Gavin Otteson's Sci-fi Art

"My name is Gavin. I am an independent artist painting my way across the star-filled galaxies and fantastical realms in my mind. I create works by hand in various mediums including gouache, oil, acrylic, and digital paints. My art is stylistic in nature with notes of retro-futurism, surrealism, nostalgia, and whimsy. Science fiction literature, animated films, and mid-century aesthetics are the foremost inspirations for my paintings."

"I try to express a specific moment or mood or feeling with each piece I create. I think of my paintings as singular scenes within larger, imagined stories. In my mind they are like book cover illustrations or story prompts intended to invite the viewer to invent the story that's happening. My work rarely has a message, however, I strive to imbue all things I create with a sense of wonder, optimism, inclusion, and kindness."

@gavinottesonart gavinottesonart.com

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Jeffrey Darah - Publisher and Editor 419-470-9489 [email protected]

Dylan Sarieh - Manager and Editor 567-277-5659 [email protected]

Emerging Artist: Amery Roblox Art

WHAT IS THE SCRIBE?

The Scribe is a free, community-driven arts publication that promotes local Ohio artists, authors, filmmakers, musicians, and more!

By bringing Ohio's vibrant art scene to a location near you, The Scribe connects you with meaningful stories and beautiful art.

We believe in making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Discover Ohio's art scene!

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

The Scribe accepts submissions from Ohio artistic creators of all kinds. Just send us your portfolio!

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Our youngest submission so far, please give a warm welcome to Amery!

"My name is Amery but I go by @cheerforbmo or just Cheer on the Internet. I am a 14 year old digital and traditional artist who is currently an art student in high school. I have lived in Toledo, Ohio for the past 10 years :)

I've been making art for as long as I can remember, but I first got serious about developing my skills in 2018. Ever since, it has been a gigantic roller coaster ride. It's taken 7 years of practice to get to where I am today!"

@cheerforbmo

From West Coast to Midwest: Kira Mountjoy-Pepka Oil Painting

By Dylan Sarieh

Kira Mountjoy-Pepka’s hand shakes as she holds her paintbrush. She laughs and shakes her head, withdrawing her brush from her canvas and attempting to keep the paint from splattering a nearly complete painting of two oversized green pears.

“It’s an all-day cycle,” she says, referencing her neurological condition. “I try to get done what I can when I can.”

Mountjoy-Pepka, 42, has been painting in oils since she was 16 years old and is an award-winning artist with pieces on permanent display in public and private collections around the country. She moved to Ohio from the West Coast during the pandemic while undergoing medical treatment and continues to paint even as she is mostly confined to bed. She finds it challenging to talk about her health, preferring to let her work do the talking for her.

In every piece of this series, a woman with wavy blonde hair – very similar to the artist – is alone and frequently in a drab white nightgown. “Treatment” shows a woman with a pained but determined face, while white lilies – a symbol of hope and rebirth – grow from gaping, empty sleeves which are missing their hands. “Barred” has a woman enclosed in a dark room, separated from the bright, sunny day outside.

Green and Purple

“It’s a display of hard-won happiness that I’ve tried to capture.”

“Most of my work is pretty still lifes,” she said. “When you’re stuck indoors all day – if you’re really lucky – you learn to take delight in small things around you that maybe some people overlook. It’s a display of hard-won happiness that I’ve tried to capture.”

Mountjoy-Pepka’s take on still life is remarkably fresh and contemporary – luscious yellow lemons with thick, painterly brushstrokes; sheer jars of olives in an effortless, alla prima style – but it is her series of works that showcase the ongoing challenge of living with disability that has been making waves, including a piece recently on display at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Barred

“I wish I could paint more outside,” Mountjoy-Pepka said. “My health makes it challenging, but I’m able to squeak out a few plein air pieces a year with the right conditions and set up.” The set-up often includes opening up the back of her SUV, spreading blankets and pillows, and working on a painting while lying down, generally over the course of several sessions. Whatever the process, the results are striking and well-received; this year she sold out of the entire print run of her plein air painting of Toledo’s Rosary Cathedral at a Toledo art fair. (Mountjoy-Pepka says they are now back in stock.)

Dates Nutes and Honey

Doorway to Heaven

Strange bird

What’s next for Mountjoy-Pepka? She laughs again, a bit more ruefully. “My health is the focus, both for my personal life and in my creative life. But I enjoy promoting my talented friends and am looking forward to connecting with more artists in Ohio. I’m not able to get out as much as I’d like but I love meeting new people. Hit me up on socials!”

