Hi, I’m Tannis and I create images of creatures in a surrealistic style using acrylic paint and small flat objects, mostly keys.
I  began gluing objects to my canvases many years ago. At first, I simply painted over them, to see if they could get lost in the image. Gradually they became more dominant in my process, becoming the bones I build the painting on, quite literally in the skeleton series. The flatness of the keys allows me to employ them in a subtle manner so that ideally the viewer only sees them after looking at the piece for a while or better yet, not at all.

I studied art in order to have more control over how I paint but what I actually discovered was the concept of allowing the piece to dictate to you. I usually start a piece by gluing down the keys or other objects, gessoing over that and then I start to look and “listen”. Sometimes it is clear immediately what the image will be and sometimes I just have to start and see what emerges.

I approach making my art with an open mind and a willingness to let the piece go where it wants.  My paintings reflect my love of animals, nature, outer space, and fantastical beasts. They also sometimes express my concerns about what the future holds for us, the creatures we share this planet with, and of course, the earth itself.

I live in beautiful Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where I received my B.F.A from the University of Saskatchewan. Listening to interesting music while painting in my sunny dining room is my idea of a great time. I usually listen to CFCR, Saskatoon Community Radio ( 90.5 FM or cfcr.ca ) while I paint.

You can contact me at tannisp@sasktel.net

Or follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tannisprattart