Featured Artists

Amanda Hashagen

Experience:

When I saw the news images of Pulse, I felt connected to the Orlando family I had never met. Growing up a lesbian in Kansas City, I understand how our “Pulses” are where we feel at home with our chosen families. To be invaded in our safe space cuts to the core of faith and trust in our fellow humans.

While on Facebook, I saw that a coworker of mine from Austin, and a friend from Kansas City, had both posted about the 49 Portraits project. I saw that artists were creating portraits of the victims to give to their families. Moved, I clicked the second time I saw the headline. I thought this had already happened and did not realize that it was a call for artists. I thought it was already a well-known project because two of my friends in different states, who don’t know one another, posted the same thing. It turned out, that my friend from Kansas City went to University in Massachusetts with the Project’s founder, Mia Merlin. My coworker in Austin? She’s Mia’s sister. This was a happy coincidence.

I had just moved to Seattle a few weeks prior. One of the folks I supervised, I only had the chance to speak with a few times on the phone. He had to leave his job to go help take care of his family in Florida. His cousin was killed at Pulse. When I emailed Mia and asked if I could participate, she sent me a list of folks that other artists were going to do portraits of. There were only 11 people who did not have an artist assigned. One of the 11 was my coworker’s cousin, Eddie “Brycen” Jamal Droy Justice.

JUSTICE.

I am thankful to have been led down this path and to have been a part of honoring these beautiful souls and their families- all their families. I hope this project can serve as a seed of renewed faith and trust in our fellow humans.

Website: Creative Works Seattle

Kristy Brucale Jach

My experience:

I was contacted by a friend an fellow artist in the project Rob Hessler about the opportunity. I was given Anthony Luis Laureano Disla’s name and immediately started my research. Anthony was an exceptional person, beautiful and talented beyond measure. Such star quality exuded from his photos and video performances. It was a very emotional experience to create his portrait, one of the most difficult I have ever done because I wanted to make sure to do him justice, to create a piece that would honor his memory for family and friends. I did not know Anthony, but came to care deeply for him and what happened to him. I will never forget him. I am so honored to be a part of this project along with so many incredible artists coming together to try to make a difference. To share with love and compassion to try to help heal. My deepest condolences to his family and friends and to all who have lost in this terrible tragedy. I am so sorry for your loss.

Bio:

Kristy Brucale Jach is an artist living in Boonton, New Jersey. Kristy is an art teacher at a therapeutic high school, co-owner of Speakeasy Art Gallery, and founder of Boonton Arts Organization dedicated to transforming community through creativity.

Artist’s page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristybrucalejachart/?fref=ts
Kristy’s gallery website: www.speakeasyart.com

Brooke Clark

Experience:

As I was looking through all 49 victims, I came across Mercedez, and I saw a lot of myself in her, even with never knowing her personally. The light of Mercedez came through even while painting her portrait, which inspired the gold leaf at the end. This project and experience was very close to home for me, and I am so honored to have been a part of it. I’m so thankful for Mia to have started this and my fellow artists as well. I am glad that we were able to come together in such a difficult and dark time in order to bring back a little bit of the light that surrounded these beautiful souls during their life time.

Bio:

Brooke Clark is a practicing fine artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is currently attending Kennesaw State University where she pursues a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in drawing and painting.

In her work, Brooke aims to both explore and exemplify the dissociative qualities which she has experienced personally throughout life, where she has never been able to fit the mold of her peers quite right. Brooke projects herself and offers the viewer a raw version of her person.

Website: brookeclarkart.com

Mary Gross

My Experience:

In drawing and painting such an intimate portrait, forming the features and painting the areas where sunlight warms the face, I was able to immerse myself in the tranquil beauty of the moment and to reflect on the serenity of Darryl Roman‘s image, undoubtedly captured by a friend or family member. As I rendered his features, referring back and forth between a small handful of images available on the internet, I reflected on his accomplishments and all of the loving and positive things that people who knew him had written. These became the foundation for his portrait. I grew to feel that I knew him, at least somewhat, and I keep the planning drawings close to my desk.

