In a world filled with noise, my art seeks to create a space for quiet reflection, where the complexities of our existence are distilled into moments of healing, beauty and meaning. — Tonna
As an artist, I create visual diaries that capture the essence of my personal experiences and emotions. My work serves as a refuge and a means of reconciliation, allowing me to process the world through stillness and introspection.
I embrace diverse mediums, including acrylics, oils, charcoal, and mixed media, to convey relatable narratives in my portraits, figures, still lifes, and landscapes. Each piece is layered with transparent glazes, opaque brushstrokes, and intuitive mark-making, revealing glimpses of the underlying history and the hidden aspects of my creative process. A subtle spiral mark might be present, honoring the memory of my departed youngest sister.
My current figure series invites introspection and contemplation, aiming to inspire viewers, especially women, to connect with the shared human experience. In a world filled with noise, I strive to create spaces for quiet reflection, distilling the complexities of our existence into moments of healing, beauty, and meaning.
I have exhibited my work in various venues, including a featured solo exhibition at the 4th Fridays Art Event in Crystal Lake, IL, in April 2024. My pieces have received recognition, such as First Place for "Fall Into Me" and Second Place for "Catharsis" at the Black & White Art Show in East Dundee, IL, in February 2024.
Through my art, I hope viewers discover authentic expressions of their own sentiments and experiences, finding comfort and connection in the shared journey of life.
Tonna J Holtz
“There is a voice that doesn’t use word. Listen.” – Rumi”
Memberships:
8paint Infinite Arts, team member
Art2Life Academy
American Woman Artists (AWA)
Exhibits and Honors:
April 2024, Featured Solo Artist at the 4th Fridays Art Event, Crystal Lake, IL
February 2024, Black & White Art Show at the Black & Gray Brewery, E. Dundee, IL; Awarded First Place for “Fall Into Me”, Second Place for “Catharsis” and People’s Choice Award for “Catharsis”
July 2023, Summer Solstice: Honorable Mention for “Summer Solstice” at the 4th Fridays Art Event, Crystal Lake, IL
June 2023, Nancy Merkling’s Choice Award for “Step Into the Morning Light” at the 4th Fridays Art Event, Crystal Lake, IL
May 2023, 4th Fridays Art Event, Crystal Lake, IL; Awarded Best of Show and People’s Choice for “Empherality”
Recent Art Studies:
Feb-Mar 2023, A Work in Progress, Robert Szot
Oct-Nov 2022, Close to Home; Painting the Poetry of Everyday, Gage Opdenbrouw
Sep-Oct 2022, Foundations, Sabra Awlad Issa
2021-2022 Learning To See, Gabriel Mark Lipper
2020, 2021, and 2022 Creative Visionary Program (CVP), Nicholas Wilton
2020, 2021 Find Your Joy, Louise Fletcher
Prior Art Studies:
Graphic Design, Elgin Community College
Other:
2007-present, Independent Instructional Designer and e-Learning Developer - Certification, UCI
1994-2007, Director of Support/Operations, Business Analyst, Field Trainer in the custom software industry
For more information, visit me on LinkedIn.