I am currently in the process of creating a body of work on wood panel (approximately 1.5 x 2 feet) which investigates individuality, self-consciousness, gender, dynamic poses, the beauty of the body and creating a relatable image.
I began to concentrate solely on hands and feet, understanding their expressive and abstract qualities, while continuing my exploration of line, paint scrapings and textiles. The paint scrapings as nail polish are decorative and sculptural, yet are not gender-specific.
Inspired by Jan Vermeer's "The Milkmaid", but with a contemporary spin. Rather than being portrayed in the kitchen doing her duties, I have rotated the composition so that the liquid would be pouring on the female instead, representing modern-day female rights and liberation.
My latest body of work merges my interest in line and paint scrapings onto a single canvas. I began to look at artists such as Egon Schiele and contemporary artist Hope Gangloff as inspiration for using line and drawing aesthetics in figure painting. I also began to look at Renaissance paintings for their themes, use of symbols and expertise. This specific painting references seduction and how this theme was presented in a Renaissance painting using symbols such as wine, textiles and musical instruments, all of which are found in this painting.
Vanessa Tignanelli is a freelance documentary photographer whose work explores significant social and spiritual themes. Born in North Bay, Ontario, Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Fine Art in Specialized Studio Art at the University of Guelph. Since her graduation in 2012 she has worked as Associate Editor & Photojournalist for snapd Guelph, Photo & Graphics Editor and Office Manager for The Ontarion Independent Newspaper, while operating her own event photography business in Guelph, Ontario.
In her admiration of the unrestrained spirit, Vanessa has committed herself to exploring individuals who emulate spiritual freedom, vulnerability and self-awareness. Growing up in a time when technology has hindered our ability to appreciate the moment, a generational wave to escape the errors of the 21st century has ensued. These adventurers flee both physically and spiritually from urban society, escapists in their search to live steadily within the moment. Finding the music scene to be littered with these individuals, Vanessa has photographed hundreds of concerts and music festivals in her exploration of escapism.