TANYA LYONS

Tanya uses clear glass in combination with natural and found objects to express and reflect her thoughts, experiences and questions about the world we live in and who we are.

Tanya Lyons graduated with honours from the Sheridan College glass program, studied at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, Finland and the Toyama Institute of Glass Art in Japan. She taught in the glass studio at Sheridan College, was a resident at the Harbourfront Centre and volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Glass Art Association of Canada.

After 14 years in Quebec, Tanya moved back to her hometown community to raise her daughter and continue her sculptural work with glass. She is coordinator of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour and continues to teach at the Haliburton School of Art and Design. Tanya uses clear glass in combination with natural and found objects to express and reflect her experiences, thoughts and questions about the world we live in and who we are. Her work has been exhibited throughout North America, Finland and Japan.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I have always been a gatherer, collecting and taking in objects, moments and memories. As I move through life I take traces with me, from the places I walk and the people I meet.

When I unexpectedly entered into glass I discovered a material that had a life of its own, rich with qualities and full of endless possibilities to reflect life. I fell in love with clear glass and the strength it held. I started to combine glass with natural objects to reflect moments and emotions. I used glass as a carrier or shell, placing natural objects within to add colour, texture and a sense of familiarity.

I started making life size glass dresses to express the idea of changing how you feel as simply as changing your clothes. Thinking about how different clothing can affect how we feel or how we are seen.

As a continuation of this concept and theme of clothing, I decided to reflect back on my time of living in Japan and made a series of metal mesh and glass Kimonos that hang on the wall. Japanese have traditionally used their Kimonos to express different aspects about the wearer. I found this idea very interesting as well as being drawn to the simple but very striking form, making them a perfect canvas to express thoughts and conceptual landscapes.

This work as well as new work that I have been developing expresses moments in time, escapism and change. Questioning our identity and the roles we play in society. Creating pieces that trigger thoughts and raise questions about what is really important for quality of life.

After working in clear glass for 25 years I have transitioned into working with coloured glass, exploring different states of change that we move through, finding the transition of colours inspiring and powerful.

After living away for most of my life, I have returned to the Ottawa Valley, to the rocks, trees and water, to a place that heals and inspires. Bringing natural elements back into my work and drawing importance to the environment that surrounds and supports us.