Tricia Lynn Townes
Tricia Townes makes work to heal herself and others. Her goal is to universalize common experiences of dysfunction and unease in order to heal them.
Ring Shout Dancers, 2023, Acrylic and graphite on mylar, 14 x 17 inches
PP: What does your studio practice look like?
TT: My studio practice takes place on the walls in a small rented space and on the floor of my bedroom or my dining room table. I pretty much spread out wherever I am!
Carl Stewart, 2023, Acrylic and graphite on canvas, 60 x 34 inches
PP: What do you aim to say through your work?
TT: My goal is to heal myself and others through my work. I want to explore and heal situations of dysfunction in my familial relationships, in my community, and in other communities of marginalized people.
The Garden Tour 2, 2022, Acrylic and graphite on mylar, 36 x 24 inches, Private Collection
PP: What role do you think artists have in society?
TT: I think one of the artist's roles in society is to hold up a mirror that allows people to see the successes and failures more clearly in order to move forward. Another is to celebrate what I see that is beautiful, interesting, or compelling.
Arisha (Peace) Talks, 2019, Acrylic and graphite on mylar, 24 x 18 inches
PP: Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
TT: In 5 years I hope to have a more secure teaching position and gallery representation.
Portrait of the Artist
Tricia Townes makes work to heal herself and others. Her goal is to universalize common experiences of dysfunction and unease in order to heal them. Specifically, Townes produces psychological portraits of friends and family members, socially engaged artworks, and compositions of designs from marginalized cultures that position them as first-class US citizens.
Townes has an MFA from UNC-Greensboro. She lives and works in Nashville, Tennessee, and has exhibited in Miami, New York, and Chicago. Townes has also participated in residencies at Skowhegan, The Fine Arts Work Center, and MassMoCA, among others.
To reach Tricia or learn more about her work, see her instagram and website.