| The Philadelphia Inquirer:
"Tina Newberry's painting is autobiographical,
but it looks inward. She's a traditional figure painter who casts herself
pictorially in a variety of roles... These include being a professional
golfer, a competent musician, and a goat herder.
"Many of her paintings involve her reflections on her Scots ancestry. She presents herself wearing tams and tartans, sanding in front of an elaborate family tree or standing nude on a length of plaid cloth. The paintings in which Newberry appears nude or partially so are symbolic reveries. They're often leavened with sly humor. "Self-deprecating humor is always attractive, but in these quietly beautiful little paintings the joke is on all of us. Newberry is not just herself but Everywoman and man who daydreams of being someone or someplace else. By exposing herself and her obsessions, Newberry makes her audience feel equally naked." |
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Tina Newberry: I live in South Philly and used to be young, sporty, and lively. Now I'm old, decrepit, and complain a lot. I got an art education at various places and wound up in South Philly. I teach at local schools and shop at the Acme. I paint in my spare time while watching TV. After an expensive and extensive art education, I became a cleaning lady. This helped me hone my skills with sweeping strokes. None of which are actually in my paintings. It's the thought that counts. My inspiration to become a painter rose out of voracious jealousy and covetousness of other people's artistic achievements. Actually, the same can be said for my inspiration in all other aspects of my life. In my paintings, I can live a very vibrant, satisfying life, finally becoming a PGA champion or a Venus. This is also a life of no shame, where plaids don't clash and who cares about the flab pushing up and over the waistband, elastic or otherwise. |
