 Seeking light in This Bizarre World Acrylic and glass on canvas 48x36 The current political climate has me a bit unnerved. This piece interprets feelings of insignificance, in the grand scheme of things, and how I sometimes feel buried underground in a bizarre place. Cautiously and eagerly I, along with what feels like many people, seek to find the light again and that gives me a sense of comfort. In keeping with the breath and iconography of my work, I include layers of heavy textures, bright colors and broken glass which represent hope amidst the heaviness and brokenness I feel in my being and in society. Are times challenging you? Think of colors and textures that bring your world to a halt and then think of colors and textures that rock your world and bring you life! This is what this painting is all about! To make you think about these things. Keeping a pulse on our emotions and thoughts is important but I find so many trying to ruch on to the future that they skip this very important step.  This piece will exhibit at Ciel Gallery throughout the month of September 2017 and is available for sale. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for continuing posts. Be true to yourself, always, -Tina 
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 Sanctuary of Light, acrylic, ink, gold leaf & collage on canvas in gold floated frame, 30x48. This image represents a space I go to find guiding light. I have so much to be thankful for and this painting pays tribute to that gratitude. The blue light is the aura that I have seen since I was a little girl and understand fully that its always around me. The rose colored light is what I feel surrounds me with warmth. It represents the light of a giant pink diamond. The texture and gold color are always present in my visual healing. I visualize layers of mesh and liquid gold running through me, keeping all my connective tissue together. For those of you who don't know, I was born with marfan syndrome. It is a connective tissue disorder affecting all connective tissues of the body, and its favorite places to create aneurysms and tears are in the aorta, the eyes and the heart muscle. 2 of those 3 are ones I have experienced throughout my life, on several occasions, and because those experiences have been so incredibly intense, my spirit and my mind always dig deep and intensely in order to survive them. You could say, my art is an intrinsic part of my survival. It has always been iconic of finding strength and survival.
Not my typical painting style but this just came to me and felt compelled to do it and share it. There is so much awareness of diseases like cancer, ms, etc so in small ways, if any of you read through this, I have made you aware of a disease that affects 1 of every 5000 people on the planet. A high percentage don't survive an aneurysm. This piece will be available for sale at Ciel Gallery throughout August 2017. *freepik created Moroccan setting  For years now, I have noticed that I really love patterns. I love to find them, count them, sort them, color them, reorganize them and so on. I find the act of repetition or repetition itself very centering and very healing. My mind, body and spirit come together as one during these moments of “pattern bonding” and my world of chaos becomes calm. There is no right or wrong in this process, it’s a pure act, untethered by rules, by judgments, requirements and expectations. I have come to think of repetition as a form of invocation. Honestly, as I get older and live with this love affair with patterns, I begin to truly understand their power and how meaningful they are in my particular life.
I have been challenged to skew a master for an upcoming show at Ciel Gallery (click for event HERE). What a fun experiment! Below are a just a few words about each of the 2 pieces so if you have the opportunity to see them in person, you will have had a little insight first. They will both be on view for the first time and are available for sale.
"Climbing Out of a State of Mind" by Tina Alberni Wassily Kandisky associated colors and shapes with sounds, and found harmony in his juxtapositions of geometric shapes. His work incorporates various archetypes and elicits deep observation from his viewers in order to make connections. As a synesthete myself, I resonate deeply with Kandinsky, his color associations and use of archetypes.
 Inspiration:  Fulfillment, C1905-1909. Working Drawing for Stoclet Frieze, by Gustav Klimt  Yellow, Red and Blue, 1925 Oil on canvas by Kandinsky So do you have any thoughts? Please feel free to share and thanks for reading!
If you are local, maybe I'll see you at the show! As part of Ciel Gallery's collective, I am participating in Ciel's silent auction this year by donating an original. All funds raised will go to the Arts & Science Council, an organization I have benefited greatly from. This is a great opportunity to get your hands on an original for a great price while also helping out many artists. Click HERE to get details on how to bid online for all the art available. If you live out of State, special shipping arrangements will be made.
