Bright, Shiny Objects

The "Bright, Shiny Objects" Series by Artist, Tina Lawver

Recently, I completed a series that I entitled "Bright, Shiny Objects" and, as with every piece....there is a story there.

Allow me to share...

Several years ago, I began to notice these creatures, crows/ravens, they fascinate. As with most fascinations, I began to draw and paint them.

We even got to travel to Arizona on vacation and realized that we were a short drive to the South rim of the Grand Canyon, truly, the most intimidating place I've ever stood. That is a story for another time. While we were there, this raven was following people around, most likely waiting for someone to drop a random french fry. I found him so entertaining and saw a personality in him. Inspiration for another painting.

As I was putting out these little paintings and pieces with ravens, people...several, not just a few!...several people would tell me stories about how intelligent these birds are, which made me notice and dig a bit more.

Original Art by Artist, Tina Lawver

It was true and something I got a bit nerdy about. One of the facts that was interesting to me was that they are attracted to shiny things.

I witnessed a crow playing with a foil gum wrapper. That image stuck with me and, as the brain often does, it created a story and these birds, who often get a bit of a bad wrap, became little characters...the kind you'd like to get to know.

So why the pairing of the ravens and bottles?

While we were visiting out Son, who lives in beautiful Washington State, we all decided to browse some local antique stores.

I do love old bottles and colored glass. I found myself placing them up on tables and in window sills in the light and got some magical photographs. By the time I got back to the studio, I had an entire Pinterest page with so many photos of these little bottles. And the story was further developed.

Why are these birds, full of personality, drawn to the glistening objects?

AND

What if they were so enchanted by something they could not grasp, spread their wings, and take away with them.???? Would they give up the freedom of flight to stay there?

hmmmm, pondering.

These "What if" moments and thoughts have resulted in many meaningful pieces of art and I'm quite sure that will continue.

Artfully Yours,

T

"Where Nature + Human Nature are divinely intertwined"

See Selected Works Here

Artagain Alley

Artagain Alley New Philadelphia, Ohio

This past Wednesday, June 28th, a reception was held at AlleyCats Marketplace for the most recent cycle of the Art and Artists chosen to be exhibited in Artagain Alley in downtown New Philadelphia, OH.

I'm so excited to say one of my pieces, "Emulate" was chosen along with some beautiful local artist's work! What an honor to be chosen locally.

"Emulate" painting by Artist, Tina Lawver hanging in Artagain Alley New Philadelphia, OH

When this piece was being created, I was nearing the end of a humbling as well as an empowering experience where I had signed up for a year long art mastery program.

At one point, during a challenging period, I was in a bit of self doubt. We all have defining moments like this. When I look at this piece, it reminds me of that moment.

Others have been where we want to go. Others have been pioneers, trail blazers, and adventurers and have moved away obstacles. They've learned how to do the things that will allow this artist to get the vision that is inspired onto a canvas. The journey from the creative head to the creation is like a dance, a back and forth tension that , once resolved, becomes a piece of art.

"Emulate" a print hanging in Artagain Alley by Artist Tina Lawver New Philadelphia, OH

"Emulate" shows a bird demonstrating something so easy for a bird to do...."spread your wings and fly" the bird says. "Do it like this"

She believes she can fly in her own way because she sees the evidence of it actually being done. She has a desire to soar and submits herself to the instruction and demonstration of the successful.

She's encouraged as she sees the possibility, raises her arms and soars in her own way using her own creative voice.

This was, in that moment, what I was experiencing and desiring to communicate as an artist submitting herself to a process that others created as a path to seeing my vision come to life in a painting.

I've learned so much through the respect of what others have done and accomplished having been blessed by those who've so willingly shared their skill, knowledge, and experience.

These pioneers have gone before and made it easier for us to trailblaze our own path in our own voice which will make it more accessible to another who has a desire to have their voice heard in new territory.

It's so important to keep trying, to keep learning, and to thrive, not just for ourselves, but for the one who may see what is created and see that they can thrive as well.

Artist Tina Lawver pictured with her print of her original painting "Emulate" in Artagain Alley

I am grateful to be an artist and I'm blessed to be able to share with you.

Thank you to the jury who included "Emulate" in this year's Artagain Alley Exhibition.

Thank You for making my art a part of your story.

Yours, Tina

"Emulate"

The Original Painting is Available here

Quality Prints Available upon Request

Contact with inquiries

Tuscarawas Arts Partnership

New Philadelphia, OH

"Emulate" an original painting by Artist, Tina Lawver

Dream | Dare | Discover

You know that "weird" kid, the one fidgety, unsatisfied, often not truly present. The one in class that didn't hear the teacher call on them because she was doodling and dreaming?

The one who breaks out in a sweat when she's called to the board to complete a math problem? She may even know how to get the answer but is terrified anyway. She's also The one who when she goes to stand in front of the class to draw a bird on the chalk board doesn't panic but moves into "I got this mode" and is super excited to share??

She's familiar to me. I know her + there is nothing wrong with her, she's just creative.

We all are...really. It's in us, but often it gets squashed or pushed down.

Authenticity is often hard for the dreamer. She doesn't fit the mold, but what God has placed in her is valuable and needs to be shared. It's Meant to be shared...It's why it's there.

As an artist, especially a professional, being genuine and putting one's self in harm's way, is simply part of the gig.

It's a path to discovery and disclosure.

I've been on this path and will continue to walk it boldly and I want to encourage the creative in you to find value in your vision. It's been strategically placed and it's been entrusted to you for greater purpose.

Stewardship of the gift .... it's not just for us. Someone needs us to embrace it.

Someone needs us to Dream | To Dare | To Discover.

and ultimately to Do

With Love,

Tina

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