With AT recently going bi-coastal, I figured we would kick off this column by introducing you to a fantastic LA/NYC artist -- Michael A. Rippens.

His images often begin from photographs, which he then pares down and/or manipulates their context – knocking the shades of grey into two or three colors. I’m a fan of his portraits, especially those of people watching television, bathed in that unmistakable blue glow. You can see the complete series on his website.

All of his work is exquisitely crafted, involving the painstaking process of cutting away the image to create a stencil for spray enamel on plexi. Sometimes he fashions the stencil out of wood or plastics to create the piece itself. If you like his work – buy it now. I guarantee it will be untouchable in a few years.

Here is work from 2000 to 2005. Curious to see more, take a look at his website: www.rippens.com.