Thelocalnewlondon.com
The Artists
Luis Alberto Saldaña Soto
Luis Saldaña (b. 1987, Cuba). Painter and draftsman. Graduated 2006: Painting, with a Gold Degree, from the “Eduardo Abela” Provincial Academy of Plastic Arts, in Havana, Cuba. Different countries have hosted in their galleries the multiple personal and collective exhibitions in which he has participated as a creator. Added to the copious list of awards obtained in art salons and competitions is his presence in important private collections in: Cuba, United States of America, Mexico, Spain, Italy, France, England, Russia, Venezuela, Switzerland, Panama and Australia. With more than 18 years of professional career, Saldaña is positioned in a place of reference in the context of young contemporary Cuban and Caribbean art, expanding his work to other promotional markets such as Mexico and his current country of residence, the United States.
Rebecca Fowke
Rebecca Fowke (b. 1999, Zimbabwe) is a Zimbabwean-American artist based in New London, CT. Her work explores how we honor our roots while adapting to a global community. Celebrating her Zimbabwean heritage, she draws inspiration from native African and Mashona artists, as well as South African and American traditions. Through a blend of mixed media and repurposed materials, she creates canvases adorned with archetypes and totems that represent her internal investigation of cultural and personal identity.
Thomas Jennerwein
I am a professional artist with a lifelong passion for the arts. I have been inspired by my grandfather's talent and the works of master artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt. Revealing the hidden beauty of everyday life, my paintings create captivating illusions on canvas or paper, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the narratives within each piece.While pursuing a nursing career and raising a family, I devoted my free time to honing my skills in oil, watercolor and acrylics.Recognition and awards have come from local art centers and shows, including a feature in Ink Magazine and a label on a local vineyards wine bottle.With a classical approach to oil portraits and a commitment to preserving tradition, I also share my knowledge as an instructor. Experience the emotions my art evokes, as it captures life's wonders through vivid colors and delicate brushstrokes.
As a visual artist, I paint in a variety of mediums that portray my inspirations.My paintings have been a therapeutic outlet for me during my 35 years as a critical care nurse and continue to provide a channel for me to balance my inner vision or external impression.You have to know the past to understand the present in order to predict and influence your future.
Each medium offers different strengths, idea, revelations and gestures, all of which have a purpose for my moods. I get to be loose and free while painting en plein air with my watercolors.My oils require more time and patience in my studio while painting a variety of subject matter such as land/seascapes, still life or nudes.
Now retired, my recent interest in mono-prints of organic botanical art has led me to appreciate the simplicity of nature’s flora.This technique allows me to capture the intricate beauty of nature’s forms in a unique and personal way. Each print becomes a distinctive celebration of the delicate elegance of plants, blending artistry with the natural world. A select few are enhanced with the soft, flowing hues of watercolor.
Susan Mackay
Susan Schaub MacKay (b. 1964 Mystic, CT) is am American artist based in New London, CT. After receiving world-class instruction from renowned artists in both portrait and figure painting and sculpture (1982 - 1988) at the Lyme Academy of Fine Art, Old Lyme, CT, earned a BA in Studio Art/Art History as well as Museum Studies Certificate from Connecticut College. Steadily commissioned portrait artist since 1986 as well as en plain air landscapes, she has begun experimenting with large, mixed media works incorporating materials on hand. These large land and seascapes strive to capture the beauty of the world and the importance of reuse and recycle in all aspects of our lives including art. These works utilize both traditional painting; fabric “painting” i.e. the use of fabric as a medium; and glass bead work which acts as a splintering of the image as it leaves the painted surface. In addition, she also creates usable furniture using art works printed on ceramic tiles combined with glass tiles and repurposing old furniture into functional art.
Glynis J Blanker
I am a local artist from Groton, Connecticut, whose approach to photography is an inward reflection, creating images of details others may over-look. I take several approaches to photography that is apparent in my images. My photos are described as having emotional tone and elicit a personal response from those who view them.
I am inspired by urban landscape, especially buildings and structures that have been abandon, as well as architecture and cityscapes with a emphasis on a minimalist perspective on abandonment. In the past, I would identify as a photographer who only shot black and white images, however I have become intrigued by color photography. I look for subject matter that is organic with lots of texture, tones and contrast, shot in the natural light.
My process is not technical, but intuitive. It is a practice of being grounded, present and aware of my surroundings that help me focus on what is or isn’t right in front of me. I hope that those who see my work see the emotion and empathy that I see when shooting that image.
