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
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 -
Clear Eyes2021, 11 x 14, Mixed media collage -
Survivors Soul2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage -
Behold Her2021, 11 x 14, mixed medial collage on acrylic. -
Survivors Strength2021, 18 x 24, mixed medial collage on acrylic. -
The power of the tongue2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage on acrylic -
Voices Carry2021, 11 x 14 mixed media collage -
Happy Go Seek2021, 9 x 12, mixed media collage on acrylic