A New Beginning: Rediscovering Art and Healing through Painting
In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, there exists a delicate interplay between the known and the unknown. This balance becomes even more profound when artists, like Tara Leaver, embark on a journey to explore new mediums and refine their skills. Tara’s artistic evolution is not just a career path; it’s a deeply personal journey, shaped by both struggle and growth. Her story begins in her twenties, a time when she stepped away from art due to personal challenges, particularly grappling with the weight of clinical depression. The subsequent period of her life was marked by a journey of self-discovery, leading her back to the canvas, where she found not only a form of self-expression but also a powerful tool for healing.
Her reconnection with painting wasn’t merely an artistic choice became an essential part of her healing process. As she rediscovered her passion, she embraced painting not just as a craft but as a form of emotional release and personal transformation. It became a way for Tara to channel the internal turmoil she experienced into something tangible and beautiful, reflecting the catharsis that came with each brushstroke. This deeply personal approach to painting allowed her to be fully present in the act of creation, capturing the essence of both her inner world and the environment around her.
One of the most profound sources of inspiration in Tara's work is the stunning Cornish coast, which has become both her muse and her grounding force. The ever-changing sea, the rugged coastline, and the natural beauty that defines this region have provided Tara with an endless well of inspiration. Her paintings evoke the sensory experience of being immersed in this landscape, transporting the viewer into the fluid and dynamic realms of the sea. The coastal environment seems to seep into her art, both literally and metaphorically, guiding her creative process in unexpected and awe-inspiring ways.
Despite the powerful connection she feels to the natural world, Tara’s artistic journey has not been one of stagnation. Rather, it has been an ongoing exploration of new techniques, materials, and approaches. Tara's artistic evolution has consistently been driven by a deep desire to push the boundaries of her craft. This pursuit of growth has led her to experiment with mixed media, embracing a practice that is always in flux. Each new medium she works with allows her to challenge herself and continually surprise her own expectations, resulting in works that feel fresh, evolving, and alive.
Embracing the Unknown: Discovering the Potential of Wood Panels
While experimenting with new materials, Tara encountered something entirely new during a routine order of art supplieswood panels. These sturdy, unprimed panels were a departure from the traditional thin canvas boards she had worked with in the past. The discovery of these panels opened up a new world of possibilities for Tara, offering a textured, grounded surface that contrasted starkly with the more conventional canvas. The rawness of the wood, in its unrefined state, intrigued her, inviting her to explore its tactile potential in ways she had never anticipated.
Choosing not to prime the wood before painting was a deliberate decision that allowed Tara to embrace the natural texture of the surface. She likened this raw texture to the feeling of stepping into the cold waters of the English coast immediate, physical sensation that brings the body into the present moment. The wood’s unpolished surface became a metaphor for the process of self-discovery: just as the sea brings awareness of the present through its chill, the unprimed wood served as a constant reminder to stay grounded and focused in the act of creation. For Tara, this unadulterated texture became an integral part of her artistic language, enhancing her connection to the material and the moment.
This tactile relationship with the wood surface opened the door to a new creative journey, allowing Tara to experiment with techniques that felt more connected to her body and senses. The sensation of carving into the wood, of manipulating the surface and texture, became an essential aspect of her practice. The process of painting on wood panels, combined with the raw, tactile nature of the material, shifted her entire approach to painting. The act of painting, much like the process of immersing oneself in the sea, became an immediate, physical experience that drew her deeper into the moment, enhancing her presence in the creative process.
Pushing Creative Boundaries: The Discovery of Japanese Carving Tools
Tara's artistic practice took a transformative turn when she discovered Japanese woodcarving tools, which had originally been designed for printmaking. These delicate tools, with their precise blades, offered her an entirely new way to interact with the wood panels. She found that they allowed her to carve directly into the surface, creating intricate "drawings" within her paintings. This process, which involved carving into the wood to reveal layers of paint beneath the surface, added depth and dimension to her work, pushing the boundaries of what painting could be.
The unique nature of these carving tools required Tara to approach the material with a lighter, more measured touch. It was as if she were drawing with air, gently coaxing the surface to reveal new layers. This delicate interaction with the wood and the paint added a new dimension to her work, one that went beyond the application of pigment. The carved lines and textures introduced a tactile quality to the paintings, making them feel alive and dynamic. The carving process itself became a meditative experience, one that allowed Tara to slow down and connect more deeply with her materials. It was in this slower, more intentional pace that she discovered the true beauty of her work unexpected, yet joyous realization that each layer, each carved line, contributed to the overall richness of the piece.
