More About Tina's Story
After living overseas through her teens, Alberni moved to Miami, FL.
Entranced by a new world of opportunities in the U.S. she explored different jobs as she went to school full time. She first took on a cashier's job at a grocery store. A "colorful" job which opened her eyes to a whole unknown world. She then got a job with a high-end shoe company with very cool shoe designs headquartered in Miami, but it was far from home and the heavy commute was an issue. She was then hired at a fancy leather store. It gave her new exposure to great design and fine materials and the business of selling. It definitely sparked some inspiration. Feeling the creative vibes starting to bubble, she accepted a job to assist a Latin Pop Star Chayanne with bilingual communications and marketing. It was here where she really tapped into creativity and met top creatives. The last project she worked on was a music video for Chayanne's latest hit back then called "Tiempo de Vals". She played a minor role in helping the team with set design, hiring models, procuring fun props like tigers(a thing she would never do today!), thousands of fruits and a bunch of other cool things. While on this last project, Alberni was beginning her Bachelor's degree, and could finally pin down her career. She knew she wanted to be an artist, but she also knew she wanted to inspire others.
In college, alongside the Art Ed classes, she focused on the art of printmaking. She took endless courses in lithography, monoprinting, painting and drawing, art history, jewelry design and photography. She soaked up every minute of the experience and felt excitement about her career.
When she travelled to New York City with her Art Class she realized the opportunities were endless!
Her first open heart surgery to fix an aneurysm occurred in 1990 which interrupted things for a while but in no time she recovered and kept moving forward.
Once she got her degree in art education, she taught middle school and high school art, art history and art portfolio close to 15 years. During those last 3 years she was promoted as Art Department Chair. While teaching, she also managed her own art career on the side, constantly developing her work and seeking exhibition opportunities. At some point she got very involved with local artists, serving as president to a local Latino art organization. Great opportunities to exhibit in South America and Europe were among several highlights during her tenure.
Overtime, she became interested in graphic design and got hooked! She spent a "million" hours learning the skill and the industry. A position opened up to design school publications, so she took a chance and dove right into a new career at the same school she had been teaching. After 2 years, an opportunity to work in the kitchen and bath industry crossed her path so she grabbed the chance at opening her own graphic design and competitive edge planning practice.
In 2007, Alberni and her husband decided it was time to leave Miami and seek a slower-paced life style.
They ended up choosing the Charlotte area, where at first she continued working with her clients in the kitchen and bath industry, but after 6 months it became clear that her 2nd career was extremely stressful. For health reasons, that needed to change. It wasn't a hard decision to elect going back to being a full-time artist.
She got involved with the Charlotte Art League, serving on their Board of Directors as VP and Marketing Director. it was a wonderful opportunity to meet people and set roots in the Charlotte art scene.
In 2010 she had 2 back-to-back open heart and thoracic surgeries to replace her aorta. Again, interrupting life for a time unti she got back on her feet to resume life.
In 2011, a wonderful opportunity opened up for her to be a part owner of a small gallery in South End, Charlotte. It was a wonderful way to learn the business of art and how art interconnects community, collectors and artists. It was a pivotal time to meet new people, curate shows, hang exhibits, market events and network extensively.
In 2013 she joined The Artery. A local arts group where she served as a Board Member and exhibiting artist.
In late 2016 she had her 4th open heart surgery and it was then she decided to step down from the gallery partnership, and from then on has just focused on her daily art practice, preparing works for shows and always seeking new opportunities.
Since then, Alberni has been awarded grants and media opportunities, been invited to interesting exhibitions in places like The Piedmont Trad Int'l Airport, Belk Corporate, Atrium health, UNC Chapel Hill, UNCC Charlotte, and internationally in places such as Dubai, Vienna, Basel and Barcelona.
Over the years, Alberni realizes that the vibrant colors used throughout her work pay homage to the rich tapestry of Andean culture. This artistic choice is a profound tribute to the heritage that holds a special place in her heart due to her upbringing in Colombia.
The woes of marfan syndrome continue to make themselves present but Tina continues on always putting one foot in front of the other as there is nothing like being present and moving forward.
As a side note, it is frequently mentioned how Alberni’s work is influenced by both expressive and graphic lines. It is clear her background experiences of traveling, living abroad, teaching and trying new things have widened her lens on the world and have had a direct influence on her artistic style. A style she considers always in a bit of flux.
