T.ove' A.lstad P.hipps - Painter and Poet
Artist T.ove' A.lstad P.hipps has been doodling and writing poetry since childhood, but only over the past 16 years has she become more serious about producing pieces that are thought provoking, inspiring positive vibes to those who enjoy her art. Born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and lived there for 17 years - much of her artwork has some islandy tropical feel to it. Many of her pieces have wording and poetry as part of the artwork and have her initials TAP worked into the art for one to find. She gets much of her inspiration from nature and has started incorporating it into her "Organic Art". Her main goal is for folks to enjoy and be inspired by her works and be touched in a way that leaves a positive vibe with them to be shared and passed along. Peace!
Contact Info:
919 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I don't think it was ever a moment where I said oh wow, I want to be an artist. In fact much of the time when folks give me that title I cringe a bit, not really considering myself as one. Though in reality, I do believe it is just a passion within that I have found a way to channel the creative energies into many many different forms. For me, my life is ART.
How does your personal story/background influence your work?
I think that all of life's experiences can contribute to my art and in many ways it does. Experiences of relationships, love, grief, joy. Experiences with nature and spiritual awareness also adds to my work in many ways. I think art can be born of any of those experiences as a way to channel those energies into something that is creative.
Which of your works are you most proud of?
I am not sure that I have a particular piece that I am proud of. A lot of what I do tends to start as a doodle or sometimes a way to use up extra paint and then slowly grows into its final form. I tend to get attached to them all and have only in recent years started "letting go" of my originals and selling them. I do like this one a lot.
What is the hardest part about being a professional artist?
I would not call myself a professional artist, not until I make LOTS of money as one!! But I do have a difficult time in know how to price my work and also in being confident that others will also enjoy my work.
What artists inspire you?
I really am inspired by so many different kinds of artists and creative people, that I would not even know who to put as an answer to this one.