Artists Jalena Hay, Laura Cleary Williams, and Brittney Ciccone discuss their creative methodologies and the themes of their exhibition Eternal Cycles at Warren's Contemporary. This powerful exhibition features the work of Laura, Jalena, and Brittney, three contemporary artists exploring themes of impermanence, change, and the cyclical nature of life. Through abstraction, layering, and dynamic mark-making, they examine how we leave lasting traces in a constantly shifting world.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The cyclical nature of life as a recurring theme, reflected in the exhibition’s exploration of chaos, order, and impermanence.
2. How meditation and reflection have transformed each artist's perspective and approach to their work.
3. Navigating the unpredictable nature of creation, technology, and life, while finding beauty in imperfection.
4. Insights on balancing personal expression with viewer interaction, where art becomes a conversation.

About Jalena, Laura, and Brittney -

Jalena’s practice is all about taking control of the chaos. Her work layers Pen, Ink, Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil to create intricate compositions that don’t just ask for your attention—they demand it. These compositions evoke a tension between abstraction and emotion, where every mark becomes part of a larger exploration of themes such as impermanence, resilience, and interconnectedness. Jalena Hay was born and raised in Southern California before moving to New York City to study Drawing and Printmaking at Pratt Institute. Her passion for printmaking took her to Amsterdam, where she dove deep into lithography, pushing the boundaries of line, texture and form.

Brittney Ciccone, an abstract painter originally from Hudson Valley, NY, now resides and works in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Brittney is an active member of the Boston SoWa Artist Guild and participates in various solo and group shows, including notable exhibitions like Brooklyn TOAF. Her work captivates collectors internationally and is featured in private collections across multiple continents.

Laura Cleary Williams’s abstract spaces are an ode to an imperfect language. Through motion, she makes marks that translate thought - subconscious – a viscerally understood language. Williams works from her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2009, she received her BFA from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Next, Williams received a full scholarship to complete her Master's in Printmaking in 2012 at SCAD-Atlanta. Williams worked at SCAD‘s Southeastern Center for Printmaking. There, she worked on an ambitious print collection with Kiki Smith and Valerie Hammond.

Website: jalenahay.com / brittneyciccone.com / lauracleary.com
IG: @jalena.hay / @brittneycicconeart / @lauraclearywilliams

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag

Join our newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Greg Mike, a visual artist and founder of ABV Gallery, discusses his creative journey, the challenges of building a gallery in Atlanta, and preparing for his solo exhibition. He shares insights on finding joy in the creative process, balancing personal and professional life, and fostering community through collaboration.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The rewarding yet challenging process of opening a new gallery space in Atlanta, emphasizing the role of art as a sanctuary during stressful times.

2. The evolution of Greg’s work from dark themes to brighter, more positive messages, reflecting personal and artistic growth.

3. The significance of collaboration and community engagement in shaping his career and supporting other artists.

4. The importance of embracing failure as part of the creative process and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.

About Greg -
Born and raised in Connecticut, childhood trips to NYC exposed "Greg Mike" Mensching to the creative potential of reinventing public spaces through art and design. Always obsessed with the boundless energy and crisp line work of iconic American mid-century cartoons, by his early teens Greg began using the walls on the streets to fuse these two passions together. Further inspired by his deep involvement with skate culture and his intersections with the design world, he has become known for pieces that incorporate vivid explosions of incandescent color filtered through a Surrealist Pop Art perspective.

Currently based in Atlanta, Greg Mike is the founder and creative director of ABV AGENCY, a multi-platform creative studio specializing in graphic design, street art and public art, custom mural installations, art direction and more. Greg Mike is also the founder and curator of ABV GALLERY, a contemporary art gallery with a brand new location in East Atlanta Village. ABV Gallery exhibits over 500+ artists from around the world featuring both emerging and established artists with a focus on the New Contemporary movement.

Founded in 2010, ABV Gallery has become a cornerstone of Atlanta's thriving art community, showcasing works of art that challenge and inspire visitors. In 2015, Greg Mike founded OuterSpace Project, an event series that merges public art, live music, design, action sports and culture which has produced over 100+ murals throughout the city of Atlanta.

Website:gregmike.com
IG: @gregmike

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag

Join our newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Elisabeth Johs, founder and director of JO-HS Gallery, shares her journey as a gallery owner, the importance of intuition in business decisions, and the challenges and rewards of managing a gallery while building a trusted community of artists and collaborators.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of trusting her intuition when making business decisions, especially in navigating challenges with artists, clients, or partners. She’s found that ignoring her gut often leads to regret and emphasizes the need to stay true to personal values.

2. The value of meeting artists in person at events, openings, or museum gatherings. These face-to-face connections feel more meaningful and lasting than unsolicited DMs, as they create a deeper understanding of the artist and their work.

3. Taking initiative—attend events, meet curators and gallerists, and put yourself out there. While the art world can feel closed off, being proactive and enthusiastic can leave a lasting impression.

About Elisabeth -

Elisabeth Johs is a curator and art advisor originally from Denmark. Elisabeth has lived in London and New York and currently resides in Mexico City. In 2021 she founded JO-HS, an art residency and project space in Mexico City focusing on exhibiting emerging artists. In 2023 Elisabeth established a new location for JO-HS in New York City. Since 2018 Elisabeth has been curating independently. Her curatorial practice actively pursues responses to modern-day challenges such as social, human and material, combining creativity, communication, research and innovation conveyed in visual narrative.

Website: jo-hs.com
IG: @_jo_hs

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag

Join our newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter