Discovery in a Night Walk (the story behind the art)

I had a dream I was walking at night. I wouldn't typically do that. The inability to see is a deterrent. Believing there is wonder out there, it was explored through more artistic avenues.

"Luna"

A Luna moth is a vibrant green and one wouldn't think such a creature was created for darkness, but there she is. She's also known as the "American moon moth"

During a nighttime stroll, she encountered a glowing light and briefly interacted with a resident of that place who was drawn to her. This may never reoccur... so we pause. This is "Luna's" story.

"Luna" by Artist Tina Lawver

"Rose"

She craves adventure, vibrant hues, and light in shadowy corners. Unafraid of the unfamiliar, she eagerly embraces it as exploration fuels her drive. Encountering a pink, Rosy moth is her delightful surprise, revealing shared characteristics. "Rose's" tale

"Rose" a painting by artist, Tina Lawver

What is consistent with each piece, is that there is a story. In each brushstroke, a story unfolds.

The hope in creating art is that there will be a connection to an image that becomes a reminder of the hope and love and care of how the viewer is valued, an encouragement that there is more, that adventure and discovery is an amazing pursuit. To know that we are created for purpose and how that purpose leads to incredible moments, not just for us, but for those we'll touch as we live it out.

At a fine art show this past weekend, I listened to you as you commented and interacted with the art. I heard "mystical", "spiritual", and "magical"....all words that took me a bit by surprise. As I've evaluated this in the days since, prayed, and asked for guidance on the message of my work, I realize it makes sense. Though I've never sought out to create mystical or magical art and certainly not "spiritual" art as the world might define it, I do see how those descriptions point to a need, a longing, even a desire in the human soul for something more than this temporary world can provide.

I'm reminded how we were created for a much more perfect place, a garden where death, sin, destruction, separation, and strife are non existent. Our souls long for that home and we are always in search of it whether we are conscience of it or not.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that "He has made everything appropriate in it's time. He has also set eternity in their heart, without the possibility that mankind will find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end" (NASB)

Imagine Heaven, the garden, how perfectly beautiful and peace filled and how moments and interactions like these images must be commonplace.

Thank You my Savior, Jesus, for making a way.

Tina Lawver is an Ohio based Artist creating original works for home and public spaces.

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Commissioned Art: Collaborate with an Artist and Tell Your Story Through Artwork

This is one of my favorite days. I Love the beginnings and I Love the day that final elements are added to a piece and I, as Bob Ross used to say, "call this one done"

Not that the process isn't thrilling, but it must be how a writer feels when they type in...the end.

It's the moment the story has been traveled through and the destination is reached.

Today is that day!

I had a thought that maybe it would be a good time to talk about the mysterious world of Commissioned Art.

It only occurred to me in recent days that there is a bit of a stigma about reaching out to an Artist and sharing a vision, inspiration, or story in order to collaborate and have them create a special piece for you, or a loved one, or for a particular place in your home or business.

So, this is my attempt at answering some of those questions and dispelling some myths.

What is Commissioned Art?

First of all, allow me to say What it's Not. It's not just for the wealthy and the elite. It may scream extravagance, but can we just say NO to that right now?! In my 35 plus years of painting, which actually began painting for others, I've had the pleasure in serving so many people in many stages of life, income, and status.

I've also spoken to people who, regardless of those achievements, still felt a resistance or that "it's out of my league" (so to say) to ask a professional artist to create something personal for them and I've watched them settle for an empty wall or a mass produced piece they somewhat connect with that fits. It's ok, but having this experience is a bit extra and richer in many ways.

There I said it.....it's about a few perspectives, in this artist's humble opinion, it's a mindset.

*Do I deserve this?

*Is my story worth sharing?

*Who do I think I am having an artist create something for me?

*What will others think?

Thankfully, I create commissions quite often with those souls where these thoughts are not an issue, but I want to love on those too, who quite possibly feel they aren't deserving, worthy, or that this route is above them. Lovingly, these statements are lies my friends and often roadblocks to making your home sing with a one of a kind piece of art and having the experience of working with an Artist who's heart is rooted in working with you to tell the story of that home, of you, and this moment.

Now that we have been given permission to count ourselves worthy,

Let's leave this here and move on.

What is a Commission?

Commissioned Art, very simply stated, is a one of a kind piece of art resulting from a relational collaboration between the receiver and the creator.

To the right, there are several examples of pieces that have been commissioned and I've had the honor to participate in creating the pieces you see here.

Some Types of Collaborations...

