Tara Austin stands next to one of her many fine paintings that are now on display at Johnson Heritage Post. Tara’s exhibit ends July 28, so you still have time to go and see her exquisite pictures and her rosemaling. Staff photo/ Brian Larsen
Okay, for many of us we have known Tara Austin for most of her life. But some might not know that Tara has turned from a shy child to a confident, talented young adult. She currently has her art hanging at Johnson Heritage Post. If you are a fan of beautiful art, this is a must-see show.
Tara is the daughter of Rick and Lori Austin. She was raised on Poplar Lake halfway up the Gunflint Trail and graduated from Cook County High School in 2009.
Following high school she attended the college of Saint Scholastica, graduating in 2012. After working for a period, Tara went back to school and graduated in 2017 from the University of Madison with a Master’s of Fine Arts in painting.
Since then, Tara has been busy. “I recently did a yearlong rosemaling apprenticeship through the Wisconsin Arts Board,” she said. Some her fine rosemaling is also on display at the Johnson Heritage Post.
Q-What inspires your artwork?
“My life on the Gunflint Trail and Lake Superior has greatly influenced my work. My current work incorporates rosemaling and patterns from nature.”
Q- What or who has been the biggest influence on your art? Try to keep your answer at a “jackpine savage” mentality for the regular folks who live here. That includes me, of course.
Not one to waste words, Tara replied, “Mother Nature.”
Q- Do you use other mediums—water color, crayon, ink, etc. in your work? Or do you paint pretty much with acrylics?
I use primarily oil and acrylic paint, and I enjoy incorporating materials like gold leaf, eggshell, wood stain, and enamels.
Q- Have you had very many shows?
I’ve had a fair amount of shows, not sure of the exact numbers.
Q- How long does it take to create a big piece of art? And how big (size) are those pieces that are hanging at Johnson Heritage Post?
The large plexiglass paintings are 4 x 8 ft. They take 2 to 4 months approximately.
Q- When you aren’t painting, what do you like to do in your free time?
I make dimensional beaded flowers that I sew into necklaces from seed beads and thread.
Q- At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist? Have you considered teaching?
I’ve always been creative and art was a natural choice for me. I enjoy teaching and hope to have an opportunity for it in the future.
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