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Hello, I'm Arella Tomlinson
From my LA Area studio at the foot of the mountains, I work in oils, acrylics, collage and sculpture to create my work. I love to discover and combine new materials and processes. Inspired by the refreshment I find in the mountains, by organic forms in nature, by my faith, and by my experience in psychology, I use diverse layers and facets to suggest spiritually and psychologically rich stories or 'landscapes’. Currently, I’m working on a series of expressive portraits nestled among mountainous terrain on 3D topographical raised relief maps. Maps fascinate me because of their intricate details that invite us on a journey or show us a way, and evoke memories. I would love to connect with you here, through my newsletter, or on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, or Pinterest!
I grew up in Sierra Madre and Pasadena, California, at the base of the San Gabriel mountains. My second home was at the base of another range, the Rockies in Loveland and Boulder, Colorado. My father, who moved to Colorado when I was young and who frequently flew my sister and myself across the mountains to visit, engineered systems that refined imagery of the Earth for maps. My mother was a sculptor and graphic designer who encouraged me with art classes, unconventional art materials, and interesting discussions about dream psychology. I found comfort from family trials by discovering my passion and talent in art, as well as in runs looking up to the stability of the mountains, or down on them from airplanes. I earned my BFA in Painting from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and then my Masters of Arts in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I am currently taking continuing education in mixed-media painting at Milan Art Institute and expanding my studio practice and art business. I have been selling my work and exhibiting in local and online juried shows for many years. Encouraging others in their own creative and spiritual practices through workshops and other meetups, and giving back to the local community, are other interests of mine. I live with my husband and two young children.
"Art is the garden that restores"
