<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Phillip Speciale - Online Art Gallery - Artist Portfolio</title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtistWork.asp?artist_id=FYMDA1409124484024650</link><description>Phillip Speciale - Online Art Gallery - Artist Portfolio</description><language>en-us</language><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:16:03 PST</pubDate><item><title><![CDATA[Sacred Seasons]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=HUER5435124521034242</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions<br>

Seasons are changing.  Winters are longer, Spring has disappeared, Summers are becoming too hot and Fall is not long enough.  In this piece the Artist balances the seasons in four equal parts as it was originally intended before man began making damaging changes to the environment.  Typical seasonal winters are now replaced with dangerously freezing temperatures, April showers don't bring May flowers and fresh Springtime smells no longer exist in the air we breathe.  Summers intense heat is blistering and the beauty of fall is dissipating.<br>

This makes the Artist realize just how sacred the seasons are and how much they are remembered for what they were meant to be.  Man tends to adapt to their environment and therefore accepts it rather than change it.  What we have left is perceived as normality and very much taken for granted.<br>

The Artists surreal rendition of the sacred heart is featured with a cross made of nails and copper.  A human heart with wings takes flight among a blood red background.  It's surrounded by abstract acrylic paintings depicting the four seasons and four butterflies flutter around hopefully symbolizing a new beginning, like the rose growing from a rock.  Or do the hands holding the rock symbolize our uncontrolled fate.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/32/QIPE5435124521034242.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sacred Seasons - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=TERK5435124521561</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

Seasons are changing.  Winters are longer, Spring has disappeared, Summers are becoming too hot and Fall is not long enough.  In this piece the Artist balances the seasons in four equal parts as it was originally intended before man began making damaging changes to the environment.  Typical seasonal winters are now replaced with dangerously freezing temperatures, April showers don't bring May flowers and fresh Springtime smells no longer exist in the air we breathe.  Summers intense heat is blistering and the beauty of fall is dissipating.

This makes the Artist realize just how sacred the seasons are and how much they are remembered for what they were meant to be.  Man tends to adapt to their environment and therefore accepts it rather than change it.  What we have left is perceived as normality and very much taken for granted.

The Artists surreal rendition of the sacred heart is featured with a cross made of nails and copper.  A human heart with wings takes flight among a blood red background.  It's surrounded by abstract acrylic paintings depicting the four seasons and four butterflies flutter around hopefully symbolizing a new beginning, like the rose growing from a rock.  Or do the hands holding the rock symbolize our uncontrolled fate.  The digital print seems to indicate we're spiraling out of control.  Does it?  Are we?<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/30/OBYN5435124521560.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aces High]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=YQEE543512452151838</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

Literature, music and art are represented in this piece which was created for the infamous "Three Aces" restaurant in Chicago.  The Artist specifically designed the contents of this shadow box to express the interests of owners Anthony  Potenzo and Lyle Aker.

Three hand carved  spades with one entwined in brass wire is the focal point of the piece and is the Artists rendition of their logo.  To the upper left of the box is a mugshot of Chicago author Nelson Algren next to his book "The Man With The Golden Arm".  Ironically,  Algren went to prison for five months for stealing a typewriter from his school.  Next to Algren is "Radio Swan" a photo of an etching by the legendary  Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick who frequents "Three Aces" for the burgers and rapini pizza.

In the upper right hand corner is a quote from beat writer Charles Bukowski that states "There is a time to stop reading, there is a time to stop trying to write.  There is a time to kick the whole blasted sensation of ART out on it's Whore-ass."  Nothing more needs to be said.  It pretty much speaks for itself.  At the bottom left hand side of the piece is the Artist's rendition of  "The Piano Has Been Drinking", a song written and performed by musician Tom Waits.  It's a simple piece  that ends with absinthe  and Old Crow Whiskey.  Just the way it should.

