TANNA BENNETT
Contemporary Narrative Realism
Artist's Statement
I am an artist working with reclaimed materials and newly fabricated pieces to create narrative works of art.
Storytelling is what drives my artwork. My work features strong women, hope, redemption, and nature. I gather inspiration from many resources such as the old masters, contemporary realists, folk artists, and outsider art.
I take great joy in searching for materials that will fit my needs in the studio. Some discoveries are gathered on journeys driving through small towns, some I find through antique dealers and other materials are donated by junk picker friends.
The reclaimed materials (wood, metal, fabric and more) are cut, manipulated, sanded, carved, or reshaped to create the works of art. I use my skills as a painter and ceramic sculptor to add pieces as needed. I am thrilled to discover and learn how to work with new materials.
I trained as a classical realist painter and studied with master painters such as Ted Seth Jacobs and Anthony Ryder. I also participated in ceramic sculpture workshops and artist’s invitational at Archie Bray, Watershed and the International Ceramic Studio (Hungary).