It is my hope that the process of memorializing these 49 people through portraiture will shine a light on their beauty and value and allow their community to transcend the fear, violence, and destruction of bigotry.

Bio:

I am Seattle based painter and multi-media artist. I studied at Lafayette College, University of Washington, Pratt Fine Arts Center of Seattle and SACI, Florence. My themes are generally architectural and spatial, concerned with the ephemeral nature of perception and interpretation.

Although I rarely depict people, I have felt very honored to participate in this exhibit and welcomed the opportunity to do something constructive and nurturing in response to the tragedy that took 49 people from their communities, friends and loved ones.

Whitney Jordan

My Experience:

The shootings at the Pulse Nightclub were a truly tragic event that had an effect on many people, even those who were not directly involved. When I was given the name of the person to create a representation of, Cory Connell, I immediately sought after pictures of him to begin working. The pictures that I found of Cory gave me the idea that he was an adventurous, fun, and caring individual. After completing my first work, I was not fully satisfied, so I began another. In the end, I decided it would be best to send both artworks for his family to cherish.

It is amazing how this project has brought together artists, families, and others in the community. I have truly enjoyed being a part of this project, and feel that it was an honor to be chosen to work on something so special. My heart goes out to Cory’s family and friends, as well as all of the other families who lost their loved ones.

Bio:

My name is Whitney Jordan, and I am from Northeast Georgia. I am an elementary art teacher who also enjoys working on my own artwork when I have time. I learned about the 49 Portraits Project via a friend of mine from college when she posted the information on Facebook. The more I read into the project, the more I felt lead to create a portrait.

Kristie York

My Experience:

I was honored when I received Akyra Monet Montgomery as a subject. She was the youngest victim at Pulse and had a bright future ahead of her. I know her parents will most likely be the beneficiaries of this portrait and I really struggled with that. I tried to paint this beautiful girl and capture all that happiness and peace I saw in her face. As an artist I always feel like I’m falling short. So I painted two portraits. Beyond my artwork I shared her story with my students and we talked about her legacy. We talked about how, every day, we can make the world a better place just by loving one another and being positive. I hope that sentiment brings her family some comfort. I will carry Akyra in my heart and talk about her story with lots and lots of kids.

Bio:

I am a junior high art teacher in Sheridan Arkansas, which is about 45 minutes outside of Little Rock. I am married to an awesome guy, Daken, and we have two little boys; Hank, 8 and Knox, 4. I absolutely love my job as an art teacher and consider it my way of contributing to my community. I think teachers can create such change. I am only in my second year but hope to become one of those teachers kids remember as an ally in their corner. I hope that my classroom is a reason they come to school and gives them an outlet to express themselves. Prior to becoming a teacher I spent 15 years as a working artist, creating murals in many homes, painting portraits, and creating custom works of art for designers. I’ve made and sold lots of art to make ends meet, but when people ask me, “what’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?” I always respond “becoming a mother.” It’s the truth, my boys are the best thing I’ve ever made. When my students ask why I drive 55 minutes to teach them (I live in Hot Springs), I tell them, “YOU.” It’s true, they are worth every minute.

Vivian Hansen

My Experience:

This project has been very special to me. While my heart breaks to see stories like this one unfold, there is always a sort of disconnect between the reality of these people’s lives and the reality of my own. I never met Luis. I don’t even know anyone who knew him. But I spent a long time trying to bridge that disconnect, learning about him and his life through his own media pages and those of his friends. I saw photos of him hugging his friends, participating in a wedding, celebrating a new year. I laughed at a silly video he made and smiled at photos from his younger days before he could grow a beard properly. I even caught myself almost “liking” his posts a few times, forgetting that I don’t know him. But then came the pages full of shock and grief, the moment that went from Luis “is” to Luis “was.” I stared at his face for hours and hours as I painted, trying to know every curve, to represent him in a way that could do honor to the “is” and “was” of this young man and hopefully transform it into something that will forever be. For Luis Vielma will forever be in the hearts and minds of his family, his friends, and countless strangers across the world like me that took a moment to know and love and remember a sweet young life taken from us too soon. Rest in peace, Luis. With love, Vivian.