Go to RETROSPECTIVE to see highlight photos taken throughout my career.
Entranced by a new world of opportunities in the U.S. she explored different jobs as she went to school full time. She first took on a cashier's job at a grocery store. A "colorful" job which opened her eyes to a whole unknown world. She then got a job with a high-end shoe company with very cool shoe designs headquartered in Miami, but it was far from home and the heavy commute was an issue. She was then hired at a fancy leather store. It gave her new exposure to great design and fine materials and the business of selling. It definitely sparked some inspiration. Feeling the creative vibes starting to bubble, she accepted a job to assist a Latin Pop Star Chayanne with bilingual communications and marketing. It was here where she really tapped into creativity and met top creatives. The last project she worked on was a music video for Chayanne's latest hit back then called "Tiempo de Vals". She played a minor role in helping the team with set design, hiring models, procuring fun props like tigers(a thing she would never do today!), thousands of fruits and a bunch of other cool things. While on this last project, Alberni was beginning her Bachelor's degree, and could finally pin down her career. She knew she wanted to be an artist, but she also knew she wanted to inspire others.
In college, alongside the Art Ed classes, she focused on the art of printmaking. She took endless courses in lithography, monoprinting, painting and drawing, art history, jewelry design and photography. She soaked up every minute of the experience and felt excitement about her career.
When she travelled to New York City with her Art Class she realized the opportunities were endless!
Her first open heart surgery to fix an aneurysm occurred in 1990 which interrupted things for a while but in no time she recovered and kept moving forward.
Once she got her degree in art education, she taught middle school and high school art, art history and art portfolio close to 15 years. During those last 3 years she was promoted as Art Department Chair. While teaching, she also managed her own art career on the side, constantly developing her work and seeking exhibition opportunities. At some point she got very involved with local artists, serving as president to a local Latino art organization. Great opportunities to exhibit in South America and Europe were among several highlights during her tenure.
Overtime, she became interested in graphic design and got hooked! She spent a "million" hours learning the skill and the industry. A position opened up to design school publications, so she took a chance and dove right into a new career at the same school she had been teaching. After 2 years, an opportunity to work in the kitchen and bath industry crossed her path so she grabbed the chance at opening her own graphic design and competitive edge planning practice.
In 2007, Alberni and her husband decided it was time to leave Miami and seek a slower-paced life style.
They ended up choosing the Charlotte area, where at first she continued working with her clients in the kitchen and bath industry, but after 6 months it became clear that her 2nd career was extremely stressful. For health reasons, that needed to change. It wasn't a hard decision to elect going back to being a full-time artist.
She got involved with the Charlotte Art League, serving on their Board of Directors as VP and Marketing Director. it was a wonderful opportunity to meet people and set roots in the Charlotte art scene.
In 2010 she had 2 back-to-back open heart and thoracic surgeries to replace her aorta. Again, interrupting life for a time unti she got back on her feet to resume life.
In 2011, a wonderful opportunity opened up for her to be a part owner of a small gallery in South End, Charlotte. It was a wonderful way to learn the business of art and how art interconnects community, collectors and artists. It was a pivotal time to meet new people, curate shows, hang exhibits, market events and network extensively.
In 2013 she joined The Artery. A local arts group where she served as a Board Member and exhibiting artist.
In late 2016 she had her 4th open heart surgery and it was then she decided to step down from the gallery partnership, and from then on has just focused on her daily art practice, preparing works for shows and always seeking new opportunities.
Since then, Alberni has been awarded grants and media opportunities, been invited to interesting exhibitions in places like The Piedmont Trad Int'l Airport, Belk Corporate, Atrium health, UNC Chapel Hill, UNCC Charlotte, and internationally in places such as Dubai, Vienna, Basel and Barcelona.
Over the years, Alberni realizes that the vibrant colors used throughout her work pay homage to the rich tapestry of Andean culture. This artistic choice is a profound tribute to the heritage that holds a special place in her heart due to her upbringing in Colombia.
The woes of marfan syndrome continue to make themselves present but Tina continues on always putting one foot in front of the other as there is nothing like being present and moving forward.
As a side note, it is frequently mentioned how Alberni’s work is influenced by both expressive and graphic lines. It is clear her background experiences of traveling, living abroad, teaching and trying new things have widened her lens on the world and have had a direct influence on her artistic style. A style she considers always in a bit of flux.
Go to RETROSPECTIVE to see highlight photos taken throughout my career.
