Carnegie Visual Arts Center

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Crisp and vivid, Trina Hunter’s paintings capture objects, plants, and animals in surreal elegance.

Artist’s Statement: Art, for me, is a reflection of the natural world around me. The beauty I see in the creations of the planet inspire me. I feel a connection to the spirit of the life I am painting. Often-times I have dreams and visions during meditation of the lives portrayed in my paintings. For instance, when I was painting crabs, every morning I woke up with crabs walking through my head. Whether it’s pansies fluttering, tiger lilies blooming, or the elegant grace of an orchid, the act of painting living things makes me feel more connected to them.

Recently I was asked what I liked best about painting. After a few moments of reflection, I realized my answer. I revel in the manifestation. Every step along the way to the final painting. I love the tools I use, the medium and even the space. I am completely enamored with the feeling of choosing a subject, studying it and immersing myself in it. Then the actual painting gives me the immense pleasure of watching a blank canvas turn into my own interpretation of life. My greatest love of creating art occurs when the creation touches the heart of someone else. Sometimes, it brings them joy, sometimes peace and sometimes an unidentifiable fulfillment. That really is the best part.