Bio:

Vivian Hansen de los Rios is an illustrator and writer from Hurley, Mississippi. Both graduates of SCAD, she and her husband recently founded Two Rivers Creative Studio, where Vivian can focus her simple, lighthearted editorial works as a separate entity from her personal works on canvas, which tend to have a more somber and timeless approach. Her work can be found at www.vivianhansen.com.

Nancy Blum

My Experience:

I was drawn to Brenda’s sparkling, beautiful eyes. I felt such sadness at the extinguishing of such a vibrant and loving woman. At the end she was enjoying dancing with her son, but managed to protect him so that he survived the shooting. She had beaten cancer – twice, but continued to be optimistic and filled with enormous love for her family and friends. I came to be aware of the continuing outpouring of love for her. I read about her morning Facebook posts, mostly optimistic and uplifting, that inspired so many and affected me deeply:

“Hardships make us strong. Problems give birth to wisdom. Sorrows cultivate compassion. Those who have suffered the most know the trials and tribulations of life and still seem to smile. Good morning.”

And this:

“People say you do not know what you have got till it is gone. Truth is, you knew what you had, you just never thought you would lose it.”

Bio:

An Atlanta artist, known for portraits of people and pets as well as still lifes, my paintings walk a line between representation and abstraction. My ultimate goal — through the juxtaposition of vibrant colors, the mix of lines and shapes — is to create paintings that portray energy and movement.

PortraitsandStillLifes.com

Erin Dixon

My Experience:

By making this gesture of painting Joel’s portrait I am sending love out into a world which desperately needs it and of course to the family of Joel Rayon Paniagua who experienced this horrific trauma and loss. I hope I was able to capture some essence of his personality and that this portrait capturing him at a particular moment in his life will give Joel’s family something to remember him by.

Bio:

Erin Dixon is a Lecturer of Drawing and Painting at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from Georgia State University and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. She was born in Grand Bassa County, Liberia, grew up in Middlebury, Connecticut and Penang, Malaysia, and has lived in Seattle, Washington and Atlanta, Georgia. Dixon currently lives in Carrollton, creating mixed media works on paper and oil paintings which attempt to capture the constantly fluctuating nature of memories, both personal and collective.

Wyanne Thompson

My Experience:

I chose Peter…or actually I think he chose me. I felt like he kept telling me he wanted something different. I read everything I could find about him. I knew he was the life of any party…so I gave him metallic gold leaf suspenders and there are flecks of gold in the background. I hope in some way I captured his soul. I really felt his presence right beside me guiding me the entire time.

Bio:

I’ve been a full-time artist for the past 20 years. I have been blessed to have my work in collections all over the world. In late 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage IV oral cancer I underwent a major 13-hour surgery, losing my entire tongue and 66 lymph nodes. Followed by chemo, radiation and a year grueling long recovery process. I lost my ability to talk clearly and I take all of my nutrition from a stomach feeding tube.. Thankfully, I’m still cancer free and winning the battle with the beast. I am extremely lucky that I don’t have to talk in order to paint. The process has taught me to live in the moment and not take anything for granted. I now consider “the Big C” a gift.

www.wyanne.com

Julie Püttgen

My Experience:

I worked on my portrait of Javier Jorge Reyes this summer, in quiet periods between other projects. Each time I sat down with the photograph of his kind, serious, handsome face, I felt I was tapping into some important, timeless realm. What does it mean, painting a portrait of such a young man, killed just in the flower of his life? For me it came to mean the possibility of connecting with community, with life, and with my own very present mortality. Hearing from Yazmin Reyes, Javier Jorge’s sister, has given me the sense that this message in a bottle has reached shore. I offer this portrait with respect for all those who choose to dance their way into joy, and with heartfelt prayers for peace in this world.

Bio:

Julie Püttgen lives as an artist-activist, chaplain-at-large, and teacher of contemplative creativity. Her projects in writing, painting, and community arts are online at www.108namesofnow.com.

