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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. |
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.
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?
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?
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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.
Stone Rain
Fiberglass, Varnish, Pigment ~ 3’ x 7’ © T'Alyne |
Your ideas evolve with a theme apparent in your many 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. Stone rain is a hard, driving rain when one needs to strap on a pair of boots to wade through the deluge of water and mud – something I experienced while living in Arizona during monsoon season. During springtime in Colorado, the rain leads to hail, and the snow melts fast forming rivers of water that push boulders and rocks bounding down the mountains. In April, mud season in Vermont and thundering waterfalls are an inspiration. |
Boot Strap Rain
Fiberglass, Varnish, Pigment ~ 3'x7'
© T'Alyne
Fiberglass, Varnish, Pigment ~ 3'x7'
© T'Alyne
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My Cloud Collection paintings show the color and structure of the clouds. I see new formations and learn to recognize weather patterns by reading the clouds.
During my time as a resident artist at the Webb School, Knoxville, Tennessee, I spent time exploring the Blue Ridge mountains. While hiking, I would enjoy a quiet rest on a rock to gaze at the clouds drifting by in the sky. I was privileged to witness the changing season from winter to spring. The color shifts in the mountain ranges during springtime were moody and gentle. The wooded environment in Tennessee is lush and misty during the shift from winter to spring. "I’m most interested in the endless dimensional space through the use of color." ~ T'Alyne |
Rainy Clouds
Pigment & Varnish On Wood Panel ~ 30" x 30" © T'Alyne |
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Please explain your “Airplane Window" collection.
I have been working on the Airplane Window Collection for years. While living in Arizona, a friend gifted me 200 airplane windows. I thought, wow, what a great substrate. For every place that I have lived (which includes 32 states and 27 countries), I create one or more windows to reflect my experiences. I am exploring the locale from the sky, the land, and the underground. I love to travel. Looking out the window is a big part of traveling. So, these windows include aerial views, landscapes, found objects, and color palette changes. Favorite place to travel? 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. |
Let’s discuss your off-grid Airbnb. What inspired you to get involved in this business?
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 Airbnb. What inspired you to get involved in this business?
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.
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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.
The first unit is our initial foray as part of a long-term plan. It is attached to the main home but has a private entrance and private deck. This cozy unit is geared for the summer months and beautiful weather. It has spectacular views of the undulating foothills, valleys, and Fisher Peak. It’s ideal for writers, photographers, watercolorists, and people who just want to get away. Initially, we chose to start an Airbnb to raise funds to build more units but also to get feedback from the public on the viability of a long-term development plan for the property. |
"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) |
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Please describe the interior of this first unit.
The guest suite is our first unit 'residential' offering. It is a cozy bedroom with a queen-size bed, a drawing table and two chairs, a mini kitchen with a microwave and a half refrigerator, and a full bathroom. The living room area is the huge deck right outside the suite. There is a propane grill and picnic table with a selection of chairs on the deck. The vantage point is a second story view of the property and Fisher Peak. This unit has a private entrance walking through a lovely garden space full of flowers. It’s perfect for writers or artists who work plein air (of course, with non-toxic, water-based materials only). What is the next step in development? My husband is currently finishing the build of the second unit. It is an exact replica of the Giza Pyramid at a smaller scale. This unit is geared for those who enjoy ‘glamping’ and will be available soon. Slide show photo courtesy: Studio T'Alyne |
Are most guests surprised by the remote aspects of the space, the tranquility and true marriage with nature?
It’s very peaceful and quiet. If one sits on the deck long enough, the herds of deer and turkeys meander by. There is no traffic, no human noise, no pollution. The sun shines, and the sky is blue, punctuated by an occasional weather event or the flight of an eagle.
What does it mean to be completely off-grid?
Off-grid means no mortgage, no rent, no electric bill, no water bill – total self-sustainability, living rural in nature. The main house that we live in has every modern luxury – dishwasher, in-floor radiant heating, washer/dryer and Wi-Fi.
We are mainly solar-powered with a diversity of backup fuel sources. We use propane and a gas-powered generator if needed. Occasionally, we use wood for additional heat.
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.
It’s very peaceful and quiet. If one sits on the deck long enough, the herds of deer and turkeys meander by. There is no traffic, no human noise, no pollution. The sun shines, and the sky is blue, punctuated by an occasional weather event or the flight of an eagle.
What does it mean to be completely off-grid?
Off-grid means no mortgage, no rent, no electric bill, no water bill – total self-sustainability, living rural in nature. The main house that we live in has every modern luxury – dishwasher, in-floor radiant heating, washer/dryer and Wi-Fi.
We are mainly solar-powered with a diversity of backup fuel sources. We use propane and a gas-powered generator if needed. Occasionally, we use wood for additional heat.
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.
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Where do you find sanctuary?
For this question, T’Alyne shares a poem she wrote.
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On T'Alyne's Property
Photo Courtesy: Studio T'Alyne |
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