“Apollo” by T.L. Reeves
ARTIST STATEMENT:
ink, watercolor, and glitter on paper
I like to work with acrylics, watercolor, ink, pastels, and collage. I like to mix mediums because I think it gives something to the art, something more than just one medium – it makes it pop! Also, I like acrylic because I can change the colors. If I change my mind, I can repaint the sky purple instead of blue.
I like to express with my art: happiness with a twist. For example, the painting I am submitting is of a dead tree, but you still see happiness in the image. I also like to explore deeper thoughts through my abstract work. I like to use bold colors as well. I am inspired by surrealism because it is real to me and I can relate to the images created within this genre.
I am trying with my art to make community by being involved in making art with others. I do this while attending Open Studio at Avivo and art classes at Artability. I’ve learned so much from others, and this is strengthening me as an artist. I love getting feedback, too, positive or negative. It makes me a better artist.
PROVIDED BY:
Avivo Artworks
Since 2004, Avivo ArtWorks, formerly Spectrum ArtWorks, has been working to support professional artists living with mental illness. Located at the Lighthouse, a Community Support Program in Minneapolis, the program meets its mission through a community-focused and recovery-based approach. Its multi-faceted art studio and programming assists artists at reaching and maintaining their artist-related goals such as making new art, connecting with other artists, and accessing exhibition and grant opportunities.
In addition to this, each year the program organizes a new exhibition that aims to meet its mission to challenge stigma and raise mental health awareness. In 2015, the program partnered with the Minneapolis Institute of Art to bring “In Conversation,” a residency and exhibition that featured 17 artists from the program. Each participant created a new piece of art that was in conversation with an object or artwork in the museum’s collection. In 2017, Avivo ArtWorks facilitated “The Big Picture,” a group exhibition that presented artwork that explored wellness in recovery through art. “To Really See,” opening August 2017 at the Hennepin County Library – Central Minneapolis, is Avivo ArtWorks first every traveling group exhibition. The show explores the medication-taking experience and will feature artwork from artists who use Avivo ArtWorks services and artists from across the state of Minnesota.