINS
GOLDEN TRIO AWARD
LINDA MCCORD
**SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022**
* INTERSECTION *
* OVER YONDER * * RESTING PLACE *
Alcohol ink
“Using the same color palette, this series explores the often-overlooked beauty of seasonal change — vibrant colors, falling leaves and the quiet withering of plants. Using alcohol ink on porous canvas, I create soft, layered effects that evoke the sensual and fleeting qualities of nature. As alcohol evaporates, it leaves behind rich, transparent dyes that capture each moment’s essence.” — LINDA MCCORD
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
KALIB BRYAN
* THE WANDERER *
Digital
“As a visual artist, my vision is to explore the emotion and beauty of our world. I combine mobile technology with natural elements, while experimenting with AI and other graphic effects to turn everyday settings into cinematic and serene dreamscapes. My goal is to capture compelling narratives about the solitude of life as I surprise people with enchanting places. The world is a mysterious place and I want to open up a whole new world that draws a line between the ordinary and the extraordinary.” — KALIB BRYAN
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
NETTA GANOR
* WHERE THE FOREST OPENS *
By the courtesy of the Mouth & Foot Painting Artists Worldwide
Oil
“As a mouth painting artist navigating a severe physical disability, my art becomes a canvas of liberation. Devoid of hand function, the brush in my mouth is my conduit to control, independence and a profound sense of freedom. With every brush stroke, I feel like I’m transcending my physical confines. Time stands still, casting away worries. My realism captures intricate details, portraying the beauty I discover in my surroundings. With a palette of bold, saturated hues, my optimistic artworks reflect a positive outlook on life. I believe the fusion of mind and heart conquers limitations. Through my art, I invite viewers to witness the boundless possibilities when resilience and creativity converge, inspiring a perception of life's beauty and endless potential.” — NETTA GANOR
SAPPHIRE AWARD
JENNY L. AMBROSE
* FIELDS OF GOLD *
Acrylic
“Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Back Bay, I find my muse in the sprawling landscapes and diverse wildlife of coastal Virginia. I was searching for passion and purpose after being forced to retire from my medical career in 2023 — I found solace in the serenity of the shoreline. It is my desire to weave together elements of the natural world with a touch of my own imagination in such a way that it would inspire those around me and allow others to embrace the beauty of life through my eyes.” — JENNY L. AMBROSE
EMERALD AWARD
MANUELA MOLDOVAN
* LAKE SHORE VIEW WINTER *
Mixed media
“For me, art has been a passion since a very young age. I like the freedom to work with colors, imagine, seek and connect with nature. My inspiration comes from the color and the depth of a forest, the trees’ reflection in the water, the edges of the lake seen from above. I am born as a water sign and I feel attracted to this element. It became an obsession in my mixed media collage artwork. I find myself deeply connected. For me, the environment is dynamic and profound, with incredible energy and vibration. Whether it's a cold but sunny November day or a bright spring day, my intention is to introduce a moment, a state of mind, a simple invitation to experience nature. I like to introduce in my works "unusual" elements, like colour or shapes, in a whimsical way.” — MANUELA MOLDOVAN
RUBY AWARD
JOHN DIEPHOUSE
** RUBY ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2024**
**CRYSTAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023**
* TWILIGHT STILLNESS *
Photography
“I am a self-taught photographer and digital collage artist and am attracted to a wide variety of subjects ranging from natural landscapes, botanicals and wildlife to images that provide either abstract expression or social commentary. I am interested in sharing images that evoke a story of some kind. Images may be simply documentary, reflect a sense of time and place or resonate on a more abstract level of color, shape or form. Others provoke an indefinable question that does not readily yield answers without further study and reflection.” — JOHN DIEPHOUSE
CRYSTAL AWARD
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AWARD OF MERIT
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HONOURABLE MENTION
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**WINNERS VIDEO**