The use of Japanese carving tools in combination with the wood panels and her carefully chosen paints and inks became a cornerstone of Tara’s evolving artistic process. She embraced the interplay between different materials, allowing each one to contribute to the larger sensory experience she sought to create. The synergy between the wood’s natural texture, the carved lines, and the pigments allowed Tara to produce paintings that felt not only visually stunning but also physically immersive. Every aspect of her work, each techniqueworked together to create a harmonious whole.
Through this process of experimentation and discovery, Tara found herself growing as an artist, learning to embrace the unexpected and the unknown. The willingness to play, to make mistakes, and to follow her instincts led to breakthroughs that shaped her distinctive artistic style. Tara’s work is a testament to the importance of exploration in the creative processwhether through the discovery of new materials, the introduction of unexpected tools, or the willingness to push boundaries and take risks. It is in this space of play and experimentation that her artistry truly flourished, giving birth to a unique body of work that continues to evolve and surprise both herself and her audience.
Tara Leaver’s artistic journey is a reminder that creativity is not a static pursuit but a dynamic and ever-changing process. Her exploration of materials, textures, and techniques has allowed her to develop a style that is rich in sensory experience, a style that invites the viewer to step into the very world she inhabits. Her work is a reflection of her journeyone that began with healing and self-expression and continues with a deep, ongoing exploration of the boundaries of art. Through her use of wood panels, carving tools, and mixed media, Tara has created a body of work that is as much about the process of creation as it is about the finished piece. It is a celebration of the joy of discovery, of the tactile experience of making, and of the uncharted territories that await any artist willing to venture beyond the familiar.
The Art of Presence: Immersing in Nature through Texture
Tara Leaver’s artistic approach is grounded in an understanding of the power of the present moment. Her paintings are a vivid testament to her belief in the immediacy of experiencing nature as it unfolds. She sees each brushstroke and each carving into her chosen materials as an act of embracing the now. This philosophy resonates throughout her body of work, particularly in her mesmerizing depictions of the Cornish coast. The sea, with its ever-changing tides and rhythms, is central to her artistic expression. Through her process, she strives to evoke the feeling of being truly immersed in the water, of capturing the sensory experiences of nature.
Her choice of materials is far from incidental; it is an extension of her belief that art is an invitation to connect deeply with the world. One of the defining elements of her practice is her decision to work with unprimed wood panels. This seemingly small decision is laden with meaning, as it reflects her desire to engage more intimately with the natural world. The unprimed surface of the wood is more than just a background for her workit is a vital part of the composition itself. Tara's art is not simply about painting a picture of nature; it is about allowing the rawness and texture of the materials to speak for themselves, adding layers of depth and authenticity to her work.
The tactile nature of the unprimed wood opens up a world of possibilities for Tara. It is a material that responds to her touch in unexpected ways, with its grain and surface texture informing the direction of her creative process. Unlike a smooth, primed canvas, the wood invites direct interaction, almost as though it is an active participant in the creation of the artwork. In many ways, this rawness echoes the natural world she aims to portray sea itself is constantly shifting, never static, and the unrefined quality of the wood mirrors this fluidity. Tara’s decision to embrace the untouched, organic nature of the wood is not just an artistic choice, but a philosophical one. It is her way of celebrating the unpolished beauty of the natural world, which, in her eyes, is far more profound than anything that can be manufactured or perfected.
Exploring the Dialogue Between Materials: Carving and Painting
At the heart of Tara Leaver’s artistic process is a deep understanding of the dialogue between different materials. The synergy between paint, wood, ink, and the subtle marks created through woodcarving is a defining characteristic of her work. The act of carving into the wood allows Tara to create a sense of depth and movement, much like the shifting tides of the sea she seeks to represent. She approaches this process with great care and precision, but also with an openness to the spontaneity that can arise from the act of carving. The marks she makes on the wood are not predetermined; rather, they emerge as she works, revealing patterns and textures that were hidden beneath the surface.
Woodcarving is an intimate and reflective practice. The rhythm of the carving tool against the wood, the resistance of the grain, and the unexpected revelations of the material create a sense of connection to the past. Each mark is an engagement with history, with the grain of the wood carrying with it the memory of time and the processes that formed it. Tara’s carvings are more than just decorativethey are a form of storytelling. As she carves into the surface, she is not simply creating an aesthetic texture; she is engaging with the material in a way that allows her to tap into its history, to create an artwork that speaks not only to the present moment but also to the past. The lines she carves become a visual language, speaking to the viewer in a way that words alone could not.
