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T'Alyne
Award-Winning Artist & Environmentalist |
Meet T'Alyne: T'Alyne is an abstract artist and environmentalist currently living and working in a zero-emissions, off-grid solar home and solar-powered art studio in the mountains of Southern Colorado. She is interested in balance and environmental stewardship as well as modeling a positive impact for an ecologically conscientious way of life.
T'Alyne shares: "Environmental awareness and protecting our natural resources are crucial if we are to survive. As a culture, we are too busy to notice the delicacy of this complete system of life. Through my work as an artist, I see the opportunities to highlight these subtle spaces that balance and support our natural environment. It is crucial that we attend to the beauty, tranquility and serenity in order to return to the center of balance. When we take care of our planet, we impact ourselves in a positive way." T'Alyne is interested in capturing the temperament of her surroundings and reflecting her ever-changing environment. Flickering between two-dimensional and three-dimensional experiences, her work addresses the conceptual spirit of our environment. T'Alyne's work has been included in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and in New Zealand, France, Austria, China and Spain. She has won numerous awards and grants. T'Alyne and her husband, Harry Anderson, are the proud hosts of an off-grid Airbnb located four miles west of Trinidad, Colorado. Its sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and mountains as well as its tranquil environment continually delight guests. Find comments from T'Alyne on the following ASK AN EXPERT topic:
Shipping Large Artworks: Tips & Strategies (September 2024) Living Off-Grid: Tips & Advice (July 2023) |
Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, spoke with abstract artist T'Alyne about her career journey, inspirations, and her unique off-grid property which includes a one-of-a-kind Airbnb and solar-powered artist studio.
Please share a bit about your background in art.
I received the following degrees from Arizona State University: B.A. in drawing, B.F.A. in printmaking with a minor in French; M.F.A. in printmaking and foundry. At the University of Colorado Denver, I received an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction.
I earned positions as a long-term resident artist in several art centers throughout Europe for five years. Then, I returned stateside for fellowships at the Virginia Center of Creative Arts and Vermont Studio Center. I spent a total of nine years living in art centers, teaching and creating at private schools, universities and museums.
I am influenced by my environment and the ebb and flow of weather, the patterns and rhythms of our natural world. Currently, I am living and working off-grid in a solar powered home and studio in the mountains of Southern Colorado. I love watching the dramatic changes in the sky and landscape from the vantage point of 6,800 feet elevation.
Please share a bit about your background in art.
I received the following degrees from Arizona State University: B.A. in drawing, B.F.A. in printmaking with a minor in French; M.F.A. in printmaking and foundry. At the University of Colorado Denver, I received an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction.
I earned positions as a long-term resident artist in several art centers throughout Europe for five years. Then, I returned stateside for fellowships at the Virginia Center of Creative Arts and Vermont Studio Center. I spent a total of nine years living in art centers, teaching and creating at private schools, universities and museums.
I am influenced by my environment and the ebb and flow of weather, the patterns and rhythms of our natural world. Currently, I am living and working off-grid in a solar powered home and studio in the mountains of Southern Colorado. I love watching the dramatic changes in the sky and landscape from the vantage point of 6,800 feet elevation.
Right now, I am working on several monolithic installations, gleaning inspiration from the natural environment – feeding my fascination with sunrises and sunsets.
Has your focus changed over the years, or has it always been nature’s infinite beauty that has inspired you? My core focus is the natural environment, and I’m fascinated with exploring and researching every aspect – rain, clouds, ocean, mountains, seasonal changes, weather patterns, etc. These explorations take form in my ‘collections’ through paintings, drawings, sculptures, collage, watercolor and printmaking. I was always studying the environment. When I lived in Arizona, I’d hike in the desert to watch the wildlife and the plants grow. I have always loved being outside. When I was in college, my thesis was “Nothing Remains the Same, Everything Changes.” So, the main ‘umbrella’ or predominant focus of my work has always been the environment, but it changed from a more philosophical idea to more specific studies. For instance, I started to study water – everything that had to do with water. Then, I started working with clouds because clouds are part of a focus on rain/water. This is ongoing. I’m inspired by my surroundings. When, I spent time in Mexico, I’d get up to see the sunrise. I did a whole collection about the sky and the ocean. I had an amazing view of the ocean and the sky there, offering unlimited creative possibilities. |
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How does your art specifically relate to your love of environment?
I am interested in how color and the environment are interconnected. I am drawn to both subtle and dramatic color shifts with each season. I am curious and observant of color shifts and palette changes as they relate to location on the earth. Elevation as well as longitude and latitude coordinates have a huge impact on light and color within a locale. Taking a mental vacation, sitting in contemplation, and taking in the beauty of my surroundings is a catalyst for creative ideas.
I am interested in how color and the environment are interconnected. I am drawn to both subtle and dramatic color shifts with each season. I am curious and observant of color shifts and palette changes as they relate to location on the earth. Elevation as well as longitude and latitude coordinates have a huge impact on light and color within a locale. Taking a mental vacation, sitting in contemplation, and taking in the beauty of my surroundings is a catalyst for creative ideas.
