Tian Shan
Tina is a mixed media artist and illustrator living in Toronto. She graduated from OCAD University with a bachelor's degree in Illustration in 2021. Her work often leans towards the fantasy genre, interrogating life through a combination of fiction and reality.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My art delves into the creation of a spiritual realm, inhabited by otherworldly beings that resonate with the human experience. Drawing inspiration from surrealism, I construct an ethereal universe where viewers can immerse themselves, transcending the boundaries of their physical existence. My work invites audiences to challenge life's predefined constraints, urging them to explore alternative possibilities.
My artistic techniques predominantly involve watercolor and acrylic as my media of choice. The fluidity and translucence of watercolor facilitate the creation of dreamlike visual narratives, merging a multitude of colors to convey unity and interconnectedness. I apply layers of color washes to generate blurred backgrounds that contrast with the vibrant and clear primary subjects of my paintings. Warm pink tones frequently appear, symbolizing a bridge between the tangible and spiritual worlds, heightening the sense of fantasy and wonder.
The use of acrylic contributes depth, texture, and visual tension to my work. Its weight and opacity enable the crafting of intricate overlays on existing deep color areas, as well as the enhancement of highlights within the compositions. The harmonious fusion of watercolor and acrylic embodies the symbiosis between the fluid and solid, reflecting the interplay between the physical and spiritual dimensions.
My fantastical creatures act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, allowing me to probe the deeper aspects of human nature and the limitless possibilities beyond the constraints of reality. My work challenges preconceived notions of what is possible and serves as a rebellion against societal limitations. Rooted in the belief that our minds and physical existence are bound by the constraints of reality, my artistic vision seeks to express alternative realities that defy these boundaries, encouraging viewers to experience a sense of freedom and boundlessness.
By engaging with my art, I aspire to inspire others to challenge convention and explore the vast, uncharted possibilities of life beyond the limitations of the physical world. In essence, my artistic vision aims to illuminate the boundless potential of the human spirit through a thoughtful exploration of spiritual surrealism.
Tina is a mixed media artist and illustrator living in Toronto. She graduated from OCAD University with a bachelor's degree in Illustration in 2021. Her work often leans towards the fantasy genre, interrogating life through a combination of fiction and reality.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My art delves into the creation of a spiritual realm, inhabited by otherworldly beings that resonate with the human experience. Drawing inspiration from surrealism, I construct an ethereal universe where viewers can immerse themselves, transcending the boundaries of their physical existence. My work invites audiences to challenge life's predefined constraints, urging them to explore alternative possibilities.
My artistic techniques predominantly involve watercolor and acrylic as my media of choice. The fluidity and translucence of watercolor facilitate the creation of dreamlike visual narratives, merging a multitude of colors to convey unity and interconnectedness. I apply layers of color washes to generate blurred backgrounds that contrast with the vibrant and clear primary subjects of my paintings. Warm pink tones frequently appear, symbolizing a bridge between the tangible and spiritual worlds, heightening the sense of fantasy and wonder.
The use of acrylic contributes depth, texture, and visual tension to my work. Its weight and opacity enable the crafting of intricate overlays on existing deep color areas, as well as the enhancement of highlights within the compositions. The harmonious fusion of watercolor and acrylic embodies the symbiosis between the fluid and solid, reflecting the interplay between the physical and spiritual dimensions.
My fantastical creatures act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, allowing me to probe the deeper aspects of human nature and the limitless possibilities beyond the constraints of reality. My work challenges preconceived notions of what is possible and serves as a rebellion against societal limitations. Rooted in the belief that our minds and physical existence are bound by the constraints of reality, my artistic vision seeks to express alternative realities that defy these boundaries, encouraging viewers to experience a sense of freedom and boundlessness.
By engaging with my art, I aspire to inspire others to challenge convention and explore the vast, uncharted possibilities of life beyond the limitations of the physical world. In essence, my artistic vision aims to illuminate the boundless potential of the human spirit through a thoughtful exploration of spiritual surrealism.