Tara’s choice of materials further enriches this connection. Paint and ink interact with the wood in fascinating ways. While the paint provides a softness and fluidity, echoing the movement of water, the wood’s rigid, earthy nature offers a contrasting structure. It is this contrast that creates a dynamic tension within her work. The fluidity of the paint, combined with the carved marks, allows Tara to explore the interplay between softness and hardness, fluidity and stability. This duality is not just a reflection of the sea but also the human experience constant negotiation between opposites.
Natural Materials and the Philosophy of Time and Memory
The connection between Tara Leaver’s materials and the natural world is not just an aesthetic choice, but a philosophical one. By working with materials that carry their historysuch as unprimed wood, walnut ink, and natural carving toolsTara taps into the concept of time itself. The grain of the wood, for example, is more than just a pattern; it is a record of time, a map of the natural processes that shaped it. When Tara carves into the wood, she is not merely adding texture; she is interacting with time. Each mark she makes is an engagement with the present moment, but it also honors the past, with the wood’s grain bearing witness to the years and events that have shaped it.
This philosophy of time and memory is deeply embedded in her work. The act of carving becomes a meditation on the impermanence of the present, a way of paying homage to the layers of history embedded in the material. The marks she creates are a kind of writing on the wood, capturing moments of transition and change, much like the ebb and flow of the tides. The material itself seems to hold memories, and as Tara interacts with it, she is not just creating a physical artwork; she is engaging in a larger dialogue about the passage of time, about the fleeting nature of the present, and the continuity of the past.
Her use of walnut ink further enhances this exploration of time and memory. Walnut ink, created by mixing natural granules, carries with it a rich, earthy tone that is a perfect complement to the wood's warm, organic hues. The ink is not just a medium for painting, is a material that requires a level of care and attention. The process of preparing walnut ink itself slows down the creative act, adding a layer of intentionality to the work. This careful preparation becomes part of the artistic process, a gesture that reflects the importance of mindfulness and presence in the creation of the artwork.
As Tara applies the ink to the wood, it interacts with the grain in unique ways, building depth and richness in the painting. The walnut ink not only deepens the colors in her work but also contributes to the texture, creating layers that speak to the complexity of nature. Just as the sea is never one-dimensional, neither is Tara’s work. The use of walnut ink, combined with the raw texture of the wood and the fluidity of the paint, creates a layered, immersive experience for the viewer.
Tara Leaver’s work is an exploration of nature, time, and memory. By engaging with natural materials, she creates not just paintings but immersive, sensory moments that invite the viewer to step into the world she has created. Through the raw textures of unprimed wood, the marks of the carving tools, and the earthy tones of walnut ink, Tara brings the viewer closer to the natural world, inviting them to feel the rhythm of the sea and the passage of time. Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the present moment and a reminder of the layers of history that shape the world around us.
The Power of Artistic Experimentation: Embracing the Unexpected
In the world of art, experimentation plays a vital role in shaping an artist’s journey, allowing them to stretch the boundaries of their creativity and uncover new possibilities. For Tara Leaver, her artistic journey is built on the spirit of exploration, an ongoing process of trial and error that has contributed to the development of her unique style. Through her commitment to stepping outside of conventional methods and exploring unconventional materials and techniques, Tara has been able to forge a creative path that feels deeply personal while resonating with universal themes of discovery and self-expression.
From the outset, Tara’s creative process has embraced the idea that mistakes are not failures but growth opportunities. The concept of experimentation is a cornerstone of her work, and she actively welcomes the unexpected. Rather than following a pre-determined roadmap for her paintings, Tara allows the work to evolve naturally, often discovering new directions in the process. This openness to spontaneity has brought her both joy and challenge, as each new technique and material brings new insights and pushes her practice in unanticipated ways.
Her use of wood panels, for example, began as an experiment driven by curiosity. Tara’s decision to carve into the wood decision that wasn’t planned or anticipatedbecame one of the most defining features of her work. Carving into the surface of the wood allowed her to create a deeply tactile and textured effect that opened new dimensions for her art. This moment of unanticipated exploration transformed her artistic practice, blending the physicality of the wood with the fluidity of paint to create a dialogue between materials that feels both grounded and dynamic. For Tara, this was the beginning of a creative journey that continues to unfold.
Exploring New Tools: Japanese Woodcarving and the Fusion of Technique
A key moment in Tara’s artistic exploration came when she chose to experiment with Japanese woodcarving tools traditionally designed for printmaking. This decision marked a significant shift in her process, allowing her to carve directly into the wood in a way that would ultimately deepen the expressive qualities of her paintings. Tara’s willingness to explore tools outside her usual repertoire opened new doors to creative possibilities that she had never previously considered.