  Persisting - Mixed Media Lithograph Persisting and Channeling Light both mixed media lithographs, spawned from the current socio-political dialectic, combining simultaneously with seeds of hope and positivity, where love, light, wisdom, knowledge and the rest of goodness prevails.  Channeling Light - Mixed Media Lithograph Accepting change is not always easy but often when you manage to do it, it is quite refreshing and usually a growth experience. I am all about opening my mind to broaden perspectives, learn new things, and see things from different lenses. However, when the changes are major, numerous, all at one time, and you just do not resonate at any level with any of them, I take a long pause. Living in a time of never ending flux of uncertainty is rattling me in a way I think I’ve never experienced before. When I was growing-up, time lasted forever, fresh water, fresh air, freedom, nature, animals, etc where all a given. In my view, they were permanent “staples” of the earth that would always be abundant and in endless supplies. I mean I just couldn’t imagine our planet without them. I never took things for granted though. From a young age, I was quite aware of poverty and hunger and understood clearly that I was privileged. I couldn’t fully comprehend how some had so much and some had so little, but it was evident that those who lived on the fringes struggled to have those staples. Nonetheless, the staples existed abundantly. As time has passed, we know the amount of people living on earth has swelled to a point of no return, so the exploitation of earth and all it has to offer, has multiplied exponentially. In my middle age, as much as I retreat from letting any sense of doom and cynisism creep into my life, it continues to linger. For the first time ever, I do feel threatened. Mind you, I am quite familiar with the sense of threat. I have been robbed, chased by scary people, experienced natural disasters, economic downfalls, life threatening car accidents and health issues and so on, yet this ominous sensation I am experiencing is on a different level. My defensive instincts seem to be in full force. I am not a violent person. I won’t rise in arms. I don’t like the spotlight and my usual position in life is very positive and neutral on all fronts; I don’t take sides and really try looking at things objectively no matter who or what the circumstance. So, this feeling is quite new to me. It is revealing, quite firmly, where I draw the line when my values, fresh air, fresh water, food and freedom are vulnerable. I suppose this is a good thing to really know. Asserting my point of view so publicly is just something I have refrained from. I know I express things through my art and have asserted my views but they have always remained behind the artwork, never at the forefront. As you all know, for some years now, people around the world and now, very much so, again in the U.S., continue to unite for important causes. Some people get vocal, some march, some pray, some tap into divine energy, some work behind the scenes, some get physical, some preach, and so on. Love, light, wisdom and knowledge, among other things, have perhaps, as a culture, been swept under the rug a bit, but now have the opportunity to come out and thrive. “Persisting” and “Channeling Light” both mixed media lithographs, spawned from the current socio-political dialectic, combining simultaneously with seeds of hope and positivity, where love, light, wisdom, knowledge and the rest of goodness prevails. One can do nothing, which according to native beliefs is still doing something; it means we are passively accepting and agreeing with the decision to do nothing or one can take action, trusting one's core values and beliefs. We have a choice. My art will continue to be the vehicle of my expression and I am working hard to continue trusting that there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. If anything, the current ‘climate” of world issues is bringing so many people together and that is a very good thing. Perhaps the darkness will implode and all will be on a better path in the end. How are you feeling and approaching things considering our current state of affairs? Thanks for reading and now back to my studio!
