artist's statement
Carrie Tasman creates colorful paintings depicting the essence of home, the love of companion animals, and the magic of imagination.
In my paintings I try to capture the charms of comfort and home using curvaceous composition and color that is inviting and luxurious. They are an invitation to come in, relax, snuggle up and admire the view. I hope to suggest both the sheltering walls of home and windows opening onto enticing landscapes and a place to rest and relaunch our dreams. My paintings are a storehouse of my memories and treasures, collections of things I see and admire and that inspire me and form my particular sensibility.
In addition, I have two personal obsessions that often make their way into my work. I am addicted to repeating visual patterns...fabrics, wall papers, leaf and petal arrangements, shell spirals, wind and cloud ripples...you name it. And then there are “critters”! To say I love dogs and cats would be an understatement. For me, my life would not be the same without the presence and influence of my companion animals. My "pet" commissions are about perceptively portraying each animal, their unique qualities and history with their families in a fun, colorful way.
Tasman studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and completed her fine arts degree at Oregon State University after receiving the Norma Seibert scholarship in fine arts. She works in oils and pastels and shows her work throughout the west and northwest. She is the recipient of 2003 Best in Jury Award at the Bend Summer Arts Festival and 2003 Best of Show Award at the Corvallis Fall Festival.
She lives and paints happily in Oregon with her husband, two dogs, a cat, a huge flower garden, and paths through the woods for inspiration.