My work is an example of interdependent mixed media collaging. My pieces are an exploration of relationships between circumcising colors, black-and-white images, and words. I believe my work emphasizes and not justifies the importance of connecting, belonging, and accepting black women. My hybrid contemporary approach of cut and torn paper from magazines illustrate the experience of restored women. I allow myself to tell the stories I’d rather hide but are needed to provoke, inspire, and activate discussions for healing.
About the Artist
Tonya Blue Shelby also known as Shelby Blue began creating mixed media collage art in 2017 after experiencing physical burnout and systematic bullying from the school system she worked for. Collage art became her space of refuge and peace at the end of the middle school workday. Her collage portraits tell the narrative of the societal and emotional ills women face in the workplace while triggering the choice of change and healing. Tonya has exhibited work in three solo art shows in Baltimore, and two virtual art exhibitions during the pandemic. Her work was also featured in three books of poetry.Featured Work
Photos
Featured Work: Photos
Her Heart
Fail her not!
Booking
Booking Price: $1,001-$2,000
For the workshop- the price is per person and includes materials.
For commissioned work- the price is based on an interview with the subject, the size of the piece, and materials.
For workshops: the technology needed- projector, screen, and speakers.
Will travel to Baltimore County, City, Harford County, Frederick County, Harve- de - Grace, and Annapolis.
Available Thursday - Saturday (September- May) and Monday- Friday (August)
Kisha L. Webster: Director of Greenmount West Community Center, Kisha@greenmountwestcc.org
Jessie Feliz: Lead Educator of Jessie Feliz School, hola@jessiefeliz.com
Cliffondra Brown: VP for Radnet Direct, Cliffondra.Brown@radnet.com