The original is hanging at "Three Aces" restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois. It was a gift from the Artist.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/38/OSXT543512452151838.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aces High - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=DXTA543512452153017</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

Literature, music and art are represented in this piece which was created for the infamous "Three Aces" restaurant in Chicago.  The Artist specifically designed the contents of this shadow box to express the interests of owners Anthony  Potenzo and Lyle Aker.

Three hand carved  spades with one entwined in brass wire is the focal point of the piece and is the Artists rendition of their logo.  To the upper left of the box is a mugshot of Chicago author Nelson Algren next to his book "The Man With The Golden Arm".  Ironically,  Algren went to prison for five months for stealing a typewriter from his school.  Next to Algren is "Radio Swan" a photo of an etching by the legendary  Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick who frequents "Three Aces" for the burgers and rapini pizza.

In the upper right hand corner is a quote from beat writer Charles Bukowski that states "There is a time to stop reading, there is a time to stop trying to write.  There is a time to kick the whole blasted sensation of ART out on it's Whore-ass."  Nothing more needs to be said.  It pretty much speaks for itself.  At the bottom left hand side of the piece is the Artist's rendition of  "The Piano Has Been Drinking", a song written and performed by musician Tom Waits.  It's a simple piece  that ends with absinthe  and Old Crow Whiskey.  Just the way it should.

The original is hanging at "Three Aces" restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois. It was a gift from the Artist.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/36/LSYM543512452153016.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Key to Creation]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=YXOK543512452154224</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

This beautiful surreal piece seems to symbolize the beginning and the end.  Another rather dark piece by the Artist who utilizes the highly recognizable hands from Michelangelo's fresco  "The Creation of Adam" and Giovanni Bellini's "Madonna and Child" which gives it a deep religious feel.

The key may open doors to the beginning while the skulls and ravens might signify the end.  All under the careful watch of a ticking clock which is permanently nailed to a wall.  With roses in bloom and the "Madonna and Child" surrounded by a gothic frame, one can't begin to comprehend where the beginning begins and the end ends.

The final twist of this piece is the digital polar inversion of the photo which seems to take the shadow box off the wall and place it on a ceiling just like "The Creation of Adam".  This is how the Artist may want it to end.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/33/YAJB543512452154223.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Key to Creation = Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=SPQT543512452155448</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

This beautiful surreal piece seems to symbolize the beginning and the end.  Another rather dark piece by the Artist who utilizes the highly recognizable hands from Michelangelo's fresco  "The Creation of Adam" and Giovanni Bellini's "Madonna and Child" which gives it a deep religious feel.

The key may open doors to the beginning while the skulls and ravens might signify the end.  All under the careful watch of a ticking clock which is permanently nailed to a wall.  With roses in bloom and the "Madonna and Child" surrounded by a gothic frame, one can't begin to comprehend where the beginning begins and the end ends.

The final twist of this piece is the digital polar inversion of the photo which seems to take the shadow box off the wall and place it on a ceiling just like "The Creation of Adam".  This is how the Artist may want it to end.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/38/AJUS543512452155448.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Abstract]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=UEGR543512452158427</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

Kandinsky once said that "The more frightening the world becomes . the more art becomes abstract."  Considering the state of the world we can find solace in viewing and creating abstracts.  It's escapism at its best.

By viewing this next piece by the Artist you tend to escape into the entrance of the doorways while colors and shape float all around you. The Artists rendition of doorways is perhaps a way in or perhaps a way out. Quite possibly they are the doorways to your soul or an entry into your heart. No matter how you perceive the piece you will enjoy the strange shapes and beautiful colors. Regardless how the Artist sees it, only you can interpret what you feel.

Initially, the piece looks like a canvas painting but upon a closer inspection it is an exquisite 3d sculpture vibrant in form and color. The Artist created this piece in wood and acrylic. Then shaped and placed the colored pieces at different depths to create an explosion of color. Finally, by digitally enhancing this piece the explosion exploded.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/37/YBJS543512452158427.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA["Abstract" - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=PSVI543512452159611</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

Kandinsky once said that "The more frightening the world becomes . the more art becomes abstract."  Considering the state of the world we can find solace in viewing and creating abstracts.  It's escapism at its best.