The decision to incorporate Japanese woodcarving tools into her work was not one that Tara had anticipated, but it soon became an integral part of her artistic expression. Through the carving process, Tara revealed the rich textures beneath the surface of the wood, uncovering a layer of depth that paint alone could not achieve. The carving allowed her to build intricate lines and marks that added both visual and tactile interest to her paintings. These marks brought an element of spontaneity and structure into the work, adding a new layer of complexity to her compositions.
What is particularly striking about Tara’s use of woodcarving tools is her ability to blend precision with fluidity. While the carving marks provide structure, the act of working with the wood’s grain creates a sense of movement and flow within the artwork. This balance between control and unpredictability adds a dynamic quality to her paintings, keeping the viewer engaged and inviting them to explore the work from different angles. It’s a testament to Tara’s ability to find harmony between contrasting elementswhere the deliberate act of carving meets the organic nature of the wood itself.
As Tara experimented with these new tools, she found that the texture created by the carving allowed her to engage more directly with the materials in her paintings. This level of engagement resulted in a deeper connection between the artist and the work, as well as a more profound understanding of how materials interact with one another. It is through this exploration of technique and texture that Tara has been able to develop a truly distinctive styleone that is marked by an ongoing conversation between the materials and the artist’s vision.
The Harmonious Dance of Materials: Wood, Ink, and Acrylics
One of the most captivating aspects of Tara’s artistic process is the way she allows the materials she works with to speak for themselves. By embracing the inherent qualities of the materialswhether it’s the texture of the wood, the richness of walnut ink, or the fluidity of acrylic paintTara creates a harmonious relationship between these elements that enhances the overall mood and emotional resonance of her paintings.
The use of walnut ink, for instance, is a deliberate choice that brings a certain warmth and depth to Tara’s work. The ink’s rich, earthy tones complement the natural character of the wood, allowing the two materials to interact in a way that feels both grounded and organic. This balance of warmth and texture creates a sense of harmony within the artwork, as if the materials themselves are in conversation with one another.
Acrylic paints also play an important role in Tara’s work. They allow her to build layers of color and texture, providing a flexible medium that can be manipulated in various ways. The addition of acrylics to the mix brings an element of fluidity to her paintings, offering a contrast to the more structured elements created by the carving and ink. The interplay between these different materialswood, ink, and acryliccreates a layered composition that feels rich, complex, and alive with possibility.
Each material Tara uses has its unique character, and she approaches them with a deep respect for their individual qualities. Rather than imposing her own will on the materials, she allows them to guide the creative process, trusting that their natural properties will lead to something greater than the sum of their parts. This approach to working with materials results in compositions that feel authentic and full of depth, capturing the essence of both the artist’s vision and the intrinsic qualities of the materials themselves.
In many ways, Tara’s process is an act of listening to the materials, the tools, and the marks that emerge as she works. It’s about allowing the work to evolve organically, rather than forcing a predetermined outcome. This openness to the unexpected and the willingness to embrace mistakes as part of the journey is what makes her work so compelling. Through this process of trial and error, Tara has developed a distinctive style that speaks to her journey as an artist and to the broader human experience of discovery, growth, and self-expression.
The Meditative Nature of Tara Leaver’s Artistic Journey
Tara Leaver’s work is deeply rooted in a meditative practice that goes far beyond the creation of art. Each piece she produces is a reflection of a journeyboth for the artist and the viewer. When you observe her paintings, you are invited not just to look but to immerse yourself in a sensory experience that taps into a deeper, almost transcendent connection with the material world. This approach to art-making is not something that happens overnight. It is the result of years of exploration, experimentation, and a willingness to step into the unknown with each new piece.
Tara’s process is one of continuous discovery, constantly evolving as she experiments with a variety of materials, tools, and techniques. Her work does not just happen through instinct; it emerges from a constant state of trial and error, a process that allows her to unveil new insights and techniques at every step. Each discovery, whether through the use of new tools, unorthodox materials, or by embracing a more intuitive approach, serves as an entry point into understanding not just the art but also the artist herself. What we see in Tara’s work is a tangible manifestation of her evolving understanding of both herself and the world around her.
As Tara refines her craft, her work has come to represent both personal reflections and universal themes. Whether it’s the fluidity of the sea or the tactile nature of the wood she carves, her paintings capture the transient moments that speak to the collective human experience. The unique way in which she marries materials such as acrylics, walnut ink, and carving tools results in paintings that are rich in texture, layering, and depth, offering viewers a chance to not only see but also feel the art.
