Tanya Tewell
(Liberty, TN)
Holding the Line, Oil on Wood, 36" x 24"
My work is strongly influenced by my study of crumbling fresco paintings in Italy, specifically the Etruscan tomb paintings in the ancient city of Tarquinia. These paintings are 3000 years old and show a rich and sophisticated civilization where women seemed to have equal status with the men. This is a very important factor in the content of my imagery, which focuses mainly on portraying strong women. The background elements come from wall imagery that I have studied in Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other lesser known archeological sites and churches throughout Italy.
Italy has aptly been described as a beautiful ruin. I feel that there is truth in this perspective. The layers of time and the activities of ancient people seem to permeate the perceptions of reality in modern day Italy. The pentimento imagery of my painting references this fusion of past/present consciousness and the artistic link to ancient cultural expressions.