Kira Mountjoy-Pepka

• Oil Painter who Embodies Resilience in her Work
• Runs The Vita, an Online Gallery Getting Art into Large Cities

See more now!

kiramp.com

@k.via.seattle

Paul Lyon: Embracing Contrast in Color and Life

By Dylan Sarieh

The Moment Art Came Alive: My Early Inspiration

Sunflowers

"My passion for art ignited during my childhood when six homemakers, including my mother, visited my elementary school after training at the Toledo Museum of Art. They introduced me to Van Gogh, Seurat, Monet, Picasso, Whistler, and Homer, weaving tales of their techniques, historical context, and inspirations. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become an artist."

Bend of River

"Every child is an artist... the problem is staying an artist when you grow up." – Pablo Picasso, a noted quote by Paul

Sketching the Carter-Reagan Era

"As my interest in art blossomed, so did my fascination with politics during the tumultuous era of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. I melded these interests into a career as an editorial cartoonist, fortunate to have my work published in esteemed newspapers like the Findlay Courier, Toledo Blade, BGSU News, and UT Collegian. In 1984, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University, merging my majors in Life Drawing and Painting with studies in Political Science and History."

Fourth of July

Balancing Life and Art: My Late-Career Revival

"Post-graduation, I navigated toward Advertising and Marketing, building a fulfilling career while balancing marriage, children, and coaching soccer. For thirty-five years, painting took a back seat—until now.

Encouraged by my family, I am finally pursuing my lifelong dream of being a full-time artist as I head towards retirement. Inspired by family vacations along the beaches of Northern Michigan, where I captured scenes through photographs, I now paint landscapes that reflect the joy I've found throughout my life's journey."

Paul Lyon

• Oil Painter from Ottawa Hills
• Creates Vibrant Work Despite Color Blindness

See more now! [QR Code] lyonart.net/paintings

See more now! [QR Code] lyonart.net/contact

Russian Sage at Lakeshore Resort Sunset

From Bold Views to Joyful Canvases

"In my art school days, I channeled my passion into bold, provocative paintings reflecting my views. Today, my canvases celebrate the happiness and fulfillment I've discovered along the way, inviting others to share in my enthusiasm for life through art."

Canoe on Beach

Foot Bridge

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"Still Interval" Ambient Music Artist Debuts New Album

By Justin Womble

Toledo musician Kurt, performing under the moniker “Still Interval,” has released his debut album “I Got Your Letter,” an exploration of the atmospheric dungeon synth genre. Drawing inspiration from Japanese ambient artist Hiroshi Yoshimura and SNES game soundtracks, Kurt crafts a unique blend of dark ambient sounds and synthesizer-based compositions.

The album represents a softer take on dungeon synth, a genre typically characterized by its fusion of dark ambient, black metal, and vintage electronic music elements, reminiscent of classic video game and film soundtracks.

Kurt has been producing music since 2021, previously playing in a band, and has also been involved in the Toledo Repertoire Theater in the past. It’s important to note that his album is only available for purchase on cassette, however you can listen to it for free on the music streaming website bandcamp.com. To purchase the cassette, it is $7, plus $3 shipping.

Kurt from "Still Interval"

• Indie Musician From Toledo
• Just Released Debut Album "I Got Your Letter"
• Previous Musical and Acting Background

What emotions or memories were you hoping to evoke through this album?

"I was trying to create art that belongs to that category of art I mentioned before. Hiroshi Yoshimura’s music, the video games of Fumito Ueda, Dark Souls 1, “Titus Groan” by Mervyn Peake, and others belong in this category. I can’t quite understand what it is these things evoke for me, but more than anything they are otherworldly and have moments of pure serenity. They stir some particular emotion in me that nothing else does. There is a moment in the song “Dance PM” by Hiroshi Yoshimura that I have described as being so beautiful it could kill me. That was the feeling I wanted, something bittersweet, otherworldly, and beautiful in an almost painful way. I don’t think I always captured that, but that was what I was chasing."

How did you produce this album? What challenges did you face?

"It was very unique for me compared to anything I have made in the past. The last several years almost all of the music I have made has been experimental, not really playing traditional instruments, but doing tape manipulation and heavy usage of effects pedals and whatnot. This album, on the other hand, was made entirely with MIDI instruments in my recording software on my PC. I’ve used my recording software for years, but this project forced me to learn a ton of new things. I primarily played all of the instruments with a MIDI keyboard (occasionally editing takes with just keyboard and mouse), which was interesting because I am primarily a guitar player, and I’m not very skilled with keyboards. I learned a lot about mixing and mastering, and even the process of writing and recording the music was pretty different from anything I’ve done before. It was a very educational album to make, and that was one of my favorite parts about making the album. There’s still tons to learn, but making this made me feel like I can do better in the future too."