Diana Toma

My Experience:

Participating in the “49 Portraits Project” was a a very moving experience. Trough this painting process I connected with Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera in a unique way. When observing his photo wholeheartedly, I experienced a communion with his essence. There is a profound meaning to be found in that place where we overlap. My painting is meant to be a witnesses of an extra-ordinary moment, and my intention is to engage the viewer emotionally.

Bio:

Diana Toma is a Romanian award winning visual artist currently teaching and creating in Atlanta, Georgia. Holding a Master Degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana is esteemed professional authority invited to judge and jury art shows, speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, and teach painting workshops for artists. To learn more about her work visit her website at www.artbydianatoma.com

Margaret Dyer

My Experience:

It is an honor to have participated in this project. I thought of Brenda and her family the entire time I painted her. I grieve for you all and hope this small portrait comforts you in the years ahead.

Bio:

Margaret has lived in Atlanta, GA, since her family moved from New York in 1960. A Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America, Masters Circle in the International Association of Pastel Societies and award-winner in the American Impressionist Society, She has been featured in The Pastel Journal, American Artist Magazine, International Artist Magazine, The Artist’s Magazine, Pastel Artist International, “How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Figures,” “Pastel Highlights 2,” and “Pure Color: The Best of Pastels.” Margaret has made her living for over 20 years selling her work and teaching.
www.margaretdyer.com

Joanne Sosangelis

My Experience:

I kept thinking about Edward as I was drawing him, wondering what he was like. Then I would think about his family and loved ones. I really felt for them. I can’t imagine what they went through, but I hope knowing that there are people who care out there helps them a little. This portrait was my way of saying that. It was my way of showing them that he was important, even to those of us who didn’t know him. Rest in Peace, Edward.

Bio:

Joanne Milne Sosangelis is a Director of Gannett’s Asbury Park Design Studio. She is currently living at the Jersey Shore and finds her creative outlet mostly in her photography these days. Growing up, however, she was always drawing and eventually attended Philadelphia’s Moore College of Art & Design. Art — in one form or another — has always been her passion.

www.skyeandraine.com

Sharon Shapiro

My Experience:

Creating the painting of Martin Benitez Torres was very moving for me. I really wanted to capture his essence, which was not easy since I didn’t know him personally. I found a video on his Facebook page that he had posted just hours before the shooting, and his smile was so incredible that I knew it was important to portray his warmth. I feel like I did achieve a good likeness and I hope that it brings some comfort to his loved ones when they receive the piece.

Bio:

For over 20 years, Sharon Shapiro’s figurative paintings and works on paper have been exhibited in numerous venues including shows in Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, Los Angeles and London. Her work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at {Poem88} Gallery in Atlanta, GA; Brenau University in Gainesville, GA; and Second Street Gallery in Charlottesville, VA. In addition to being published in catalogues produced for these solo exhibitions as well as a hardbound catalogue for a group exhibition examining female identity in contemporary art published by the University of Central Missouri, her work has been featured in three issues of New American Paintings, and as the cover image for Volume 39.

My Experience:

There was something about Jonathan that spoke to me. He had a beautiful smile and warm, twinkly eyes. As a parent, I could only imagine the heartache his family must have felt and still feel at the loss of their beautiful boy whose life was really just beginning. I wanted them to know I cared about their son, as well. If something like that happened to one of my children, I would need to know that there was still love and kindness in this world. So, that is what I set about to achieve in addition to capturing Jonathan’s likeness. Jonathan attempted to save his friend’s life that night, Yilmary Rodriguez. His family raised a selfless young man, and that is something to be remembered and celebrated.

