Emerging Artists
Monique Buni
Monique Buni is an artist who is into Photography, Music, Graphic Design and Web Design. She is a current student of Oakton Community College and Majoring in Graphic Design. She was born in the Philippines in 1992. Art and Music has always been a part of her life. As she continues to pursue her education and passion she uses the programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Fireworks and Dreamweaver to share her work to the public.
Artist Statement
Art and music has always been a part of my life. Everything I do, I always connect it to either one or both. I believe that art and music helps me to be free from limitation, aggression and depression.
When I work with my camera I am reminded that the world is a never ending discovery and exploration. I begin a piece by appreciating what’s around me and look at the small things that are commonly taken advantage of. I know a piece is done when I feel satisfied about it. When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and great happiness.
I do Photography because it’s one way for me to express myself. It’s more than a hobby for me. I always want to capture time, to capture that very moment that can never be brought back. My goal in life is to continue sharing my work to the world, to inspire people and to not let them give up on life. I want to deliver the message that there’s always hope and if there’s a will there is definitely always a way.
Julienne Marcq
Julienne Marcq attended Northeastern Illinois University where she was awarded a Fine Arts scholarship, with studies in 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional design. She furthered her studies to graphic design and photography. With works published in Photographers Forum Magazine and works displayed in the North River Gallery, Chicago, IL, she decided to follow her passion for photography. Julienne perfected her skills while working in a custom photographic lab where she learned all aspects of photography from; custom color to archival fiber base black and white printing, 8x10 format camera and transparence duplication. She now has her own business Digital Darkroom Inc., as a professional photographer and graphic designer.
Artist Statement
I have been blessed and gifted to be a visual artist. I have developed a wide range of abilities in the graphic disciplines, including the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography. With experience in a variety of other areas, I have also developed business skills and professional judgment. I am committed to excellence, in producing artistic and useful graphic presentations. I require a challenge that calls upon my technical and creative skills while also requiring me to improve upon them. The second, I get a camera in my hands and start documenting what is around me I feel excited and at peace all at once. The feeling of not having control over what I may or may not capture in an image is overwhelming. My Mentor told me once. If you saw the shot, you missed the shot! Don’t wait for the perfect shot, just take it… (back to top)
Nicolae Cojocaru
I was born in Nisporeni, Moldova, on April 4, 1982 and am the youngest son of two boys. I lived in the same house until I moved to the United States by myself in 2007. I came here to earn money, buy a motorcycle, and return to Moldova, but my plans soon changed when I met my wife in August 2009. We got married in March 2010, and I began school shortly thereafter. My goal is to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science Engineering. My wife and I currently live in downtown Chicago, but we hope to move somewhere warmer where I can begin my own business. I love being outside, and enjoy fishing, water sports, and photography.
Artist Statement
Less is MORE! --Excited participant at 2010 Chicago Pride Parade. As I was taking photos of the floats at the parade, I was inspired by this man who was so happy, dancing in the streets and saying hello to everyone. (back to top)
Solongo Erdenebayar
I was born in Mongolia 1990. I am the third and last child in my family. When I was little I was really shy and quiet girl. I am still shy and quiet sometimes I think because of my brother and sister way older than me so when I was little I had nobody to play with. I am studying as a Graphic Designer. One of my favorite things to do is taking photos. When I was in high school my dad and I used to take each other photos or take my little nieces photos all the time. I was the only girl in my class who loved taking pictures and computer. I used to take my classmates photos and make movies. One of the reason I take photos is I want to leave great memories for people. When I get old I would see my photos and remember my young and crystal moments. I love to see my parents young photos they look wonderful and happy together.
Piano
Where: Glenview Farm
When: Spring of 2011
What class: Art 117
Explanation: This photo is one of my favorite photos. I love piano even though I can’t play on it. I took this photo in Glenview farm one of the old houses. They had one big house that covered with old furniture. I really like how the focus is on the piano and everything else is blurry. It looks really dramatic.
Beauty of the City
When: Spring of 2011
What class: Art 270
Explanation: This photo was for my final project. I choose beautiful flower and beautiful city. Everyone loves both of these so I just thought why can’t I combine them. It went really nice together. I made the sky look like flower it could be clouds. (back to top)
Gosia Goralczyk
Gosia Goralczyk is the artist who developed her career in a few fields. Starting with hand drawing and painting her interest ranged through a variety of visual media. After achieving her degree in Theatrical Arts she used her knowledge working for an ethnic television in Chicago, IL, as an Art Director creating commercials. There she developed her skills and started her extensive interest in graphic design, which gave her opportunity to work for the Chicagoan weekly magazine. She has been studying at Oakton College to further improve her graphic design career. She uses programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, QuarkXPress, and lately Dreamweaver to create her art.
Artist Statement
Art has always been for me a language in which was the easiest to express myself. Most of my art is vivid and colorful. That’s because for me creating art makes me feel happy. So, even though sometimes I don’t feel good outside, my artist’s soul reminds me that inside I am joyous.
My influences are first and foremost everything I see, feel and experience. However, I've always loved and been inspired by many artists. My favorite ones are Pablo Picasso – for his artistic innovations, Salvador Dali – for his imagination, and Michelangelo – for his extreme talent in creating sculptures.
There are two media that I like most for creating pictures – water color painting and computer drawing with Adobe Illustrator.
I would like my works to be seen in exhibitions in the USA as well as in Europe. (back to top)
Jenna E. LaRocca
Julienne Marcq attended Northeastern Illinois University where she was awarded a Fine Arts scholarship, with studies in 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional design. She furthered her studies to graphic design and photography. With works published in Photographers Forum Magazine and works displayed in the North River Gallery, Chicago, IL, she decided to follow her passion for photography. 
Julienne perfected her skills while working in a custom photographic lab where she learned all aspects of photography from; custom color to archival fiber base black and white printing, 8x10 format camera and transparence duplication. She now has her own business Digital Darkroom Inc., as a professional photographer and graphic designer.
Artist Statement
I have been blessed and gifted to be a visual artist. I have developed a wide range of abilities in the graphic disciplines, including the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography. With experience in a variety of other areas, I have also developed business skills and professional judgment. I am committed to excellence, in producing artistic and useful graphic presentations. I require a challenge that calls upon my technical and creative skills while also requiring me to improve upon them. The second, I get a camera in my hands and start documenting what is around me I feel excited and at peace all at once. The feeling of not having control over what I may or may not capture in an image is overwhelming. My Mentor told me once. If you saw the shot, you missed the shot! Don’t wait for the perfect shot, just take it… (back to top)