Listen to the album on BandCamp for free, or purchase a physical cassette! stillinterval.bandcamp.com

How do you achieve a unique blend of dungeon synth and ambient music in your tracks?

"Ambient music is kind of hard to make sitting in your bedroom, because you want to push things right to the limit of being boring, but you don’t want to cross the line. It becomes really difficult to hear where that line is when you can’t listen impartially. I think eventually I’d like to make a similar album but sparser and slower, but dungeon synth projects like Hole Dweller and Grandma’s Cottage inspired me to have catchy moments too. Dungeon synth songs tend to follow relatively typical structures, but they also serve a purpose as pure atmospheric music - something to listen to when doing something else that calls for a particular mood. The priority was on setting a scene, but I tried to have some strong hooks and earworm moments. An initial impetus for the album was to create really sparse and loose dungeon synth. I wanted to blend dungeon synth with the drone music of someone like Steve Roach, but I fell into a different groove that came more naturally and still felt ambient enough. Brian Eno, of course, puts it best when it comes to what makes ambient music ambient: “It must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular. It must be as ignorable as it is interesting.”

What role does nostalgia play in modern music, and how does that contribute to the experience of your album?

"I think nostalgia is powerful, but not always a good thing in modern media. It can be an easy way to get people in the door, just because they are looking for a feeling they haven’t felt since “the good old days” or what have you, but the game, movie music, etc. might just rest on the nostalgia and not actually try to do anything interesting beyond that. I think my album has a nostalgia factor considering the songs are literally played with the instruments of vintage games, but most of the things that have inspired it are things I have gotten into as an adult. The SNES was the first console I played, but I beat Earthbound (which is the primary “soundfont” being used on the album) for the first time last year, so there’s an element of nostalgia, but I don’t think I set out to create a nostalgic album. It was more about making the music that I have been looking for but couldn’t find."

How has your music evolved from Still Interval? Are there any projects or directions you wish to explore?

"I am really happy that now that I wrapped up everything with this album I can start working on new stuff. There’s quite a few things I am hoping to do with this project. I’m going to try to keep challenging myself to create songs with a similar feel but a looser and more ambient structure. I also want to experiment with using sequencers and different approaches to arranging the music. I might move away from soundfonts and into synthesizing my own patches, but we’ll see. The soundfonts feel like part of the approach when it comes to Still Interval. I think the music with this project will always try to fit into that otherworldly and serene space, but playing with the structures of the songs themselves is fun to me. I am also looking forward to working on some new experimental stuff with my other project Paracusis."

How has your personal life influenced Still Interval?

"This past summer I spent several days in Milwaukee visiting my best friend. I don’t know that it directly influenced the sound itself, but it was a moment lately that made me cherish having such great friends. Other than that, a big reason this album happened when it did was because I got new equipment that I was learning, and wanted to learn more about my recording software too. Prior to this album I hadn’t been especially creative this year, so it felt really good to throw myself into a project and remember why I love making art.”

Are there any tracks that you feel especially connected to or proud of?

"The final song, “Take Care.” I made it over a year ago, and it sort of planted the seed for the album, so when I got a new MIDI keyboard in early August I started to try to make more stuff like it. I was happy it ended up fitting in so well with the rest of what I made, cause I really like the song. I think it encapsulates most of what I set out to do with the rest of the album."

Your Instagram mentions this album is great for driving or relaxing with a pet. Do you envision these scenarios when composing?

"I think it comes back to the idea of the music being more of a supporting element than something that is supposed to take center stage. I like calm, rhythmic stuff when I drive, but it might not be good driving music for everyone. The whole pet angle of the album was inspired by this cat that comes around my girlfriend’s house that we call “Little Buddy.” They are the one rustling in the catnip. They’re very cute, and I would like to pet them one day.”

Notable Ohio November Events

Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Since 2011, the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows has showcased the local handmade artisans and crafters by hosting events through the midwest year round. A portion of the proceeds of every event hosted by Avant-Garde is donated to a local charity. Admission is $3, 12 and under are free.

Read More Now!

• Portion of proceeds is donated!
• Nov 16-17 Time varies
• 18100 Royalton Rd. Strongsville

NOBO Arts & Gifts

Celebrating its 12th year, NOBO offers a unique shopping experience by bringing artisans from as far and wide to central Ohio. With well over 40 vendors and artists all offering hand made creations varying from jewelry, art-to-wear clothing, one of a kind accessories, fine art and more!

Read More Now!