By viewing this next piece by the Artist you tend to escape into the entrance of the doorways while colors and shape float all around you. The Artists rendition of doorways is perhaps a way in or perhaps a way out. Quite possibly they are the doorways to your soul or an entry into your heart. No matter how you perceive the piece you will enjoy the strange shapes and beautiful colors. Regardless how the Artist sees it, only you can interpret what you feel.

Initially, the piece looks like a canvas painting but upon a closer inspection it is an exquisite 3d sculpture vibrant in form and color. The Artist created this piece in wood and acrylic. Then shaped and placed the colored pieces at different depths to create an explosion of color. Finally, by digitally enhancing this piece the explosion exploded.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/30/DYEE543512452159610.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cracked]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=CZQB5435124521510835</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

This is a very significant piece that represents the many split personalities of a  writer who cracks under the pressure of writing.  It's a simple piece that reflects the Artist's own struggles with writing.  The mask covers up the reality just like writing may hide feelings or emotions.

The mask gives the piece an eerie feeling with it's black eyes and cracked face.  The quill and ink well depicts the writers tools that he uses to create passion, fear and intrigue.  When he can't write he searches for the right words and sentences until he cracks.  Sometimes he retreats behind the mask and hides until he's able to write again.

The digital version of this piece may show the turmoil writers face while creating.  It shows the many faces the writer projects to his audience in order to create a world of imagination.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/35/QHOP5435124521510835.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cracked - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=BXIS5435124521511451</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

This is a very significant piece that represents the many split personalities of a  writer who cracks under the pressure of writing.  It's a simple piece that reflects the Artist's own struggles with writing.  The mask covers up the reality just like writing may hide feelings or emotions.

The mask gives the piece an eerie feeling with it's black eyes and cracked face.  The quill and ink well depicts the writers tools that he uses to create passion, fear and intrigue.  When he can't write he searches for the right words and sentences until he cracks.  Sometimes he retreats behind the mask and hides until he's able to write again.

The digital version of this piece may show the turmoil writers face while creating.  It shows the many faces the writer projects to his audience in order to create a world of imagination.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/31/DCGH5435124521511451.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fire flight]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=AYVQ5435124521513210</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

The floating of a balloon, the flutter of a butterfly, the soaring of a bird and the flight of a moth all may signify the freedom we all desire.  That freedom always seems to come with a price.  The balloon launches with bullets in it's basket to keep us free or can be used to make us free?  Either way lives are lost and death is always guaranteed to preserve that freedom.

The kind of freedom that we perceive we have .  Are we really free?  The Artist may want you to believe we are or at least make you question if we are.  The flame heats the balloon and takes it upon endless journeys but the candle burns until it no longer brightens the dark.  Sometimes the moth flies too close to the flame and is free no more.

The Artist's uses various materials in this piece.  a porcelain bird, the balloon and moth carved out of wood and painted with acrylic, brass embellishments to coexist with the bullets and a candle.  All seem well balanced in portraying the theme of the work.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/39/TRLY543512452151329.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fire Flight - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=KBLW5435124521513855</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

The floating of a balloon, the flutter of a butterfly, the soaring of a bird and the flight of a moth all may signify the freedom we all desire.  That freedom always seems to come with a price.  The balloon launches with bullets in it's basket to keep us free or can be used to make us free?  Either way lives are lost and death is always guaranteed to preserve that freedom.

The kind of freedom that we perceive we have .  Are we really free?  The Artist may want you to believe we are or at least make you question if we are.  The flame heats the balloon and takes it upon endless journeys but the candle burns until it no longer brightens the dark.  Sometimes the moth flies too close to the flame and is free no more.

The Artist's uses various materials in this piece.  a porcelain bird, the balloon and moth carved out of wood and painted with acrylic, brass embellishments to coexist with the bullets and a candle.  All seem well balanced in portraying the theme of the work.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/35/MIVV5435124521513855.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chicago Style]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=KUZU5435124521516224</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

The Artists hometown is depicted in this roaring-twenties type shadow box.  It signifies a generation of class that no longer exists. It was a time when people dressed up when they went to the theater or danced the night away.  A time when gangsters ruled the city streets and prohibition affected the lives of millions throughout the country.