Bio:

Ellen Culbertson Abramo is a stay-at-home wife and mom. Originally from Florence, SC, she and her family now live in Nazareth, PA, and are parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church. Ellen and her husband Don run a small business on the side where Ellen illustrates children’s books, draws portraits, designs book layouts, and also does self-publishing consulting.

www.ellenabramo.com

Paul Lawrence Andino

My Experience:

When a friend sent me this great chance to help celebrate the love & lives of the 49 shooting victims in Orlando I knew right away that it was something I had to do. When I think of the crazy things happening in the world I know that Mia’s 49 Portrait Project could just help bring peace and love even if it is for a moment. Not only to the victim families but to Orlando, Florida, the country and maybe to the rest of the world. Now I never met Mia but seeing her outreach to the art community and special attention she had given to this project I saw her heart and wanted to help out. I was super grateful to have been allowed to do a painting. The painting I requested specifically was of Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz. When I saw his face I just connected with him in a way that was indescribable. It was as if he was family and I was meant to paint him. It was truly an honor to have had the chance to capture him.

It is my hope that his family will enjoy this portrait and cherish his memory for many years come. Sad that we had to come to do this but honored & blessed to have been given the chance paint LOVE. I want to thank you Mia for this project and thank you Christopher, for connecting with me. Hope to meet you one day.

Bio:

A New Jersey native, Paul Lawrence Andino has been fascinated with the world of art & design since childhood. His expertise is diverse ranging from fabrics to carpets and now painting. For twenty years he has been fortunate to explore and expand his gifts. His keen eye for color, textures and attention to detail is evident in his work and is an essential part of his design identity. Using his passion for nature, people and deep honor for his Latin culture, Paul brings the world of then and now together in beautiful works of art.

www.plandino.com

Rosemary Segreti

About My Experience:

I am so very honored to offer Simon‘s family a token of comfort while working through such a tragedy. Throughout the painting of Simon I just kept thinking love. Love that Simon had for others. Love that Simon’s family had for him. Love that overturns hate. Looking into his eyes when working on the painting reminded me to have courage and make every day count. I read that the color blue represents heaven. I included blue because it feels like Simon is in heaven.

Bio:

I am Rosemary Segreti, a part time artist while working as Senior Associate Registrar at University of Georgia. My wife, Rosie Coleman, and I have been members of the Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS) for seven years and have been attending the OCAF (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Open Studio for two years. When Rosie suggested to paint a portrait for one of the Pulse victims as part of the 49 Portrait Project, at first I was intimidated, but then agreed to do it.

Donna Shiver

My Experience:

This project is a wonderful idea. It is rewarding to be part of an effort that helps make this incident into something positive. To share work in this way with so many skilled artists is nothing short of a gift…I am grateful for the opportunity.

Bio:

I’ve always loved to draw and paint. My process is to do…learn…quite often begin again, and ultimately create in charcoal, oil and ink. I teach from various locations in Northwest Georgia, including my home studio and the Marietta Cobb Museum. My intent is to share information so individuals might discover their creative voice in whatever they do.

donnashiver.com

Kathy Rennell Forbes

About my experience…

I first heard the news of the Orlando tragedy while returning from a painting trip in Spain. All the artists on the trip were deeply saddened to hear the shocking news as we sat at the airport grieving and praying for the victims and their families. Soon afterwards, I received Mia Merlin’s email about the 49 Portraits Project and instantly contacted her. I needed to reach out in a small way to help the grieving family of Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez. Although he was amongst the oldest victims he was still full of life and left this world too soon. Hope my portrait brings some solace to his family in Puerto Rico. We all need to reach out across the globe to be kinder and more accepting.

Bio:

Kathy Rennell Forbes is an accomplished International artist and instructor based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her artwork is in private and corporate collections around the world. She is a Signature Member and past President of the Georgia Watercolor Society and has won awards in local, regional and national shows. Kathy creates and exhibits at her studio loft in the historic Westside Arts District at Studio Z. She earned her BFA in Art and Art Education at University of Georgia.

About my Experience:

To put it simply, doing a portrait of Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo was one of the most challenging drawings I’ve ever worked on.

Much of my work focuses on difficult subject matter, but it’s never felt this personal before. Luis was so young and as I researched his life it was hard not to be transported back to my own experience of being 20 years old. It’s a time where we figure ourselves out, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Luis seemed to be right in the middle of that experience, and I had to wonder what the world would have held for him had he been given the opportunity to explore it.

