Tanya Lyons shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Tanya, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently I have experience a moment that made me feel very proud. In September the Montreal Museum of Fine Art re-opened their Decorative Arts and Design collection with a new permanent exhibition titled. ‘ From the Functional to the Fabulous – 600 years of Decorative Arts and Design’ curated by Rachel Gotlieb. I am honoured to have my piece ‘Golden Gown’ in this collection. I returned to Montreal for the opening with my daughter and felt that this was a very important moment, especially when I reflected on my mother and grandmother, who had grown up in Montreal, and were told that art was only for Sunday’s.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Canadian glass artist living in rural Ontario. I have been working with glass for over 25 years. Exploring identity and moments in life through sculptural clothing forms and other glass and mixed material pieces. In 2012, I became a mother which created a little detour in the life of an artist, shifting rhythms and artistic freedom. Slowly my time has come back to me and the studio has become a nurturing and transformative space. Allowing me to make conceptual work about the changes we go through and the healing that nature and art enable.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve had a few strong supporters in my artist development but I think the person who taught me the most and gave me the most opportunities to grow as an artist is Elena Lee. Elena opened the first glass gallery, in 1976 in Montreal, Canada. In the 2000’s, I spent 11 years exhibiting in her gallery as well as attending and assisting with large Art Fairs in the United States.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Always believe in yourself.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I have been working on some new wall dresses as well as other sculptural pieces that are made up of many glass parts. These pieces take time, lots of time, first to make the parts, then to wire them together. It’s a slow process and I just have to go with the flow until they are done. I have leaned into working slower and giving myself the time to work through pieces, embracing the process that goes into making large scale work.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes, I believe I was born to be an artist. There are many artistic woman in my family before me who were creatives but were not allowed to make art. I feel I have broken this restraint and proved the past doubters wrong, by making it into the Decorative Arts and Design collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanyalyons.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyamlyons/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tanya.lyons3
Image Credits
Profile and Museum images – Emmara Grodet
Pieces and portrait – Maureen MacMillan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
