Tara de Forest Artwork
My point of view as an artist: I’m interested is making art that presents important ideas, such as important world issues, ideas that have social, political and religious meaning, in an unusual and perhaps strange way. I like to investigate art that has deep meaning, that speaks to you personally, using strange and uncommon ideas. I like to make “normal things” look unusual and interesting. At the same time, I am also interested in making art as a means of learning about myself, knowing myself better. What motivates me to create: I feel the need to express myself through art that brings to light ideas and issues that are important to me, such as Feminism, and racial and religious issues. Most of all, I just love making art. - Tara de Forest
“Benjamin Christ”
Benjamin Christ is the first in the Trilogy named “How Will Jesus Return?”. Each of these paintings has a very different message, but all have a similarity: Jesus is in each one, and in everyone. I believe Jesus-based religions are correct in the sense that the essence of Jesus should be praised, but incorrect in giving that praise to a single person. I believe this essence in everyone should be nurtured and helped. Benjamin is a strong and severe man who is effective watching the world from a distance rather than being engaged in the middle of everything. The essence of Jesus shines through when his inner peace is a rock to those around him, changing the world for the better without moving a finger. In this representation, Benjamin is reaching the end of his Journey and has found inner peace.
1 of 3 I call these three paintings “Jesus Trilogy.” These paintings represent my concept of how Jesus lives in everyone, regardless of what they look like — how different people can embody Jesus differently, not just as a white man. I an hoping to communicate to the viewer that the light of the Christ shines in all of us when we are compassionate, kind and generous. 16” x 20” oil on canvas.
“Chloe Christ”
Chloe Christ is the second in the Trilogy named “How Will Jesus Return?”. Three average-looking people with very different personalities have halos placed on their heads. These portraits respond to the above question by saying: Everyone is Jesus. I do not believe Jesus is a white man who wields the power of god, but rather what shines through us when we express compassion, kindness or generosity. Chloe specifically is a woman with a lot to say, and nothing to hold her back. Jesus shines through when her ferocity protects the weak and battles off those who live off others’ “flaws.” In this representation, Chloe, by harnessing her natural strengths, is enveloped in the middle of her Journey.
2 of 3 I call these three paintings “Jesus Trilogy.” These paintings represent my concept of how Jesus lives in everyone, regardless of what they look like — how different people can embody Jesus differently, not just as a white man. I an hoping to communicate to the viewer that the light of the Christ shines in all of us when we are compassionate, kind and generous. 9” x 12” oil on canvas. “
“Max Christ”
Max Christ is the third and final piece in the Trilogy named “How Will Jesus Return?”. In each of these three paintings, the essence of Jesus is illustrated in different ways. There is no such thing as being too imperfect to manifest goodness. Jesus forgives, understands and realizes every individual is on their own journey. Max is a kind, authentic man who worries about his effect on others. Jesus shines through when Max’s kindness rattles the worlds of those around him and when he strives to speak his truth. Max is just starting his journey with his efforts to improve himself and the world around him.
2 of 3 I call these three paintings “Jesus Trilogy.” These paintings represent my concept of how Jesus lives in everyone, regardless of what they look like — how different people can embody Jesus differently, not just as a white man. I an hoping to communicate to the viewer that the light of the Christ shines in all of us when we are compassionate, kind and generous. 8” x 10” oil on canvas.
“Melancholy”
This painting has to do with depression and the power of positivity. I chose to not set a gender, this person is non-binary. I try to represent how positivity helped me overcome my depression. The colors I painted in their face and the black and white designs symbolize dark thoughts. Hope is represented by the single rainbow rising from their head, and in their golden eyes. 7” x 7” watercolor & pen on paper.
“POWER.”
This painting illustrates, through the variety of colors coming off of the snake, how a person should be aware of what energy they “give off” with their thoughts & feelings into the world. 7” x 9” pen on paper
“Strength In Grace”
The title means both that the woman’s name is “Grace” and that she is filled with grace. Being filled with grace helps to make her strong because it is the power of her Creator/Creatrix. It makes us all strong. 30” x 40” acrylic on canvas
“Music in Motion”
Mural Music in Motion is a mural intended to inspire not only the children in the school where it was painted, but everyone who sees it. My strong belief is that music and creativity are necessary to living a joyful and beautiful life. The music shown emerging from each instrument gives a visual representation of how the music sounds and feels. By the action of painting the mural in school, I hope to show what can be accomplished when you have something important to say. 12’6” x 6’7” acrylic on wood panel.
“My Hometown”
This oil painting reflects impressions of my favorite street corner in my hometown. It was painted to accent highlights and shadows, fading into beautiful colors. I tried to show how dark and light are both polar opposites, yet similar at the same time. 16”x 20” oil on canvas
“Beauty in Bold”
Beauty in Bold is a painting expressing how important and beautiful it is to be your authentic self. As of today, many African Americans are forced to forget and stifle their culture in hopes of fitting into a racist world. This needs to end. Even though Beauty in Bold is a painting of an African American woman, this problem goes even deeper than race and culture. Almost like a growing disease, hating yourself seems to become more common by the hour. Love of self is the first step to becoming your authentic self.
In this painting, I First of all show Confidence, in how fabulous and beautiful she is, the confidence radiating out into the world. Second of all, I try to show great pride in being African-American and in not needing to fit into a racist world. 16”x 20” oil on canvas
“Eye.” This watercolor is one of a series of eye paintings I’ve done, because I like to paint eyes of all kinds — they are the windows of the soul.
The Truth
When someone speaks their truth, the words they say have a certain pattern. The tiger has a complex, beautiful design of vibration coming out of its mouth when its truth is spoken. Each of our individual patterns create a magnificent web encircling all existence, where anyone can access profound inspiration. No matter who you are, your voice matters.
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.
This portrait of a woman is intended to bring awareness to the importance of positivity. When looking at her face, you fight the urge to smile because her joy is contagious. The different patterns and designs emerging from her head illustrate how letting yourself be happy opens up a world of magic and inspiration. I wanted to capture the feeling of joy through positivity and show how it feels.