*A Prayer Painting | "light of Peace" (upper left) where the client met with me, shared her vision in their newly built home, and then trusted me to pray and create a large 48"x60" oil painting for their home and family.

*A piece inspired by an environment | "Cocktails" (upper middle) A Wife commissioned this piece for her Husband for Christmas. She shared how inspired he was by the atmosphere in a restaurant they frequent and how he loved the artwork there. I took inspiration and created a custom piece and she surprised him with it.

*A Pet Painting | "Daisy" (upper right) Also a gift from a Husband to his Wife of their

great dane puppy

*A Public Space Painting | "Harmonious" (lower left) This painting was one in a series of 6 paintings commissioned by a large church. One for each of it's campus's to be displayed during a teaching series on mental health and wellness. These were created on paper and professionally framed.

*A Personal Moment Painting | "I Love U". (lower middle) This, as in all collaborations, was so special. This long time married couple both had this photo from their dating years on their phone and wanted it interpreted into a painting. He surprised his Love with it.

*An "In Process" Piece, Claimed | "Her Complexity is Beautiful" (lower right) I often post pieces in process on social media, this incomplete piece was seen by someone who saw her story in it and claimed it by saying that she wanted to be the first to know when it was done. It now hangs in her office to encourage her as she works.

*Painted Furniture + Accessories

*Wall Murals

*Painted Accents

I List some of the paintings and projects that I've created here to share that the sky's the limit when it comes to a commissioned piece of art. There's no category, story, or subject matter off the table as long as the artist agrees. This is why "Choosing the Right Artist for You" is an upcoming journal entry.

The bottom line on this, the first journal entry about commissioning a painting, is that ...

Art and Commissioned Art is for everyone! Whether it's for your home, your business, for a gift, for a landmark moment, or just because you like cats (LOL), you can work with an artist to have the art that you want.

Look for upcoming Journal Entries relating to this...

*Choosing the Right Artist for You" The best fit

*Commission Costs" Understanding the Value

Looking forward to it!

Artfully Yours,

Contact Tina Lawver and share.

"In each brushstroke, a story unfolds"

"Art is a vehicle for the voice...

... that results from interactions and experiences that occur in a passing moment and becomes it's own, unique interaction and experience for someone else."

"Harmonious" Painting by Artist, Tina Lawver

It's so true! I've been blessed to be witness to it and participate in the telling.

What an honor to be an artist in this world today. To be called to place loaded brush to clean canvas and allow the story to unfold. It doesn't begin there though.

I was deceived believing it was all about me, my skill, my ability and not considering that I was simply a participant in the bigger thing. Though it's important to have those tools to communicate, it's not the vital thing.

We think we are doing something....teaching a class, making art, writing a story....whatever it is,

BUT we are actually doing a deep dive into something so much more.

Oh yes, I began thinking I was painting a sweet moment between nature and human nature.

"Worthy" Original Painting by Artist, Tina Lawver

In "Worthy", the narrative is so much deeper and speaks to the deep longing to know that we are worthy of moments like this and how important it is to be present and acknowledge this special, once in a lifetime space that may never happen again.

Moments like...raising children. They will never be 3 years, 27 days, 4 hours, and 21 minutes old again. Be present. soak it in. You're worthy to be present and give significance and value to this moment. It'll never be "this moment" again. It's so very precious and so are you.

"Likeness" Painting by Artist, Tina Lawver

As I consider this piece "Likeness", the memory of walking through a cemetery in Georgia. One of those places that the statues on the graves look as though they could come alive at any moment. Not in a creepy way, but in a way that I had the realization that each one was chosen for the relationship of the loved one they were chosen to represent, to be the first impression of the one who would experience it decades and a century after that person had passed on. Leaving a life story and footprint not to be forgotten, a mark was left for us and every time another person (me, that day) walks by and gazes up, a new chapter is written. Shadows of a life lived and a narrative that had impact and mattered. My experience with her resulted in this piece of art.

Art is a vehicle for the voice that results from interactions and experiences that occur in a passing moment and becomes it's own, unique interaction and experience for someone else.

How incredibly special is that?! How this perspective has changed how I view not only the significance of the experiences (even common everyday ones), but the potential of what can come from them.

Artfully Yours,

"Likeness" painting by Tina Lawver

Both paintings "Likeness" (left) and "Worthy" can be experienced at New Towne Gallery located in Millersburg, OH and are available to be purchased.

*Visit New Towne Gallery

*Collect a Print

*See Available Works

*Consider a Commission