Work samples
About Tonya
"Stop thinking about art work as objects, and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences" (Brian Eno). Tonya Blue Shelby also known as Shelby Blue began making mixed media collage art in 2017 after experiencing physical burnout and systematic bullying from the school system she worked for. Collage art became her space of refuge and a conduit for peace to restore positive well-being. Her collage portraits tell the narrative of the societal and emotional ills… more
-23: The Lost One
The 8-piece series explore the imperative questions and ideals that one manifests when the mind is run by the world's beliefs system and culture. Fear, doubt, and anxiety tell a false narrative of refuge to our subject as it depicts a contrary theme of Psalms 23. The first 7 mono-colored photographs ("24 x 48") depict a verse from this informative text and illustrates the nomads need for a Shepherd until the Exodus. The final piece breaks the monotony with a 24" x 48" mixed media collage on canvas to show the rebirth of our subject, where all things are made new.
Dunamoo- Strengthen the Inner Woman
Dunamoo means to strengthen. These 8 x 10 black and white photos examine the internal conflict which resides in all of us. Our bodies can become the evidence of our thought patterns. We fight to leave our old nature behind to become what was always imagined. The three black and white photos represent my artistic interpretation of Ephesians 3:16, and my personal journey in mental core development of the inner woman.
Photo 1: Old Nature represents the scarcity mindset.
Photo 2: Transition represents the stimulation for a new belief system.
Photo 3: New nature represents the mindset of abundance.
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Old Nature: Scarcity Mindset (photo 1)
"Scarcity"- 8 x 10 Black and white photo show how an unhealthy mindset manifest in a stomach that some would consider to be "overweight" or heavy set.
Available for PurchaseAvailable for purchase $75 framed on tonyablue.com
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Transitional Thinking (photo 2)
"Transitional" is 8 x 10 black and white photo that shows the beginning of the shift in thought patterns after being exposed to new perspective.
Available for PurchaseTransition is available framed for $75 on tonyablue.com
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New Nature: Abundant Mindset
"Abundant Thinking" is a 8 x 10 black and white photo representing a new mindset and how it manifests in a "firmer" midsection and a change in mental habits and practices.
Available for PurchaseAbundance is available framed for $75 on tonyablue.com
The courage to surrender
As women of color, community is the core of our existence. Consulting before decision making is the key to our success. It's not about having the right answers, but asking the right questions. This series inquires you to interrogate your thought patterns of who you are and who you have yet to become. For many of us the answer is the question and who we allow to be our number 1 consultant. This series leaves you wondering and asking questions and the beckons courage to follow the advice.
Proverbs 31
Have you ever felt the presence of a woman before she enters the room? Her smell, her esence shifts the atmosphere before she utters a word. Proverbs 31 talks bout the charactersistics of a good wife. I believe these virtues are already within everyone woman before they are found by their husbands. The series, Proverbs 31 captures the beauty of women from Baltimore in black and white, while the colors around them express the virtues they possess. Featured at Jubilee Arts Center in the summer of 2022, I present to you Proverbs 31.
The Shed Experience
It's time to uncover our faces and let the scales of doubt and uncertainty fall from our eyes. Let's shed what others have said about us and remove the labels that are now liabilities! Welcome to the Shed Experience!
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Fail-Her Not2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage
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Clear Eyes2021, 11 x 14, Mixed media collage
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Survivors Soul2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage
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Behold Her2021, 11 x 14, mixed medial collage on acrylic.
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Survivors Strength2021, 18 x 24, mixed medial collage on acrylic.
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The power of the tongue2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage on acrylic
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Voices Carry2021, 11 x 14 mixed media collage
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Happy Go Seek2021, 9 x 12, mixed media collage on acrylic