Carving and the Emotional Connection to Material
Carving, in Tara Leaver's practice, is not just a method but a profound ritual that connects her to the wood in a deeply emotional way. It’s a process that involves patience, presence, and a quiet understanding of the material she works with. The act of carving, slow and deliberate, mirrors the cyclical nature of life itself. With every cut, Tara engages in a dance of sorts, each movement a conversation with the wood. It is as if the wood has its own story to tell, and through the carving process, Tara uncovers these hidden tales and stories that are not only embedded in the grain but also in the layers of her own experiences. The connection between the artist and the material becomes something sacred, a space where art and life converge.
The rhythmic repetition of the carving tool against the wood becomes almost meditative, creating a sense of flow that invites reflection. It’s not merely about creating a physical form but about channeling an emotional truth that reveals itself through each incision. The wood, in its silence, becomes a mirror, reflecting not only the shapes and patterns carved into it but also the emotions and thoughts that drive the artist. There’s a quiet exchange between the artist’s hands and the wood, a mutual respect that transcends technique. Tara’s work is not simply an act of creating, is an act of listening, of allowing the wood to guide her, to show her its essence as it transforms from a block into something deeply evocative and raw.
Each carving marks a moment in Tara’s journeyboth as an artist and as a person. The layers of the wood, each one revealed gradually, are analogous to the layers of the self being peeled back through years of introspection. Just as the artist’s understanding of her own emotions deepens over time, so too does her relationship with the material. The carving process becomes not only a method of artistic expression but a pathway to greater self-awareness. It is as if every stroke of the carving tool sheds a layer of self-doubt, revealing a clearer vision of the artist’s inner truth. The act of revealing these layers is an intimate experience, one that transcends the physicality of the work and touches on something much more profound.
As Tara’s hands move across the wood, carving with intention and mindfulness, the piece slowly takes form. The transformation of the wood is both an external and internal process, where the material evolves into something new, and the artist experiences a parallel evolution. The vulnerability of this process is palpable, for it demands openness from the artistnot only in terms of skill but in emotional readiness. Every carving is an invitation to expose something raw, something unrefined, and in that rawness lies a quiet power. Tara’s carving process is not rushed or forced; it is an unfolding, a gentle revelation of both the material and the self. The wood’s final form, once it has been shaped and carved, stands as a testament to both the patience of the artist and the emotional depth of the process.
In these moments of carving, there is space for connection with the material, with the self, and with something larger than both. Each piece of wood becomes a journey of discovery, one that takes time, patience, and a willingness to surrender to the unknown. The final work is not just an object; it is a manifestation of the relationship between the artist and the wood, between creation and creator. It speaks to the emotional depth that is embedded in the process itself depth that extends beyond the visible forms and cuts to the very heart of the work. In the end, the wood has been transformed not just in shape, but in spirit, much like the artist herself.
The Unexpected Discoveries and the Constant Evolution of Tara Leaver’s Work
Tara Leaver’s commitment to exploring new materials and methods allows her art to remain in a constant state of flux. She is not content with simply repeating past successes. Instead, Tara sees each new piece as an opportunity for growth, for discovering something new and unexpected. It is through these "happy accidents" and moments of serendipity that her work evolves into something unique. This openness to the unexpected has become a hallmark of her practice, allowing her to break free from conventional techniques and embrace the unknown.
Through her exploration of various mediumsacrylics, walnut ink, carving tools, and more), Tara constantly challenges herself to push the boundaries of what her art can express. This process has led to the development of a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Tara’s art is a reflection of the world around herits fluidity, complexity, and ever-changing nature. Yet it also remains anchored in her journey, a journey that is both shared and solitary at once.
One of the most compelling aspects of Tara’s work is the way in which she embraces the organic nature of creation. She doesn’t try to control every aspect of her art; instead, she allows the materials to inform the direction of the piece. This dynamic between control and surrender mirrors the constant push and pull of life itself. It’s a dance between letting go and holding on, between being guided by the materials and following one’s inner voice.
Through this process of experimentation and discovery, Tara has found a voice that is uniquely hers. It’s a voice that speaks of the beauty found in imperfection, in the rawness of the process, and the delicate interplay between material and emotion. The texture, the layers, and the subtle shifts in tone all contribute to a work that is not just seen but experienced. It is this depth and complexity that draws viewers in, inviting them to explore the art not just visually but emotionally as well.
In essence, Tara Leaver’s art is a reflection of the journey itself. It is not merely about the final piece but about the process that leads to that point. Each stroke, each cut, and each layer of material is a part of the larger story that unfolds over time. It’s a story that is constantly evolving, always in a state of becoming. Through her work, Tara invites us to join her on this journey, to engage with the materials and the process in a way that connects us to something larger than ourselves. It’s a journey of discovery, not just of the self, but of the world around usa world that is always shifting, always changing, and always full of new possibilities.
