LAYERED INTENTIONS
TARA NOVAK ILLUMINATES THE HUMAN SPIRIT AND THE NATURAL WORLD
by KIMBERLY NICOLETTI
Tara Novak’s textural paintings speak to people through the “layers of life” she imbues. She brings a depth of experience, both professionally and personally, to her pieces that reflect the splendor of nature, as well as the human spirit.
Novak’s fine art morphed from her faux painting business, TERRAFAUX: Custom Creations & Restorations Inc., which she started in 1998. Through decorative wall finishes, mural work and antique furniture restoration, she mastered the art of employing multiple layers, resins, metallics and other special techniques (which she refers to as her “secret techniques”) to add depth and dimension to her fine art. Her canvases come to life with eight to 10 different layering processes, some of which incorporate shards of glass creating a full moon winter glow upon a frozen pond or a patinaed metal paint for an aging effect.
Though she grew up in upstate New York, living in the Vail Valley for over 25 years has largely influenced her paintings. “Rugged mountain terrain and variable weather conditions create vibrant, ever- changing colors and forms,” she says. “To be part of this realm is truly powerful and humbling.”
As a snowboarder who competed on the pro circuit, a former snowboard instructor at Vail and Beaver Creek, a hiker and biker and an overall mountain lover who still gets in as many powder days as possible, she has spent countless hours in the middle of aspen groves, sometimes just taking in and appreciating the scenery. Her “Aspens in the Snow” series gives viewers pause with their unique snow textures, sunlight bouncing off the white bark and one-of-a-kind sky illumination.
‘’It’s so special to stop in the middle of an aspen glade to breathe and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the sparkling snow,” she says. “The glades are one of the most special aspects of Beaver Creek.”
Novak’s yoga practice also informs her work. Her Zen pieces, characterized by vibrant mandalas, lotis flowers, and OM symbols hold layers of intention. “They’re meant to draw you in and take a moment to call in a higher intention,” she says.
Most of her pieces, be it the Zen or aspen series, start with writing profound words on the canvas. By the time she’s finished with all the layers, the words may not even show, but they still exist as an energy, providing deeper levels of resonance.
Reactive copper, bronze, gold and iron paint allow her to infuse even more layers of life into her work. “Patinas depict the natural process that occurs in our environment and how you don’t always have control over it — how it changes to even more beauty than we might not have had otherwise,” she says.
The rich “layers of life” found in her paintings emerge from yoga philosophies. “We come into this world with different strengths, along with things we need to learn and challenges to overcome,” Novak says. “When we take the time to acknowledge these elements in ourselves, and find gratitude for them, we open up space for taking on the challenges and seeing them as stepping stones for growth in a positive light; those are the layers of life.”
Her authentic connection with nature and people inspires viewers to intuitively connect with her pieces, while her professional expertise draws them in visually. Through its varied layers of life, her art imparts a sense of calm and presence. Their depth and brilliance encourage viewers to: “Stop, take a breath and just be, if only for a moment.”
ARTWORK SHOWN:
above: “Aspens in the Snow #1,” plaster, metallic and acrylic, 12” x 4” left: “Seeking Clarity,” plaster, metallic and acrylic, 48” x 72” opposite: “With Intention, reactive metals, plasters and acrylic, 48” x 60”