The Artist displays the iconic Chicago Theater sign dangling above a modern silhouette the city.  While the piano plays love songs for all the people of the night.  Nothing says Chicago more than a 1926 Rolls Royce, a tommy gun and a trumpet to represent a city in turmoil and enchantment.

The bullet holes that are displayed throughout the piece sums up the Artists rendition of that period in time.  The digital version of this piece brings out the music of the city while the tommy gun just represents another instrument.  "I saw a man that dance with his wife in Chicago my hometown".<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/34/GLDV5435124521516224.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chicago Style - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=CYBE5435124521518056</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

The Artists hometown is depicted in this roaring-twenties type shadow box.  It signifies a generation of class that no longer exists. It was a time when people dressed up when they went to the theater or danced the night away.  A time when gangsters ruled the city streets and prohibition affected the lives of millions throughout the country.

The Artist displays the iconic Chicago Theater sign dangling above a modern silhouette the city.  While the piano plays love songs for all the people of the night.  Nothing says Chicago more than a 1926 Rolls Royce, a tommy gun and a trumpet to represent a city in turmoil and enchantment.

The bullet holes that are displayed throughout the piece sums up the Artists rendition of that period in time.  The digital version of this piece brings out the music of the city while the tommy gun just represents another instrument.  "I saw a man that dance with his wife in Chicago my hometown".<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/36/RCJJ5435124521518056.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hello...... Billie]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=VYIH5435124521520448</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions


The Artist blends the beautiful sounds of jazz great Louis Armstrong and the voice of Billie Holiday in this exquisite black and white tribute to the two legendary performers. Two of the pictures in this shadow box are from the 1946 movie "New Orleans", while other publicity stills are shown to illustrate them performing.

Again the Artist combines books and music by cleverly placing a copy of Holiday's autobiography, "Lady Sings the Blues" into the frame. The silhouette of Armstrong playing an abstract horn around other instruments and the gardenia, Holiday's trademark flower, seems to pull the piece together.

Individually they are both a phenomenon.  Together they are larger than life.  This piece represents an era when there was a vast cultural  shift in music.  It was music for the soul.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/37/WXYR5435124521520447.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hello.....Billie - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=ZDNI543512452152949</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Editions

The Artist blends the beautiful sounds of jazz great Louis Armstrong and the voice of Billie Holiday in this exquisite black and white tribute to the two legendary performers. Two of the pictures in this shadow box are from the 1946 movie "New Orleans", while other publicity stills are shown to illustrate them performing.

Again the Artist combines books and music by cleverly placing a copy of Holiday's autobiography, "Lady Sings the Blues" into the frame. The silhouette of Armstrong playing an abstract horn around other instruments and the gardenia, Holiday's trademark flower, seems to pull the piece together.

Individually they are both a phenomenon.  Together they are larger than life.  This piece represents an era when there was a vast cultural  shift in music.  It was music for the soul.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/39/OLLU543512452152949.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Go Ask Alice]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=WPDU5435124521531259</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Edition

Music and literature inspired this great piece which centers around drugs. This is the Artist very surreal, psychedelic rendition of the types of drugs that were prevalent in the 1950&#8242;s and 60&#8242;s. Jefferson Airplane's hit song "White Rabbit" hinted on the use of hallucinogenics in Lewis Carrol's novel"Alice in Wonderland". Both the song and the book are represented in this piece.

Nelson Algren's infamous book "The Man with the Golden Arm" is represented by the abstract rendition of the graphic from the movie and Jacqueline Susann's 1966 book "Valley of the Dolls" which depicted the use of barbiturates commonly referred to as "Dolls", is symbolizes by the pills at the bottom of the shadow box along with a quote by one of the book's characters, Neely O'Hara that states, I Want a Doll, I Want a Doll.

