RC Creator Finalists

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Artists Bios

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Alex Jesko

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Antoine Davis Jr.

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Carter Agassi

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Cory Wright

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Cyndi Bellerose

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Drew Merritt

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Elisha Watts

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Katie Clark

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About the Artists

Alex Jesko

Capturing the moment of the complexities of our perception of sound, my primary interest lies within the interpretation of the visual possessing audio qualities. There is a strong relationship between the waveform of sound and the wavelength of light, as depicted in my art. I am captivated by the interplay of light and color, and form and illusion in conjunction with depth and space. Blending patterns with landscape, my intention is to create a space for the viewer to occupy and traverse through introspection.

A native of Youngstown, Alex now resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He attended The University of Iowa earning his MFA in painting and double minoring in Art History and sculpture in 2019. He matriculated from Kent State University, where he earned his BFA in painting. Graduating from Canfield High school in 2010, his passion for music carried with him through his development of geometric abstraction. Creating portraiture and composing drumbeats originated after his run of participating in several athletic programs. Since he was young, he was always drawn to a grind, whether it was a musical instrument, a sport, or a video game, the fixation of establishing a set of skills has always been a priority.

My geometric creations are rooted to Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Ingrained within my work, measurements in increments of three are incorporated into the technicalities of my images. This approach can serve as a compulsive guide in creating an arrangement and understanding of the environment portrayed. With an impeccably consistent composition, many of my ideas begin minimalistic, soon to be fragmented and reconstructed into a complex atmospheric ambiance. This creates the architectural domain I strive to devise.

While piecing together a vivid puzzle with no predetermined image on canvas, I exude my love for music into the geometric, interdimensional display. The rhythmic flow of a visual pattern connotes a similarity to music. In each piece, there is an underlying metronome guiding the eye of the viewer through bending shapes hovering in three-dimensional atmospheric intrusions or the pulsating display of line, color, and illusion.

Antoine Davis Jr.

My name is Antoine Davis. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio I have five siblings, a loving mother and father, two handsome sons and an incredibly intelligent and beautiful daughter. I am grateful to be able to share this opportunity with my loving and caring significant other. My kids, family, and friends inspire me to inspire others. I’ve been an artist since I can remember and I started tattooing when I was 15. Art is a passion of mine, as well as a hobby. I was a graffiti writer for most of my teen years and moved to fine art and the dermal practices of tattooing. I’m so blessed and privileged to be considered as a finalist in the Riviera Creek tin contest. I hope you enjoy the work as I put a lot of myself into it. You can find me on social media: Instagram at @adavistattoos Facebook as Antoine Davis and TikTok @adavistattoos.

Drew Merritt

Drew Merritt is a multidisciplinary creative living and breathing art in his stunning Mid-Century Modern home right here in Youngstown, Ohio. Unbound by a single style or genre, Drew’s artistic journey is a constant exploration. He thrives on experimentation and pushes the boundaries of his creative practice, employing ever-evolving techniques to bring his visions to life.

Carter Agassi

Carter Agassi repurposes wooden shipping pallets to create stunning works of art. Her vision conveys unexpected beauty in overlooked materials. She illustrates the value of sustainability– a nod to nature’s absence of waste. She looks forward to following in the footsteps of her father and uncle’s successes. Carter’s raw perspective of subjects is translated in the use of distressed materials, capturing the wisdom within the imperfections of nature.

Cory Wright

Hey!! My name is Cory Wright! I live in Warren, Ohio! I am a twin, and a professional tattoo artist at 1st Order Tattoo Co. in Niles, Ohio! I would consider my art style pretty diverse with heavy black and grey background. I like to make art that conveys an emotion when you look at it. Something that has movement standing still or something that looks so real you could touch it. I would be truly thrilled, and honored to be a part of this. Thank you for your consideration!

Cyndi Bellerose

Cyndi Bellerose’s career began as a caricature artist at Ohio amusement parks and then as a sign painter for the Ohio State Fair. Born and bred in Ohio, Cyndi graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 1985 and currently works from a home studio in the King-Lincoln District of Columbus. Bellerose worked as an art teacher at Saint Mary School in German Village, as a set painter for local theater companies, and as an atmosphere designer for special events and interactive museum spaces. You may also recognize her work if you have been to a local Hoggy’s Restaurant or Famous Daves. Fifteen years after painting signs for the Ohio State Fair, Cyndi won Best of Show at the fair’s Juried Fine Art competition. Since then, her art has evolved, deeming her a lowbrow mixed-media collage artist who “builds” two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Each piece she creates has a story to tell, often with delightfully wicked whimsy.

Elisha Watts

Hi! My name is Elisha, and I currently live in the Harrison West area of Columbus in a cute little apartment with my two cats. I am an artist and student at OSU, majoring in Comparative Studies. My artwork exists under the brand name Free Soul Expressions, which was established around 8 years ago. I have always been a very passionate and resilient person, with the blessing of feeling things very deeply which is reflected in my art. There is only one constant that has remained in my life through everything, and that is my passion to keep creating. My creative process for my paintings is very intuitive, with enchanting, bold colors and ethereal undertones that make each piece feel just as vast and mysterious as the cosmos. In the act of letting go of any visual expectations, I give each piece the opportunity to truly speak for itself as no less than an extension of my spirit. A quote I like to use to describe the energy of my paintings is “it’s just a feeling, sort of captures your soul” from the song Bella Donna by Stevie Nicks. I am incredibly passionate about being an artist, and so grateful to have the wonderful opportunity to connect with so many people in such profound and meaningful ways through my art. My biggest goals are to reach enough people to create a positive impact through my growth as both a person and an artist, and to share new techniques while creating original and uplifting pieces that leave viewers feeling enchanted and inspired to experiment with their own creativity. Ever since I was a child, I’ve wanted to impact the world in a positive way, and I am so grateful and lucky to have the opportunity to do so.

Katie Clark

Katie Clark is a self-taught emerging artist based out of Cleveland, Ohio. She uses watercolor and gouache with occasional pen and colored pencil details to create intricate paintings inspired by insects and nature. She frequently gathers insight into her local wildlife while practicing one of her favorite hobbies, foraging. She uses real leaves, sticks, and insects she gathers as references for her art (they are safely released once used). When she’s not painting, Katie enjoys gardening and spending time with her two dogs.