Art is all around us, in all forms at all times. It can evoke emotions, provoke thought, or simply exist to be appreciated for its beauty and craftsmanship.
It connects us across languages, backgrounds, and experiences, serving as a universal form of communication that transcends cultural barriers, fostering empathy and understanding among people. In fact, I’m not sure if you can go a day without seeing and experiencing art in some form or another.
At Points North, we routinely start our Weekly Team Meeting with an icebreaker question. It’s a way to ease into the meeting while also getting to know your teammates outside of spreadsheets and emails. Sometimes, these questions turn into fun and interesting blog posts. Like when we all shared our favorite books to cozy up with, or discussed which cocktails we liked to sip on.
This meeting, we were asked to share our favorite artists. Continue reading to learn more about the art and artists that intrigue and inspire us, and I’m confident you’ll come away with a new favorite artist to explore further.
Jessica’s Picks – CEO
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who works primarily in sculpture and installation, and is also active in painting, performance, video art, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts.
“I got to experience the Infinity Rooms in person at the Seattle Museum of Art and I was blown away by the stillness and mystery of them. Definitely a game changer in contemplative immersive art experiences.”
Chuck Styles is a Philadelphia Based Visual Artist and Creative Director whose works have engaged and captivated many audiences across genres around the world. His artworks are very rich in color and culture as he uses portraits and bold abstract elements to bring a lot of energy to the viewing experience.
“So I came across this artist on Instagram. I never thought I would be big on art that reimagines the likeness of famous personalities, but there was a portrait of James Baldwin that he did that I could not stop thinking about. It was something about the looseness of the lines, the play on cool tones with hints of warmth that drew me in.”
Katie Pumphrey is an American interdisciplinary artist and ultramarathon open water swimmer. Pulling from her experiences in the water, her paintings, sculptures, and installations use abstraction and imagery to investigate our anxieties, fears, and how our imagination plays tricks on us. Incorporating a bit of humor, Pumphrey explores these tensions and the connectedness between human instincts and play.
“I love how her work, particularly her large paintings, are influenced by energy and water. There is a certain free-flowing element to her style and I enjoy how nothing is colored inside the lines.”
Laura’s Picks – Graphic Designer
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised in rural Missouri, this abstract expressionist artist paints intuitively, drawing inspiration from music and life experiences. Since leaving her teaching career in 2009, she has sold over 800 works, celebrated for their bold, vivid colors. Now based in the Ozarks, she embraces creativity while cherishing family.
“I am so proud of this artist. She was originally my art teacher in high school who took a leap of faith in 2009 into full-time artistry. She still teaches classes, but in the studio setting. Her art typically consists of abstract expressionist pieces full of color and liveliness. She says “intuitive painting is kind of like going on a trip with vague plans—or maybe no plans at all.”
A lifelong resident of the Ozarks, this artist explores everyday themes through vibrant acrylic paintings, capturing the beauty of local landscapes and cityscapes. With a strong commitment to conservation and the rich history of her region, she aims to weave Ozarks-style narratives into her work, sharing valuable life lessons learned from her family.
“Dana usually paints landscapes and city scenes with acrylic on canvas. She focuses on everyday items, places, and spaces we interact with. She uses slightly over-saturated colors, exaggerated lines, and proportions. The piece I’ve chosen to showcase is a mixed media feature combining sculpture and acrylic on canvas to bring the tree and natural elements to life. I really enjoy the variety of textures and use of color.”
Meg Wagler is an innovative muralist known for her captivating, large-scale works that transform public spaces. Drawing inspiration from nature and community, she blends vibrant colors and intricate designs to create immersive experiences. With a commitment to collaboration, Meg aims to connect people through her art, leaving a lasting impact on the environments she adorns.
“This girl is literally breathing color into Springfield’s downtown area among other Midwest metros. A graphic designer turned muralist, her artwork often features large bold type, organic shapes/lines, and bright colors. When placed on brick or against a concrete-jungle city scene, her artwork packs a punch.”
Brandi’s Picks – Graphic Designer
Robbie Williams is a versatile artist celebrated for his dynamic blend of music and visual art. Known for his engaging performances and unique style, he captivates audiences worldwide. With a passion for creativity and collaboration, Robbie continuously explores new artistic horizons, leaving a significant mark on both the music and art scenes.
“I enjoy the work of artist Robbie Williams because many of Robbie’s thoughts and perspectives resonate with my own. I appreciate how his art is lighthearted and fun, designed to be enjoyed without the need for deep analysis. I sometimes prefer art that is accessible and brings joy rather than demanding intense scrutiny.”
