We were lucky to catch up with Carina Tenaglia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think most creatives are always learning, experimenting, or refining their skills. I first started experimenting with acrylic paint from a very young age. I took AP art in high school where I worked with it more, and also tried my hand at other media like charcoal and watercolor. I continued to dabble in acrylic painting in college, and used a technique akin to pointilism where I would use very small brush strokes to create a larger work.

In law school, I decided to try creating abstract pieces. This was the first time I had ever considered exploring this different style. I was a little bit intimidated, but reminded myself that I could always paint over it if I hated it. I added one layer, and then another, and yet another until the pieces I was working on had several layers of paint on them. I really enjoyed the texture and depth in these pieces, so I continued to challenge myself with new pieces.

There is no one way to learn a craft, so I tried to tackle it from different angles. It was the best gift I could have given myself.

Carina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an abstract fine artist specializing in contemporary and textured artwork. I create paintings and print reproductions of these works on paper and canvas. My work has been featured in hotels and retail stores like West Elm. I also work with collectors to create commissioned pieces based on our shared creative visions. Around the holidays I also release limited quantities of ornaments, including ones that can be personalized with calligraphy.

Since 2019 I have launched several collections of work. A portion of proceeds from each collection benefits different nonprofit organizations which further humanitarian or social justice initiatives.

I think my process, unique background, and social entrepreneurship model set me apart from most other artists. I care deeply about different causes and share that with my community. Together we have worked together to raise funds for different urgent crises, and have also collaborated on exciting opportunities.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Artists need, and are extremely grateful for patronage and support in general. This can be FREE! Sharing the work of artists you love through word of mouth and on social media is huge. Attending events held by artists and simply spreading the word is an incredibly generous gesture. Telling your local communities that art is an important part of your area is also very important. Local leaders listen to constituents and will invest in opportunities and resources when they are pressured to do so.

Purchasing artwork from your favorite creatives is of course another way to support us. It’s never expected, but is the thing that keeps most of us going and literally able to continue our creative endeavors.

Finally, shop local when possible! Not just with artists but with other types of homegrown shops as well. Local businesses invest a great deal of funds back into the community, including with local artists.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Although I started my business in June 2018, I didn’t start donating a portion of proceeds to charitable causes until the Spring of 2020. After the pandemic hit and Cherry Blossom Festival was cancelled in Washington, D.C., I wanted to find a way to bring the beauty of the blossoms to those who could no longer visit. Around the same time, through my work as an attorney, I started hearing more and more about the rise of domestic violence due to the pandemic. I wanted to find a way to share the beauty of these pieces but also help tackle a problem that felt like it was worsening around the same time. This is how I decided to donate a portion of proceeds to local nonprofits that supported survivors of domestic violence. Not only would buying artwork bring beauty into people’s homes, but it would also support a cause that I cared deeply about.

Since then, my collectors and I have donated thousands of dollars to a variety of causes. These have spanned social justice focused organizations since the heightened incidents of police brutality in the summer of 2020, to organizations working to combat hunger and homelessness. We have also raised funds for animal shelters, humanitarian crises, and natural disaster relief efforts, to name a few.

This model drives me to continue creating work that gives back, and encourages collectors to participate in the process as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: carinatenaglia.com
• Instagram: @carinatenagliaart
• Facebook: ​https://www.facebook.com/CarinaTenagliaArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinatenaglia/
• Other: Pinterest: https://pl.pinterest.com/carinatenagliafineart/

Image Credits
Ian Michelman