Artist Alley, Welcome!
Kokomo’s first 24/7 outdoor art gallery. Artist Alley is an industrial, outdoor art gallery that has refreshed the downtown landscape. The creation of this alley has generated a dynamic visual experience for residents and visitors, created more venues for artwork in Kokomo, and increased exposure and opportunities for artists who live and work in the area. Artwork changes annually. Located at 210 N. Main St., Kokomo, IN, United States, Indiana.
Joan + Magdalena 3x3', Spray paint, acrylic paint pens, gold leaf paint on board My name is Tarja and I am an adjunct professor at IU Kokomo. I work mainly in 2D mixed media and I like to explore the intricacies of identity and personal memories through the use of symbolism and allegory. In this piece the two crows symbolize my sister, Magdalena, and myself, Joan; Our middle names. The crows serve as an allegory for navigating life's challenges with resilience and creativity, while also emphasizing the importance of strong relationships and personal growth. Although we weren't always the closest growing up, we have developed a deeper bond over the years. The positioning of the two crows illustrates one being protective while the other is vigilant, which I believe reflects our personalities quite well. The tie-dye colors represent the inner peace we have achieved. The presence of gold, with its alluring shimmer, evokes feelings of opulence and accomplishment. In many cultures, the possession of gold signifies wealth and prosperity. This is the trajectory I desire for us: a warm radiance of positivity and well-being.
The Dawning Flourishes, Paint, plaster and ink on board, 5x3’, 2023 The Dawning Flourishes is an allegorical artwork that symbolizes an upcoming phase in my life. In this piece, I incorporate the daisy as a representation of myself, while the moth embodies the concept of new beginnings. The chosen color palette is vibrant, filled with captivating hues, aiming to captivate and engage the viewer. Interestingly, the daisy stands out amidst its contrasting textured elements and neutral tones.
Controlled Chaos, Spray Paint with Oil Paint Pens on wood board, 2’x4’ 2022 For this piece, I chose colors that I thought best represented me and my style. I like bright, flashy and sparkles. The hint of purple glitter worked well with the warm colors of pink, yellow and orange to really stand out. The pattern is one that I have been working with lately, I tend to use it as a background or texture. I used a variety of oil paint pens to get different sizes in my lines and shapes. Here, those lines and shapes are the main focal point, the repetition of lines and shapes create interesting areas of interest in the work. Creating the pattern is a calming meditative process for me, in a way its helping clear out all of the chaos of the day.
Support System,Spray Paint, acrylic, oil marker, wire on wood board, 4’x4’ 2021 For this piece, I wanted to have to forms held together by wire. Incorporating the wire was the main aspect for the piece. The colors chosen were a mix of cool colors like the purples and blues with the pops of orange to help bring the aspects of easy times and hard times one can face in life. I chose to use organic shapes to signify people rather than me like-shape, so that anyone can relate to the work. I also drilled holes into the shapes to later “sew” in the metal wire. The painting process was free and involved lots of layering the colors. I started with the spray paint background and then added acrylic drips of paint. The dripping effect added three-dimensional textures to the surface. After the boards were dry, I went back into the painting with oil paint pens to add highlights to areas of the background. I like finding shapes in which the process has made and tracing them in black and white. As a result the work is similar to a galaxy or solar system. Lastly, I took the wire and did a crisscross pattern to attach the two boards together. Like I mentioned, the colors represent both good times and the contrast of bad times, in life there are patches in which one must go through and sometimes it’s easier with support. The two forms can work independently but the wires support both of them in these instances as well. They work together in the piece, this is a reflection of my support system; we can be individuals but together we can help one another.