Embracing the unthinkable and turning it into my inspiration... In the early days of my art career, I started out exploring realistic portraiture and the figure. In time, I soon discovered the organic and geometric abstract worlds and have never turned back. Through the years, I have explored just about every media out there and have to say I love them all, and sometimes wish I could live nine times longer so I could explore each one in depth. As many artists, my work has evolved and gone through different phases. I can feel a new phase coming through! Yes! Within a blink of an eye, and after 18 years or so, my work phased out from organic shapes and started finding hard, geometric edges infused into very deeply textured surface treatments, and an explosive palette of colors. The start of a new and long love affair for sure! After several years of painting geometric abstract, I have to say that for a few months now, I am finding my way back to those organically flowing shapes again, and I know exactly why, and I’m thrilled to come full circle!  Hidden Secret - Graphite and Oil Pencil on Paper Here’s the story… For about 18 years or so, my work was of limited palette and very organic in nature; not only in shapes but also in my methodology…working with the flow and reacting to shapes as they came through. That methodology remains true to me today and will likely remain with me until I can no longer create. I think it is because that is also how I live my life…I take it as it comes. I move forward and just don’t look back. I was 18 when I first started my college level art courses. A few of my very first works were explosive and full of red for some reason. At 20, an aortic aneurysm nearly took my life, but thanks to great developments in open-heart surgery, I survived. At such a “Spring Chicken” age, I was so incredibly grateful to the gift of life but at the same time, a bit angry and fearful for having a genetic condition that affects all connective tissue in my body…essentially, this condition called marfans, suddenly had all my attention and inevitably became my source of inspiration. I understood on a very deep level, that to survive the challenges of having a life threatening condition for as long as I lived, the challenges I had already experienced were just the tip of the iceberg of what was possibly, to come. Somehow, I, unintentionally, manifested strength of tissues and muscles through my organic work. Each time I was drawing or painting, I found myself layering interconnected, tissue-looking and muscle-like imagery throughout. I didn’t plan this, it just kind of happened and so I flowed with it because somehow, it resonated greatly. It just became a super source of strength to literally keep it all together! In 1999, a student found a number in an abstract I was sharing with the class relative to an art history lesson…I had never even seen the number so when it was spotted, it seemed curious at the time…the number was clearly 32…well, I never thought much of it but, a handful of years later, at age 32, I had an aortic dissection which nearly did me in…weird but…hmmm…Subconconcious prediction??  La Perla - Acrylic on Canvas In 2010, I had 2 aneurysms, which required 2 back-to-back crazy, scary surgeries and 2/3 replacement of my aorta…Lord!!! That was no fun! I obviously survived and my artwork then took a huge shift again, now delving into the opposite world of hard edge and geometry, and reaching out to all colors of the spectrum, and all textures I could come-up with. Again, I did not choose this path, it chose me. I flowed. This work, I know now, literally provided physical strength and fortified spirit. The repetitive geometric structural elements became a form of “prayer” and represented gratitude and the mesh-like textural elements literally held me together. In a sense, layer-by-layer, “my geometric walls”, in my paintings, represented survival and told a story. Yes, I know, for most, this series was just about “houses”…this series was actually, also deeply connected to my roots and experiences as well. Growing-up in a third world country exposes one to all sorts of circumstances that also become deep inspirations. Barrios and the people in them were deeply in my life so the symbolic geometry is very linked to vivid life experiences for sure. In September 2016, after a 6-year battle with a scary, baffling “mystery” in my chest bone, I had open heart surgery again, and yes it was a total bear…but, amazingly, I’m still here, and wouldn’t you know, my art has taken yet another dramatic shift! I am back to the organic, flowing shapes but this time, my palette is quite expanded and I can’t wait to continue in this phase to explore the endless possibilities! My first of what I hope will be many is “Burgeoning” , Acrylic on Canvas, 24x36 on Exhibit at Ciel Gallery during this month, January 2017  Burgeoning - Acrylic on Canvas It is obvious to me that there is a common thread, a common source of inspiration, which is my spirit and its connection with my physical self.
My strength of wellbeing is most certainly, directly related to my creative spirit. My art expresses my spirit and manifests strength in all its forms. I am absolutely sure that I still breathe because I have tapped-in to something very deep via my art. No “woo-woo” here trust me! It is the depth and breath of this genetic condition that has taught me that life, just like a building structure or a skeleton, depends on the health of its structure. By embracing our own challenges/limitations, good things can happen if one nurtures body, mind and spirit in the form that resonates. To my collectors, I hope this sheds some light as to how my work is connected and has evolved over the years. Flow with the tide, create away or do what fills your heart everyday!