Joy Fennell is a multifaceted artist whose work spans painting, photography, and mixed media. Inspired by nature and personal experiences, she creates vibrant, emotive pieces that invite introspection. With a focus on storytelling and connection, Joy’s art encourages viewers to explore their own narratives and embrace the beauty in life’s complexities.
“I really admire Joy Fennell’s AI artwork. It perfectly combines her love for fashion and design. Her work is so sleek and realistic; it’s like looking at a window into a future where Black beauty is front and center. I find it inspiring how she uses AI to create something that’s not just stunning to look at but also carries a powerful message.”
Kehinde Wiley is a renowned artist celebrated for his striking portraiture that redefines the representation of identity in art. Fusing classical styles with contemporary themes, he elevates everyday individuals to iconic status, challenging historical narratives. Wiley’s work sparks conversation around race, culture, and power, making a profound impact in the art world.
“I love Kehinde Wiley’s work because it’s just so beautiful—the patterns, the multitude of colors, everything about it draws you in. His work is both visually stunning and thought-provoking, which is why I’m such a fan.”
Elaine’s Picks – Director of Client Success
Aaron Nagel is a contemporary artist known for his captivating, figurative paintings that blend realism with surreal elements. His work often explores themes of beauty, identity, and transformation, utilizing a striking color palette and intricate details. With a unique approach to storytelling, Aaron invites viewers to engage with the narratives woven into his art.
“I saw his stuff in person through a local gallery and it was stunning…it looks like a photo but is 100% a painting. See how it’s both simple and fantastic with just a stroke of paint to make the neon light? Or the blue light reflecting off her hand? It’s hard to explain why something moves you.”
Caravaggio was a revolutionary Baroque painter renowned for his dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro. His compelling realism and emotional intensity transformed religious and mythological subjects, bringing them to life with a raw, human touch. Caravaggio’s bold style and innovative techniques have left a lasting impact on the art world.
“So we went around Rome and saw a number of his paintings, heard the scandals within the paintings, saw the lighting and perspective and even compared to then-lauded but lesser-than contemporaries. You can see…his vibrant work with the light detail.”
Jenna Marie Hansen is a contemporary artist known for her intricate, nature-inspired paintings that explore themes of connection and transformation. Utilizing vibrant colors and detailed patterns, she creates immersive works that invite viewers to experience the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Jenna’s art fosters a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the environment.
“We saw her at our Open Studios here in SF about a year ago then she did a residency in Mexico City (CDMX) while we were there. I particularly love the CDMX series, which were inspired by the “women and children” section on the CDMX metro and that unexpectedly exude expression and emotion.”
Naomi’s Picks – Marketing Manager
Allanah Tiller is a talented artist and illustrator known for her whimsical and playful designs that celebrate everyday moments. With a unique blend of colors and intricate details, her work captures the joy of life’s simple pleasures. Allanah’s art invites viewers to embrace creativity and find beauty in the ordinary.
“Her work has a love of movement. The colors are bright, the shapes are fluid and then are sometimes interrupted by a bold line. The lines can form something or nothing at all. There’s one design I like, it’s a woman’s middle finger enamel pin, but I haven’t been sassy enough to buy it and wear it!”
CJ Hendry is an acclaimed artist celebrated for her hyper-realistic drawings and bold, vibrant compositions. Known for her intricate depictions of everyday objects, she combines traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, challenging perceptions of art. CJ’s work not only showcases her extraordinary skill but also explores themes of consumerism and the intersection of art and life.
“I came across this artist on instagram, and was immediately drawn in by the mastery and detail of her work. It speaks for itself! It looks like if you touched the paper, it would be the actual item. She’s drawn everything from sneakers to stuffed animals to flowers to paint smears. I’m amazed at her level of skill and have so much respect for her dedication (and patience!) to finish each piece.”
Sharece is a talented artist and designer known for her innovative approach to contemporary art. She specializes in creating immersive installations and vibrant mixed media works that engage and inspire audiences. With a strong emphasis on community collaboration, Sharece aims to spark dialogue and connection through her creative vision.
“Another instagram find! I was drawn in by her process. She places drops, blobs, and lines of paint on the paper, then uses a tool to scrape and move them around in different directions. The smears it creates are unique, and the patterns captivating.”
The diverse perspectives and talents shared here remind us of the profound impact art has on our emotions, thoughts, and connections. We hope this journey sparks your curiosity and encourages you to seek out new art and artists!
Naomi Oriol is a Customer Experience Specialist with over seven years in her profession. Her expertise include customer experience design, service recovery, quality and training, customer insights, self-service programs, leadership, and project management.