Don Ledversis
A retired engineer by profession, a sculptor by passion. After spending many years with a woodworking hobby, a metals class at the Rhode Island School of Design changed my direction for the future. With an emphasis on re-purposing found metal items the challenge becomes twofold, keep the subject simple and colorful, the metal pieces are merely the building blocks, a means to an end. Keep the artwork unique by creating one-of-a-kind pieces, capture your attention with color (yes rust is a color also) and boldness, put down your cell phone, get off your laptop, there's art all around you, all you have to do is look. A recent project, I was making chairs and tables out of the heads of golf clubs. The first golf club chair was sold to a blind person at a gallery in Newport, Rhode Island. The blind person was a frequent customer who would walk the gallery and feel the art, he immediately recognized the feel of the golf club heads and said it reminded him of his late father when he could see and they played golf together.Who would imagine hundreds of used golf clubs would make such an impression on another person’s life?
Public Art Sculptures on display: Lafayette, Colorado, 2 in Redmond, Oregon, Riverton, Connecticut, 3 Westerly, Rhode Island, one just came off loan to Anna Maria College, Paxton, Massachusetts.
Sculptures sold at the Marion Mass. Art Association, Old Lyme Art Association, The Store Gallery, Chester, Conn., Silver Circle Gallery, Putnam, Conn., Gilbert Stewart Museum, North Kingstown, RI, Hygienics Art Gallery, New London, Pop Art Show - February 18-March 11, 2023 – Solo sculpture artist provided 50 Sculptures, Gallery at Firehouse Square, New London, Arnold Mills Community Art Show, Cumberland, RI Honorable Mention, Marlborough Arts Center 2024 Members Show Honorable Mention.
Eunice Schaub
Eunice Carpenter Schaub (b. 1932, Noank, CT) is a life-long artist who specializes in pen and ink, pastel, watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, acrylic and oil. She works on a variety of media including wood and large scallop shells repurposed from the scallop industry off the coast of the Eastern shore of Virginia. Largely self-taught, she studied with Galed Gesner. She and her husband Robert raised four children in Mystic while producing countless drawings, paintings, as well as painted wood and stone. She has resided in North Stonington since 1998.
Aliyah Denea Haitian - American Artist
Aliyah Denea (b. 2001) is a Haitian American interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersection of culture, nature, and the human experience. Drawing inspiration from her ancestral roots, travels, and research of the African diaspora, Denea creates art that poses profound questions about heritage and identity. Using natural mediums such as clay, oil paints, pastels, and charcoal, her creative process is a spiritual practice, often involving meditation and the incorporation of natural materials foraged from the earth. Through her art, Aliyah seeks to explore and connect with the traditions, customs, and stories of her ancestors, inviting viewers to reflect on where we come from and who we are.
Roderick Cornish Author
Rod Cornish (b. 1965, New London CT) is a father to his son Roen Hendrix Cornish, and for the past fifteen years owned the and operated a local favorite restaurant, Hot Rod Cafe, known for it’s award-winning chicken wings and fun atmosphere.
Prior to owning a restaurant and writing this book, Rod’s background was almost the complete opposite, Rod earned his Master of Business Administration from The University of Michigan School of Business Administration and went on to work in Finance and Human Resources ar several well-known firms in Connecticut., New Jersey, and New York City including General Foods, GE Capital, and Merrill Lynch.
In 2001, after the tragic events of 9/11, Rod decided to take a year off and left the corporate world to travel and learn. He returned to his hometown of New London and then traveled for three months in Europe, mainly Sevilla, Spain.While abroad, the decision was made not to return to the corporate world and to pursue opening a bar/restaurant.
Rod learned cooking skills in an adult education program in Culinary Arts at Grasso Tech in Groton and was taken under the wing of Chef Mario Longo who believed in his dream to own his own place. After finishing the program, Rod immersed himself in the business by learning the industry working for others for several years bartending, working in kitchens and waitering.
Rod opened Hot Rod Cafe in December 2005, which quickly became known for its great wings, beer, and atmosphere. Joined by Chef Carlos Paucar a year later, the team brought the menu to a new level, winning many awards including a trophy in the National Buffalo Wing Competition! Rod closed Hot Rod Cafe in 2023 and completely remodeled the restaurant into The Local Gallery and Event Space. He currently owns Charlie’s Restaurant in Niantic, Connecticut which he opened in 2023.
In 2014, Rod became a dad to Ron Hendrix Cornish, the inspiration for this book.A handsome and inquisitive boy who is a perfect combination of his African American Father and Lithuanian Mother. One day when Roen was four years old, while in New York City for a modeling gig, (Roen modeled from four months to five years old when he announced his retirement to his mother and father) Roen made a statement that became the inspiration for this book.
He looked at his father and said, “Dad, your skin is darker and mine is lighter.”
Rod thought to himself, “oh boy, wasn’t expecting to have the race conversation this soon.”
Then without missing a beat Roen said, “It’s ok we’re really the same.”
Rod was so happy and proud of his insight that shortly after that conversation, he began this book. We really are all the same and the sooner more folks realize that simple fact, the better off we all will be.