• Rich fusion of art, food, music!
• Nov 22-24 Time Varies
• 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus

Not Your Mama's Craft Market

Not Your Mama's Craft Market is a one-of-a-kind Columbus, OH craft market. Organized by two long-time makers, NYMCM is 100% local and 100% handmade.

Admission is FREE.

Read More Now!

• 90 local makers to discover and support.
• November 17th 11am-4pm
• Hosted at "The Kee" in Columbus

The Marketplace

Sun King by SilentStagePunkArt

Hand-Painted Lion & Sunflowers Acrylic Painting - 12x12" on Stretched Canvas $200

Drinkiez Keychains Series 2 by Lunabunneh

Multiple keychains variations available with different characters. $8

The Jewel Moons by Gavin Otteson

Dimensions: 6x6 Gouache painting on watercolor paper sealed with a wax varnish. Comes with frame. $375

'Boundless' Mini Masterpiece by Jillian Renee Art

Gouache landscape painting unique handmade frame. Trimmed by hand with a touch of gold paint. 1" x 1.5" $125

Make your own art goods? Want to make some money? Sell through The Scribe! No commission, no hassle. We market for you.

Get started: [email protected]

Bridget Andrews: Timeless Symbols in Modern Art

By Dylan Sarieh

Finding My Artistic Voice

"My name is Bridget Andrews, and I have been painting and creating art most of my life. I feel my craft has been shaped by different jobs I've had assisting different artists and continuing to hone in on my own interests and skills as they have developed throughout the years. From cutting patterns for a fiber artist, to building and preparing canvas for painters, my jobs beyond school at Bowling Green State University have guided my path to where my art currently blooms."

"I read once that you should “do what quiets the voice in your head”...and for me that is painting..."

Art Through Symbols and Abstraction

"At this point of my life there is no denying that the art I have created in the last 20 years represents who I am and where I have gone personally and spiritually, I am constantly guided to classic, eternal symbolism such as circles and triangles that humans have connected to deeply throughout time."

I have gained trust in the expression of abstract lines as well which again allows another avenue for personal exploration and interpretation...in modern art I believe that abstract expression is one of the more important aspects to borrow in communication beyond recognizable shapes and words. Having that “let go” moment with line and then allowing the pain to add its own communicating is a boundless world to me. It truly speaks to the deepest parts of our human essence in artistic expression.”

Ancient and Modern Influences in my Layered Acrylics

"I work in different transparencies of acrylics on large square or round canvases...quite often paint layered in matte and shiny finishes that create effects that can be seen only in person. The way they are positioned around a space really picks up the variations of light through the day. My inspiration comes from a constant dig into subject matter that has inspired me for years...ancient Egyptian, Abstract Expressionism, O'Keeffe, Kahlo and Picasso."

Beauty...About to Become

Red Moon Transformation-Redbud

Meet Henvonia: Anime Artist

Bridget Andrews

• Acrylic Painter
• From Perrysburg, Ohio
• Work Features Unique Symbols
• Art Booth in The Rink Vintage Mall

See more now! [QR Code] @painted_horse_studio

"My name is Hervonia and I am a 37 year old African American artist based in Ohio. I have an Associates of Arts Degree from Cuyahoga community college where I focused on drawing and animation. I enjoy video games, anime/ cartoons, and manga.”

"My original plan after graduating was to get a job in the animation industry as a character designer. I still would like that for me in the future but, in the meantime I am focused on starting my own art business called “Hervoniasketchbook.” I sell my art at anime conventions in the form of stickers, prints, and keychains.”

See more now! [QR Code] @hervoniasketchbook

An Invitation to Find Calm Through My Creative Journey

"My hope is that my work can be seen not only as my own personal journey, but also as inspiration for illuminating anyone who may take the time out of their own path to experience what I have created. I read once that you should “do what quiets the voice in your head”...and for me that is painting, and seeing on canvas what came out of my time spent there.”

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Jeffrey Darah (419) 470-9489 [email protected]

@thescribeohio apollo-press.com

• 48+ Artists Spotlighted!
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Dylan Sarieh (567) 277-5659 [email protected]

Recent Fan Art of Seshat

By Reddit user: __xur

Panel 1: Character 1: HEY ARE YOU AN ARTIST? Character 2: YEAH, WHAT'S UP?

Panel 2: Character 1: CAN U DRAW POPEYE FOR MY SON? Character 2: YEAH, JUST ORDER A COMMISSION THROUGH MY KO-FI! :>

Panel 3: Character 1: NAH, LET'S JUST DO IT OFF THE BOOKS, OK? Character 2: NO. I PAY TAXES. Character 1: OK THEN.

10/18/24

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