INTERACTING WITH YOU IS A PRIVILEGE! Throughout the years, art has been a true journey of discovery and healing. A thrilling ride with colors, themes, textures, shapes, thoughts, people and cool materials. It's finally here! I invite you to experience this thrill through the art of interactive journaling. It’s simply a wonderful way to explore the depths of your soul and clarify your thoughts. To be able to share a few of my journeys with you is quite spectacular! You can click HERE to learn about how art and journaling are my true healer Susan Nicolai is a genius digital artist and she has put together EyeSusan; interactive art journeys from 20 different artists so you can enjoy thirty days of prompts around the theme of healing. Ready to get your creative side flowing? Oh, your going to love our prompts! You will truely find delight and will learn a ton! Click HERE or on the image below to get started! ENJOY THE JOURNEY!! I'd love to hear back to see how your journey goes and please feel free to pass along THIS LINK to friends and family!   I was born in the U.S. but while growing-up I got to live In Puerto Rico and Colombia. My love for colors, folklore, stories and my sense of curiosity, and sensitivities to life circumstances all began during this time. I moved to Miami in time to start college and lived there for 23+ years. It was during this time that I finally discovered art and decided to major in art education with a concentration in printmaking. Teaching children of all ages for over a decade infused me with delight. To see how art changed kids lives daily was a gift. It was then, I truly realized how powerful art, in all its forms is. It transforms lives and has literally saved mine. I now live in North Carolina, and I am a full-time artist. I am primarily a mixed media painter. This means I allow myself to explore all sorts of media and combine them with paint somehow. Mostly, I paint on canvas but every now and then I get sculptural, explore with photography and dig digital art forms! How does journaling fit in my life? I journal under each and every painting. My journaling occurs during my under painting process. I slap paint on without fear, I write A LOT, I collage with all sorts of meaningful/symbolic ephemera which include printed papers, letters, textiles, yarns, building materials, you name it. My expression may be about issues of the world, issues I am personally dealing with, random thoughts, etc. The healing part continues when I cover it all (or most) with an idea for my series which begins serendipitously, and with which I flow with, sometimes for days, other times for months or even years. I really like to work in series and currently have 4 series/bodies of work going. I also love to be involved in collaborative projects and public art. My latest endeavour involves a digital art affiliated with Eye Susan. This project is in the works and will be up and running by January. Details will come soon! As a 3-time open-heart surgery survivor, Art is my “center”. It has been and continues to be my healer and that “place” where I am free from the confines of society. It gives me a true doze of hope/light each and every time I am in my studio working.
Giving Back!  Crowded Space, 30hx24w, Mixed acrylic on canvas As a recipient of a few ASC awards it's always great to give back and I have the great opportunity to do so. The Arts & Science Council has a mission to ensure access to an excellent, relevant, and sustainable cultural community for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Region. The piece I have donated (in photos here) is titled "Crowded Space" 30hx24w...Old walls and cozy places with history and familiar stories inspire me always. I combine this inspiration with the ephemeral, and a constant sense of crowdedness. This constant tension challenges me to bring it all into harmony. Layer by layer, I attempt to do this, coalescing textural elements, color and shapes. You have a chance to also give back! Have you wanted to start collecting or continue collecting work from your favorite local artist? Ciel Gallery is giving you that opportunity! Go to the link to place your bid and get that beautiful piece of artwork just right for you! Fine art, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, prints, you name it! http://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/index.cfm… #cltARTS #artauction
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Tina's Art BeatMusings of a curious mind Thank you for visiting my page and taking the time to read my posts.
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June 2020
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All Rights Reserved Color by Design Studio
This website and all its contents are of exclusive property of Color by Design Studio.
This website may contain hyperlinks or references to websites or publications of persons other than Color by Design Studio supplied for reference purposes only.
