Category Archives: Art

Industrial Pop Icon Artist Al Gord was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, which is where he continues to reside and create today. Even from a young age, Al enjoyed creating. Whether it was drawing pictures of various fantasy creatures or experimenting with different media on canvas, he was always immersed in the arts; however, he never found a style to call his own. After a long hiatus from art, he began painting, as a way to decompress from an intense career, and re-discovered his love of art. As his passion grew so did his voice as an artist, leading to the focus of his work today.

His signature style is quite recognizable, although he is always experimenting with the composition of his painting backgrounds. Al combines a variety of techniques that in theory should not work together when creating his pieces. There are elements of abstract, portraiture, pop art, street art, graffiti, and expressionism in his works. The intention behind his work is to create a balance that brings out the rawness and energy of his subjects, juxtaposed with a sense of harmony and calm. Rather than create the “traditional portrait”, Al captures a moment in time of the icon he is painting.

While the majority of his works focus on rock stars, his art is not limited to musicians of that genre. He also paints other well-known figures who he believes has that rock star energy or persona, as well as more sensual and edgy works that connect to the rock music industry. For Al, it is important that he create more than just a famous image. Each of his paintings tell a story, be it the history of a song, a moment in the icon’s life or the backstory of the individual who he has painted. He wants each work to have deep meaning and lasting impact – both from a visual standpoint and from a narrative and emotional connection perspective.

Al wants to strip away the layers that the media has created for the larger-than-life icons he paints. The backstory and inspiration for his work often covers issues of struggle, mental health, and addiction, as he wants the viewer to see the whole person and realize that they are not immune to the same issues and struggles we all face. That is the reason why he feels that as an artist it is important to raise awareness of important societal issues and help others. As such, he has been involved in charity art shows worldwide and he has been involved with a few national Canadian organizations, where he has donated pieces for their annual fundraisers.

Aside from being in exhibits in Canada and Europe, his works hang in private collections in Canada, the United States and Europe. His work is catching the attention of the art world, with him featured in art magazines in both “Glamour” out of the United States and “Niji” from the United Kingdom. Not one to enjoy the status quo, Al enjoys new challenges. As such, he is in the early stages of doing collaborations with other artists as well as a few other new projects that are on the way. With everything that keeps Al busy in the art industry, it will be interesting to see what is next in store for this rock star of the painting world.

Naughty 9ine Fast Facts with Al Gord

I have been creating… chaos and art since I was a kid, but it has only been seven years since I have been
painting seriously.

It takes me around… 15 to 20 hours to complete a piece, I would guess, but it is hard to say for sure, as
sundials are not as accurate as they used to be.

When creating my go to drink is… water, but I never keep the glass in my studio for fear of mixing it up
with the water I use to thin a paint.

My play list when creating includes… the music of the musician I am painting, otherwise it is something
rock.

One famous person I would love to meet for dinner… aside from Deadpool? It would have to be Jimi
Hendrix, as he was a true creative genius and such a humble individual. My start as a rock star portrait
artist began with a painting of Hendrix.

I am currently binge watching… “House of Dragons”.

The last book I read is… “Rogues”, which apropos considering my subject matter for my work.

Outside of the arts, my interests and passions include … tennis, the gym and kicking back and listening
to some classic rock tunes over a scotch.

My go to comfort food is… pizza, a burger, or nachos.

Multidisciplinary artist Denice Taylor Rinks was born in San Francisco, California. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in painting with a minor in photography. Prior to becoming a freelance artist, Denice worked for a corporate ad agency as a graphic designer. Specializing in mixed media painting, photography, digital art and graphic design, Denice now lives and creates in a small town just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

From a young age, Denice knew that she wanted to be an artist and she was fortunate that her mom was constantly supportive of Denice’s passion. The love of the arts is a family focus. This passion was instilled in her son, a video and film artist. Denice frequently collaborates with him on projects. As one of her biggest inspirations, her son is often represented in her portraits, as well as her photography and digital art series.

Through her work, Denice has developed an environment for creative expression and learning, where her life experiences promote inspiration, understanding and acceptance. She hopes that her artwork teaches, promotes change and encourages others to take positive action. This focus comes from Denice being a human rights art advocate where she wants to give voice to those quieted by fear, environment or force. The intent of her art is to improve or enhance the lives of others from around the world.