To tie this piece together the Artist used the polar inversion technique to illustrate how drugs can make you spiral out of control. The best thing about the polar inversions is that the piece looks beautiful with all its details and color until you take a closer look and sometimes see the darkness within.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/39/EOKE5435124521531259.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Go Ask Alice - Digital]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=ERTG5435124521533034</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Edition

Music and literature inspired this great piece which centers around drugs. This is the Artist very surreal, psychedelic rendition of the types of drugs that were prevalent in the 1950&#8242;s and 60&#8242;s. Jefferson Airplane's hit song "White Rabbit" hinted on the use of hallucinogenics in Lewis Carrol's novel"Alice in Wonderland". Both the song and the book are represented in this piece.

Nelson Algren's infamous book "The Man with the Golden Arm" is represented by the abstract rendition of the graphic from the movie and Jacqueline Susann's 1966 book "Valley of the Dolls" which depicted the use of barbiturates commonly referred to as "Dolls", is symbolizes by the pills at the bottom of the shadow box along with a quote by one of the book's characters, Neely O'Hara that states, I Want a Doll, I Want a Doll.

To tie this piece together the Artist used the polar inversion technique to illustrate how drugs can make you spiral out of control. The best thing about the polar inversions is that the piece looks beautiful with all its details and color until you take a closer look and sometimes see the darkness within.<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/34/LPLO5435124521533034.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Love You....Till the End of Time]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=KEMG5435124521535450</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Edition

Inspiration comes in many forms and this particular piece was based on a beautiful song entitled  " Till the End of Time".   The song was written by Buddy Kaye and composed by Ted Mossman in 1945.  It was performed by various artists throughout the years but made famous by legendary singer Perry Como.

Though a rather dark piece, the Artist depicts the connection between love and time.  As the ominous raven lurks above the bones of  a lover whose time is up, the lover lays against a ticking grandfather clock.  While he reaches for the heart of his beloved, the raven swings the giant pocket watch as if to indicate that time has already taken its toll.  All this occurs while a beautiful black rose grows above the scene almost like a flower that grows through a crack in the cement.  You can almost hear the grinding of the gears and the ticking of the clocks saying it's better to love while you're alive than after you're gone.  For when you are gone you can not love but only be loved.

The Artist uses deep dark colors to help emit emotions and conjure up the imagination.   The paragraph above is only one interpretation.  Many others are waiting to be found.  As the song goes. "I'll be there for you to care for you through laughter and through tears.  So take my heart in sweet surrender and tenderly say that I'm the one you love and live for Till the End of Time."<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/30/ZNJU5435124521535450.jpg'><br>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Love You....Till the End of Time]]></title><link>http://www.artq.net/ArtView.asp?artwork_id=JCJV543512452201850</link><description><![CDATA[Print, Unframed, Signed, Open Edition

Inspiration comes in many forms and this particular piece was based on a beautiful song entitled  " Till the End of Time".   The song was written by Buddy Kaye and composed by Ted Mossman in 1945.  It was performed by various artists throughout the years but made famous by legendary singer Perry Como.

Though a rather dark piece, the Artist depicts the connection between love and time.  As the ominous raven lurks above the bones of  a lover whose time is up, the lover lays against a ticking grandfather clock.  While he reaches for the heart of his beloved, the raven swings the giant pocket watch as if to indicate that time has already taken its toll.  All this occurs while a beautiful black rose grows above the scene almost like a flower that grows through a crack in the cement.  You can almost hear the grinding of the gears and the ticking of the clocks saying it's better to love while you're alive than after you're gone.  For when you are gone you can not love but only be loved.

The Artist uses deep dark colors to help emit emotions and conjure up the imagination.   The paragraph above is only one interpretation.  Many others are waiting to be found.  As the song goes. "I'll be there for you to care for you through laughter and through tears.  So take my heart in sweet surrender and tenderly say that I'm the one you love and live for Till the End of Time."<br><img src='http://www.artq.net/artImages/39/ZQHA543512452201849.jpg'><br>]]></description></item></channel></rss>