Meet Tina Feingold

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Feingold.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I began my artistic career as a figurative painter, studying first at the University of Arizona in Tucson and receiving an MFA from Boston University. Introduced to the NYC-based Figurative Alliance by my mentor Paul Georges, early work featured very large scale, narrative paintings which were only sporadically shown locally but were featured in two solo exhibitions at the Bowery Gallery in New York. To support myself in subsequent years, I have taught both undergraduate and graduate-level courses in painting, drawing, and other visual arts in universities from Amherst, MA to Orono ME to Santa Barbara CA, finally settling back in Boston where I have had additional, short-term teaching stints at Northeastern, Emerson, and Boston College.

Over the years, my work has gradually turned away from figuration to incorporate more abstraction. The need for imagery has been constant, however, and current work reflects a balance of the two.

Please tell us about your art.
Although I always work in oil paint, I experiment with various mediums, surfaces, and methods of application.

My images can be mysterious and evocative forms, evolving from sources as different as fruits, landscape, and heads. I often begin with a color or composition idea deemed worthy of exploration, then progressively adapt results as inspired.

The process is labor-intensive and often frustrating. Through layering, color variation, and textural build-up, the painting slowly emerges in a form that satisfies and often surprises. My constant desire is to create a space that is ambiguous yet palatable for the images to live in.

I usually work in series that start and stop over time, often shifting direction. They end when the original inspiration fades and the paintings start to lose their excitement.

I wish for the viewer to take time with my work. I hope they can experience and reflect upon the beauty and mystery of dense space and evocative imagery.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I wish I could offer specific, concrete suggestions. I understand that finding teaching jobs is now harder than ever, but whatever your means of employment, be persistent and creative in finding spaces around your work schedule to indulge your need to make art.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website (tinafeingold.com) includes a representative array of images of my work, both archival and current, as well as a resume that lists exhibitions and academic appointments.

I am represented by Beth Kantrowitz at BK Projects.

Contact Info:

• Address: 17 Thorndike Street
  Brookline, MA
  02446
• Website: tinafeingold.com

Image Credit:
Portrait photo: Jerry Russo — Artist Studio Series, 2017

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