Unseen Connections | Nancy Good, Layl McDill, and Jemsy Pradun

Mostly known for mural-sized, physically-interactive/immersive conceptual abstracts, Las Vegas artist Nancy Good's practice is rooted in an unwavering passion to create strong contemporary art that invites dialogue and human connection. Influenced by synesthesia and eclectic DNA, a common thread through Good's work is how she employs modern materials and tools, while utilizing aesthetics of her ancient ancestries. Published and award-winning, Good's work is regularly seen in exhibits across the country in locations such as institutional spaces, museums, and galleries throughout the country and overseas. Her art is also found in important public and private collections. Good has received four Congressional Commendations for her artistic contributions, and has been inducted into the National Association of Women Artists. As a conceptual abstract artist and printmaker with humanist, philosophical leanings, a long-standing mission is creating thoughtful and dynamic interpretations of the vastness of shared experience, from grief to joy, loneliness to community, shame to reconciliation, fear to acceptance, apathy to compassion - the ultimate goal is that of finding common ground and connection during times when the loudest of voices seem to seek division and conflict. I often do this by inviting unexpected kinetic interaction and immersive engagement using color theory, hidden symbols, typography, and repetitive patterns intentionally layered throughout a work. Even further, when paired with refractive lenses and special lighting, the works reveal dimensional shifts and elements that were previously hiding in plain sight. Using acrylics, airbrush, UV pigments, latex, inks, collage and assemblage, freedom of expression is unhampered, and I am able to create, in full collaboration with any and all chosen materials, the human emotion or experience I am personally experiencing at the time, researching and interpreting, and/or the energy I wish to convey. Deeply influenced by biological forms and vibrations, I most often represent a conceptual theme in the form of what I may envision as its most primal state – dividing cells. From cerebral synapses to the electricity that flows through our physical forms, at our core, we are a mass of pulsing, vibrating molecules, always in some state of re-creation and decay. Layl McDill grew up in Gillette, Wyoming, where she began creating at a very young age. Her early works were dollhouses, marionettes, and even an entire "Smurf Village". Layl received her BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art Design. She has exhibited her work around the country since 1993. Polymer clay has been her medium of choice, using the millefiori technique and mixed media materials. She encourages others to try art through polymer clay by teaching all ages and abilities. Her work can also be found in numerous books and publications. "I am a mixed media sculptor creating art that explores our human interactions with nature and our effects on the climate. My use of various materials conveys messages about the environment that will move the viewer to see natural and man-made systems in visual metaphors that they can relate to. I have struggled with my own plastic addiction for over 30 years. My primary material has been polymer clay. I've mastered the techniques and made a career of using this material, but now I find myself facing daily cognitive dissonance. One step I took is to add more found objects to my art process. Using materials that are usually thrown away, such as styrofoam and plastic containers, makes me feel like I'm "buying a carbon credit" to offset my use of polymer clay. These materials also set the stage for me to create work that focuses on climate change and adds a layer of meaning. I want my work to give the viewer a new way of looking at sustainable systems which are hard to understand. At first, people are excited to see something as unique as my work, and this draws them in. As they spend more time with my work, they begin to have a memorable experience that sticks in their mind. They learn about positive systems that will give them hope about the environment and make them curious about ways they can learn more and have conversations about their own cognitive dissonance." Jemsy Pradun is a Chicago born and based artist. She currently attends the School of the Art Institute of Chicago studying for her BFA in Fine Arts (drawing). She has also attended Oakton Community College and The American Academy of Art. Within her time perusing art she has accumulated over 35 accomplishments, including: "Voices Embodied" at the Design Museum of Chicago, "Sarcasm" at the OH Art Foundation in Chicago, IL, and 2 bibliographies (Art Star of the Month, Arts to Hearts Project and Water Marks Press Release). Jemsy uses markers, crayons, and paint markers on paper to inspire others to open their perspective and imagination; expressing something never seen before. "I'm a mixed media artist who creates using markers, crayons, and paint markers on paper. I predominantly enjoy creating artworks incorporating eclectic surrealism, adapted blind contour, animation, and abstract styles. Always using the same technique, I incorporate spontaneity by never imagining a mental image, only a variety of physical references, combined with intention, always drawing each subject in a particular order. I typically begin working in the center of the page with what I find to be the simplest shapes and/or forms (i.e., circles for eyes). Once I'm done with drawing the outline, I go over it in either thick or thin black Sharpie. This allows me to accomplish a smoother look when I finally color everything in. The completed piece is usually marker overlapped with crayon and/or paint marker. Through practicing these techniques and styles, I've obtained skill. I aspire to constantly explore, express, and inspire."