I was very emotional as I worked on the piece, experiencing anger at the event specifically, and a great sadness for Luis and his family. I felt this kind of internal pressure to do he and his family justice.

But in the end that’s really not possible. No piece of art can adequately express the potential beauty of the souls that were tragically lost on that day. I only hope that it’s enough that I truly care about what happened to Luis, and that even though I never had the pleasure of meeting this young man, he will be a part of my life forever.

Bio:

Rob Hessler was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey and grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. In 2001, after first spending several years studying archaeology, he received his degree in Studio Art at George Mason University. Following graduation, he spent over seven years in Los Angeles, California and he currently lives and works in Savannah, Georgia.

About this experience…

This project was very emotional for me, The tragedy of the Pulse nightclub shootings was heartbreaking from the beginning, but as I learned more about Tevin Crosby from reading obituaries, news reports, and his Facebook posts, I was further moved with sadness. As I was painting this, I was struck with the senseless loss of this incredible human being, what his family must be going through, and what an inspiring person Tevin truly was. As a mom myself, I thought about Tevin’s mama constantly.

I was inspired by everything I read from and about Tevin. As a businessman and entrepreneur, Tevin was very goal oriented and motivated, with a strong work ethic. When I was looking through his photos, I was very happy to find a photo of him smiling, and wearing a business suit to use as reference for this project. In this moment, Tevin was awarding an employee of his company with a promotion. All of this seemed to exemplify wonderfully everything I had read about Tevin. He is remembered by friends and family for his warm smile, spreading joy, and living every day to the fullest. These qualities inspire me every day to be a better person… to be more like Tevin. He posted so many wonderful motivational quotes on his Facebook page, and there is one that I think of every day… “Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.”

I truly hope his whole family loves this portrait of Tevin, and that it reminds them daily of the wonderful man they raised and knew.

BIO

Holly R. Henson (b. 1971) is a fine artist currently living in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two young daughters. First a student of Mathematics and Philosophy at Samford University, she later continued her studies in Painting and Drawing at Georgia State University and the Atlanta College of Art. Holly has studied with contemporary portrait/figurative masters such as Steven Assael and Seth Haverkamp. Additionally she has studied still life painting with master painter, Dennis Perrin. Her paintings are collected nationwide and internationally in London and Brussels. Holly has been creating oil paintings for over 20 years and her work has been featured in various group and solo exhibits, including exhibits by the Portrait Society of Atlanta and Oil Painter’s of America.

Website: holly-henson.com

Kaci Beeler

My Experience:

I know Mia Merlin’s sister Shana Merlin, as we’re both improv actors in Austin, TX and have known each other for many years. When Mia was looking for artists, Shana alerted me to the project. It felt like something I couldn’t say no to, something I was very much compelled to do. A lot of my work these days is in scenic and graphic design. It’s not often that I get an opportunity to paint a portrait. Portraits are tricky, because you’re capturing so much more than what is immediately visible. A spirit, a subtle expression, an essence. Something intangible. Something deeper.

On the morning when the news of the Orlando shooting broke out, I remember having a lot of trouble. It was hard to get out of bed, to leave the house. It was hard to even understand what had happened. Why it had happened. The loss of life was so massive and unfair and disgustingly cruel – fueled by ignorance and fear. I tried to see the bright spots of support within it – the long lines of blood donors, the tributes that rang out from every corner of the world, the kind words on every platform. The support within the sorrow was staggering. I want to be another tiny pillar of that support. I want to join in all these voices that say – “We see you. We hear you. We love you. We’re with you.”

Amanda Alvear, your life was beautiful and important. Your amazing courage, loyalty, and heart will not be forgotten. I’m only a few years older than you, and I’ve done my best to portray the intangible: the depth within you.

Bio:

Kaci Beeler is a visual artist, actor, improviser, playwright, and designer based out of Austin, Texas.

