We were lucky to catch up with Toni Evans recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Toni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
There are numerous meaningful projects close to my heart, as I embrace the identity of a bipolar artist. Through my art, I passionately convey the lived experience of navigating this condition. Employing a captivating blend of vibrant colors, expressive words, and masterful brush strokes, I bring forth the essence of depression and even moments of mania. My ultimate aim is to evoke profound emotions in the viewer, daring to push boundaries and evoke thought-provoking discomfort.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Toni Evans, and I am an artist whose journey began in the bustling streets of New York, where I grew up as the youngest of a family of five. From a tender age, I found solace and joy in the act of creation, and my passion for art only deepened as I grew older. After obtaining a fine arts degree and a minor in art history from college, I set out on a creative path that would soon become my lifeline.
A few years after graduating, life presented me with unexpected challenges. Diagnosed with bipolar disease, anxiety, OCD, and schizo-effective disorder, I found myself embracing art as a profound form of therapeutic release. It became the channel through which I could convey my episodes, emotions, struggles, and moments of growth. My art, deeply personal and raw, serves as a visual narration of my journey through life’s complexities.
Using an array of artistic mediums such as oil paint, stained glass, clay, and photography, it was with acrylic paints that I discovered a true connection to my innermost self. In my creative process, I often incorporate nails, string, or wire to craft my paintings, giving them an added layer of depth and meaning.
My artwork speaks of resilience, vulnerability, and the strength to embrace one’s truth, even when it may be difficult to discuss. Revealing that I had attempted suicide four times, my experiences challenge preconceived notions, as I don’t “look” like someone who would have such struggles. However, it is imperative to share these stories, for art has the power to spark essential conversations about mental health.
Through the interplay of color, texture, and the placement of brush strokes, I aim to evoke emotions and engage viewers in an intimate exchange. I hope my art prompts people to feel an array of emotions, even if it means experiencing a hint of discomfort, as it is in these spaces that growth and understanding can blossom.
Recently, my artistic journey has taken me to incredible venues, including being the first featured artist at the Charlotte Art League, where I held a successful solo show. I have also had the privilege of showcasing my work at esteemed galleries like Morresvilles Art, Cameron Art Museum, 311Gallery, CAIN Center For The Arts, South End Art League, and more. These opportunities have enriched my artistic expression, as I continue to explore new avenues for growth and connection.
In conclusion, I believe in living life fearlessly, seeking knowledge, and embracing every moment with joy and curiosity. As an artist, I invite viewers to join me on this journey of self-discovery and self-expression, for art has the potential to heal, enlighten, and transform lives. Through my work, I encourage others to break the barriers of silence, and through open dialogue, we can dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, one brushstroke at a time.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My lifelong passion for creating art has been a constant alongside my full-time job, often leaving me with limited time to dedicate to my craft during weekends and after work. However, I eventually reached a pivotal moment when I realized my art was suffering due to exhaustion. Determined to honor my creative spirit, I bravely made the decision to leave my job and fully embrace the path of an artist. While the financial challenges and the cost of art supplies may seem daunting, I have found innovative ways to manage by taking up side jobs and crafting jewelry to fund my paints and canvas. Undoubtedly, there are moments of trepidation, but the exhilaration of being able to freely express myself through art makes every leap worthwhile.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There was a poignant moment when my artwork was on display, and I found myself standing near one of my paintings. To my delight, a young child eagerly grabbed his father’s hand and guided him over to my creation. I couldn’t help but listen as the child passionately described what he perceived the painting to symbolize and how it evoked emotions within him. Witnessing his genuine excitement and the way he shared his feelings with his dad was undeniably the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. It reaffirmed the profound impact art can have on others and the connection it creates between the artist and the audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: theabstractgirl.com
- Instagram: @the_abstract_girl
- Tiktok: @tonidne