Shelley Tolliver
It’s my perspective on the world and world events that makes me unique. From being raised on a small hillside animal farm in Frazeysburg to moving to suburban Trinway life, it may not sound like I have the credentials dabble into the artist realm but one never knows. I work and volunteer in and around the Zanesville community and I've grown to truly love and appreciate those that dwell within. I believe that this area is a great place to be in and I also believe that everyone has an opportunity to make it better.
Now, nearly 40, what encourages me to enter the world as an artist? I think it boils down to the love of arts, time and place. I remember being a small girl drawing with my mom and sister. She was wonderful and I really thought her pencil was magic. We'd draw the same flower over and over again and each picture was different. She'd point out how at each new attempt our eye would catch a different detail and change the 'life' of the picture. It was a revelation. Since then, I've found solace in drawing and I've also found friends. I feel I'm ready to share my work on a larger scale and see where it takes me - so much so that I've even enrolled at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (online division) for Graphic Design. As for the place, it is very exciting to share in everyone's celebration of their creativity and marvel at their manner of expression. It is really a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by creative souls and energy.
I work as Chief Freelance Artist for R. L. Tolliver & Company, which is my husband's carpentry/remodeling business. From new construction to renovation -we offer solid quality at budget friendly prices. We truly want people to 'love where they live'. As his "brush for hire", I've created many tranquil environments as well as theme-rooms. My most popular rooms by far are those celebrating the Ohio State Buckeyes (Go Bucks!) I have also done themes from African to nautical as well as create stencil borders to exactly match curtain lace. I really enjoy being able to create an environment where people can relax and be themselves.
I've done a lot of work with the Zanesville Community Theatre where I've been their main set artist for many years now. I love the ability to try new designs and techniques and see what happens when the stage lights hit them. One of my favorite ZCT sets has been Foxfire where I got to paint cabin walls on a scrim. (scrim material is opaque when lit from the outside; when lit from the inside you can see through it) THAT was cool as every new audience was surprised when that first inside light came on. Other notables have been A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, SOMETHING'S AFOOT, TEMPEST, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and others too numerous to name. When not on the clock or working with ZCT, I'm a doodle bug. My sketches contain landscapes, people and pets as well as fantasy art. Fantasy is my escape as anything is possible on paper. I really like that.
Below are some of my recent artistic adventures. I'm looking forward to October where I'll be the Artist Colony's featured Artist of the Month. I plan on exhibiting illustrations to a story my husband wrote called THE COWBOY. A story that he has based 2 Angel Tree Benefits on. I'm very excited at the opportunity.
For R.L.Tolliver & Company information or online portfolio, rtollive@columbus.rr.com with your request.
Thank you for supporting the arts and the artists in and around Zanesville. What a place for creativity to thrive!