Website: http://www.kacibeeler.com

Josh Bowden

My Experience:

When my wife mentioned it too me I jumped at the chance mainly because I love painting and drawing portraits and any of them I can do is more practice and more of my work in the public eye. She was contacted through Facebook by a friend of hers asking if I would be interested. To be honest I avoid the news at all costs these days and didn’t really understand the magnitude of the Pulse shooting. It was like a slap in the face as I poured over the list of victims to choose one to draw. Here I was a day late and a dollar short just learning the details of this disaster and how on earth do you pick someone to honor! It was a very emotional time reading details about people’s lives and trying to decide who I would do a portrait of. Ultimately I picked Rodolfo because his job resonated with me and the pictures I found of him spoke to me. He was always happy looking and surrounded by friends and coworkers who appeared to love him dearly. I can’t say I ever really felt connected to him but drawing him brought back memories of losing my own best friend years earlier and saddened me to think about his friends and family that must miss him so much! Just thinking about the horror of the event and that someone could do such a thing was hard to get through at times. I only hoped that it would mean the world to his family and give them something to hang proudly in his memory. The response the project has gotten from friends and families of the victims is awesome and very emotional itself.

Bio:

Josh Bowden is a self taught fine artist and tattoo artist in Marietta, GA where he resides with his wife Teri and their five children. Being A very versatile artist, Josh works with many different mediums and in several varying styles but has always had a passion for portrait art.

More information about Josh’s work can be found at www.joshuabowden.com
Instagram @jbowdenart

Meg Tracy

My experience….

While I didn’t know Xavier personally, we do have a mutual friend. As everything was unfolding the day after the shooting, I saw my friend frantically posting pictures of Xavier hoping someone had seen or heard from him. Naturally when this project came up I felt compelled to honor him.

As I was working on the piece and contemplating what to do with the surrounding negative space, I was inspired by hearing peoples accounts of Xavier. I’m hoping I was able to capture the light he exuded to those who knew him and that they have a beautiful piece that will help the feel his presence for years to come.

I am currently working as a freelance painter for Disney and moved to Orlando a little over a year ago to pursue that career. Since moving I have found myself in a wonderful neighborhood with amazing friends and an amazing partner which made taking the leap of moving all the more worthwhile. Even though Florida can publicly have a bad rep, since moving here I have met so many great people and have fallen in love with the thriving community. All of this is why I felt compelled to lend my hand to this project. I feel so honored to be part of such an incredible group of artists.

Bio:

I first attended the Savannah College of Art and Design with the intention of being a fashion major. After taking an Intro to Production Design class over a summer and falling backwards into the props department, I fell in love with brining unique environments and props to life. This fortunate turn of events has led me to build, design, and paint for such places as Disney, Anthropologie, B St Theatre, and Brevard Music Center. I believe every project is an adventure, and with that adventure comes an opportunity. An opportunity to learn a new skill, use a different material, make a new friend, tell a unique story.

Website: megetracy.com

Amanda Moore

About My Experience:

For me, painting a portrait is always very personal. Our faces are so unique. There’s something intimate about trying to capture a whole personality. Painting Enrique was a moving experience and I’ll remember him forever. Deepest condolences to his family.

Tori Tinsley

About my experience:

I was at an artist residency when I received word about the shooting at Pulse night club. I remember feeling helpless and sick of the violence and hate. When I received word about the 49 Portraits Project, I immediately contacted Mia to sign up. It has been a healing process to participate and get to know the details of Juan Ramon Guerrero’s face. In painting him, I thought about him as a person, what he might have been like, and how the ones he loved got to know his face so well. I hope his family and friends find the portrait of him a close resemblance of both his outward appearance and inner being.

Bio:

Tori Tinsley (b. 1980) received her BFA from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, her MAAT from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her MFA from Georgia State University. Work from her Hug series was published in New American Paintings’ 2016 South edition. Tori is a 2015 Idea Capital Grant recipient and has been awarded a 2016 City of Atlanta Emerging Artist Award and a City of Atlanta Artist Project Grant. Currently, she is planning solo exhibitions at Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery in Atlanta, GA and Sweet Lorraine Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. Tori is represented by 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace in Gold Coast, Australia and Tasini Gallery in New York.

Website: www.toritinsley.com