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The sun set sooner, and rose later (Part 4, Final Thoughts)
Acrylic on Paper ~ 8.5 x 11.5 inches © T'Alyne |
Your ideas evolve with a theme apparent in your many collections.
A recent collection of mine is titled An Ideal Hope (2023). Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope can also be given to one only by other human beings. When hope is damaged, it affects more than one person. When real hope is denied, it is hard to replace. When a person has lost hope, it can be hard to find motivation again. All of these statements hold true. The most important impact we have on each other is through how we affect each other's hopes. Find the 4 part series "An Ideal Hope" with inspirational writings from T'Alyne's blog. I have many other collections. In my Rain Collection, I am interested in exploration and research involving rain. How does rainfall affect a region? What colors are in the sky and land when it rains? What changes occur in plants and trees when it rains versus during times of drought? How do different kinds of rain affect soil erosion or create flooding? Looking at differences between warm rain and cold rain and its effects on the ‘natural’ versus ‘populated’ worlds. There are different types of rain: soft misty rain, hard driving rain, gentle cool spring rain. |
Boot Strap Rain
Fiberglass, Varnish, Pigment ~ 3'x7'
© T'Alyne
Fiberglass, Varnish, Pigment ~ 3'x7'
© T'Alyne
Another passion of yours is living a healthy lifestyle. In a November 2023 episode of Sanctuary's Coffee & Conversation, you discuss your holistic healing journey and some of the ways you maintain optimal health on a daily basis.
In Episode 34, T'Alyne talks about her healing journey after being diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer. She was faced with many decisions about her health, and she listened to her body and her heart.
“I was in major disbelief, shock and fear. I took my time to rebalance, ground and re-center before I made any decisions. I took a deep dive into researching options and looking at it from a global and historic perspective. The one common thread is the power of the mind over the body. I built a team of doctors who believe in me. All seven of them focused on hope and faith.”
“I was in major disbelief, shock and fear. I took my time to rebalance, ground and re-center before I made any decisions. I took a deep dive into researching options and looking at it from a global and historic perspective. The one common thread is the power of the mind over the body. I built a team of doctors who believe in me. All seven of them focused on hope and faith.”
Let’s discuss your off-grid living. What inspired you to embrace this lifestyle and to open an Airbnb so that others could experience this peaceful environment as well?
I worked as an artist-in-residence for nine years, so I had the opportunity to live in some very remote and beautiful locations. These quiet, peaceful and tranquil environments were perfect places to learn, research, and create my art.
Let’s discuss your off-grid living. What inspired you to embrace this lifestyle and to open an Airbnb so that others could experience this peaceful environment as well?
I worked as an artist-in-residence for nine years, so I had the opportunity to live in some very remote and beautiful locations. These quiet, peaceful and tranquil environments were perfect places to learn, research, and create my art.
I have always dreamed of owning land in a peaceful location to create a vibrant community where people can come to unplug from the hustle and bustle and to be inspired. My dream has come to fruition. My husband and I own 140 acres in Southern Colorado. We discussed the idea of developing the ranch into a hybrid art center offering creatives a place to respite, gain inspiration, teach, and interact in an off-grid, eco-focused space.
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"One of the most unique places we’ve stayed with outstanding views of Fisher Peak. Mrs. Anderson was welcoming and helpful when we arrived. It was a treat getting a small tour of the off-grid lifestyle. We enjoyed hiking along the main road leading up to the cabin as well as in the new trail they have been clearing. The patio was the perfect place to slow down and reflect, and the stargazing was incredible. I can’t recommend this special place enough and look forward to returning!"
~ Jamie (Guest in June '21)
~ Jamie (Guest in June '21)
What do you cherish most about living and working off-grid?
The blue skies and the quiet. I just love quiet. Although, it’s not entirely quiet because you hear the birds singing, the rustle of the animals. But the only sounds are those of the natural world. I also love to watch weather changes from up here.
The blue skies and the quiet. I just love quiet. Although, it’s not entirely quiet because you hear the birds singing, the rustle of the animals. But the only sounds are those of the natural world. I also love to watch weather changes from up here.
Favorite place to travel when you're not finding inspiration from your tranquil living and working space?
I love to go to the beach. I live in the mountains, so I want to go by the seaside to see the palm trees, the birds, and eat fresh seafood. It’s a totally different environment from the one I live in.
I love to go to the beach. I live in the mountains, so I want to go by the seaside to see the palm trees, the birds, and eat fresh seafood. It’s a totally different environment from the one I live in.
Where do you find sanctuary?
For this question, T’Alyne shares a poem she wrote.
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T'Alyne is a signature member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA). She talks about her work as part of NAWA's Art in Conversation show.
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On T'Alyne's Property
Photo Courtesy: Studio T'Alyne |
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