A common theme is that "the Southwest is a place where legends are made and dreams come true." One can reach inspiration in the spirit of place by inhaling possibility and exhaling creativity while standing in the landscape of endless time. Artist Tina Roy is one Southwest artist who takes a deep dive into that dry, eternal space. "I am fascinated and often consumed by the juxtaposition of beauty and sorrow, comfort and hardship, and the kindness and the brutality of nature."
Tina was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she developed her creative skills throughout childhood. At a young age, she began traveling internationally, experiencing many cultures across borders, unique architecture, diverse fashion, and endless design interpretations. At thirteen, Tina enrolled in a drawing and painting class while visiting her aunt in London. The experience lit the kindling that would become the bonfire of her creative life. Eventually, her enthusiasm for canvas and oils guided her to pursue a double major in Art History and Fine Arts at the American University of Paris in France. Subsequently, Tina's travels carried her to many extraordinary places, from Argentina to India, gathering visual material to shape her global perspective. Ultimately, the Southwest winds swept her home to Arizona.
Globetrotting had an advantage in Tina's creative education: "I studied under an artist in New Zealand who specialized in bone carving, I took metalsmith classes in Thailand, and I learned beadwork at a women's cooperative in Guatemala. I gravitated to any creative opportunity to expand my experience." However, Tina's unwavering passion always led her back to her first love, oils and canvas. Today, she would describe her work as "stylized realism." Her technique is achieved with thin layers of paint with clean, crisp brush strokes. "I strive to make beautiful art with a small token of tension; it's about simultaneously expressing the beauty and the struggle. Momento Mori is a reminder of the inevitability of death. The technique has been a theme represented in art for ages."
Today, Tina Roy is grateful to be painting full-time. She keeps regular studio hours Monday-Friday that correspond with the drop-off and pick-up of her children from school. Opportunities arrived after Tina transitioned from her day job at a fine art auction house to commit to painting full-time. Like magic, a studio space came available at the historic Cattle Track Arts Compound in Scottsdale, and Tina snatched it up as a dream come true. Several artists she knew worked in the space for years, and Tina was overjoyed they offered her a space. Now surrounded by a highly successful, creative, and skilled group of creators, she felt supported and right at home.
Tina's goal is to continue experimenting with new techniques, colors, and styles. She maintains her work-life balance by spending time in nature, where she feels a spiritual connection. Tina forages items to become subjects in her paintings while hiking and enjoying vast outdoor spaces. She describes it as being "like a little treasure hunt." All items are part of her exploration of mortality, abundance, and scarcity found in the eternal landscapes of the northern Sonoran Desert.
Artist Tina Roy is not just a creator; she is also an active member of the art community. Tina is a proud member of the Sonoran Arts League and eagerly participates in the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour each November. She also works and shows her pieces from January through March with the Celebration of Fine Art held in Scottsdale, Arizona, showcasing her dedication and commitment to her craft.
Email: tina@tinaroystudio.com
Website: www.tinaroystudio.com
Comments