Denice’s work has sold throughout the United States and internationally. She continues to participate in exhibits and charitable events each year, as she is always looking for ways to create work that will make a difference and inspire others.  For Denice, using art to bring awareness to issues of human rights, inclusivity and equity is central to everything the she does. Her purpose is to spread love and kindness in a time where many feel hopeless, helpless, and disregarded. The artist in her is what makes Denice authentic to herself, in her ongoing focus to be relevant and to radiate acceptance and understanding.

Naughty 9ine Fast Facts with Denice Taylor Rinks

I have been creating… my whole life, but professionally for over 25 years.

It takes me around… two months on average to complete a painting.

When creating my go to drink is… water, a matcha smoothie and green tea. Yes, I am one of those healthy humans.

My play list when creating includes… 90s alternative, punk, and classic rock. It honestly changes every day, but I am a punk rock geek most of the time.

One famous person I would love to meet for dinner... David Bowie. I have so much respect for him as a person and as a creative. We could talk all day and night, and I think we would have common food interests.

I am currently binge watching… nothing, as I do not have time to do this! If I had time, it would definitely be “Project Runway” or something from HGTV with home reno or decorating in the description.

The last book I read is… “How to Create and Sell NFT”s by Magnus Resch & Tam Gryn. I need to find time to read for fun again.

Outside of the arts, my interests and passions include… fashion, travel and food. I love spending time with my family. I talk with my mom every day. I also love doing anything my son comes up with for us to do. We like to travel normally and experience different cultures. We have not been able to do this since the pandemic, which makes me miss it so much!

My go to comfort food is… pasta.

Multi-media artist, Emma Henry is based in British Columbia, Canada. She began her career only a couple of years ago, as a teenager. Breaking into an industry that is known for supporting more experienced artists, speaks to the incredible talents of this newcomer to the art scene.

Emma’s art and style is dynamic and ever changing, as she continues to learn about new mediums and focus on various subject matter. Initially, Emma painted animals, capturing their incredible beauty and emotion. She spent a number of years on this subject matter, creating detailed photorealistic pieces. She took a year’s hiatus from art, during a difficult period in her life. Using this time to reflect, Emma decided to focus on people. In many ways, it was a given that she would eventually turn her attention to creating portraits. Her love of people watching and her interest in studying mood and feelings has always captured her attention. With the endless ways people express themselves, Emma is drawn to re-creating this energy on canvas.

In 2019, Emma started to paint again. Using acrylic paint to create minimalist pop portraits, she creates pieces that are meant to pop and jump off the canvas. Not one to shy away from important issues, Emma turned her attention to The Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, as it caught her attention instantly.

Using her lived experience as motivation, she knew that she had to incorporate current issues of social justice into her art. Her focus during this time was to honour the victims and share their stories, their voices. In doing so and in being present at rallies and protests, Emma also saw positivity in the world. She saw people of various backgrounds coming together for a common goal. Using this time to see the experience of others as well as the opportunity to learn more about herself, helped Emma see the beauty in others. This challenging time helped transform her art, where she create portraits to capture the beauty she sees in others, with the intent to help others see the beauty that is all around them.

Emma loves what she does, cherishing painting for the enjoyment of it. The underpinning of her work really is about soul and emotion. With such a long career ahead of her, it will be interesting to see where Emma’s journey takes her. As she see so many growth opportunities and a willingness to explore new styles, subject matter and media, one never knows what to expect from Emma next. Whatever she decides, it will be exciting to see what this young talent has next in store for the art world.

Naughty 9ine Fast Facts with Emma Henry

I have been creating… art since I was about eleven years old.

It takes me around… three to ten hours to do a piece.

When creating my go to drink is… usually something hot like coffee or tea.

My playlist when creating includes… all sorts of different artists and genres, but usually rock when painting.

One famous person I would love to meet for dinner… is Thom Yorke. He’s just incredibly talented, and I feel like I’d learn a lot from him life wise.

I am currently binge-watching… documentaries. I don’t care what it’s about, I just am in a learning mood lately!

The last book I read was… “The Dwarves” by Markus Heitz. I love fantasy novels, as they inspire me with their epic worlds and complicated storylines.

Outside of the arts, my interests and passions include… writing, the circus, and piano.

My go to comfort food is… French toast. My mom used to make it for me every morning, and my grandmother continued the tradition whenever I was at her house.