Bio and Artist Statement

     Tonja Roberts is a contemporary mixed media and oil artist born and raised in Southeastern Oklahoma. She currently resides with family in her native state. Tonja graduated with Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2013 and worked as an Oklahoma State certified rehabilitation counselor and case manager at a private practice in her home town from 2013 to 2017. She has a history of creativity throughout her life beginning with music, drawing, writing and acting from childhood. She began painting in 2016 and selling her art shortly after. Her deep passion for art and self expression led her to Milan Art Institute where she graduated in 2023. 
     Now Roberts creates imaginative mixed media and oil paintings featuring abstract, nature and figure. Her art reflects dreamy imagery with texture and an intentional use of color and line. Tonja’s work has an evocative quality that you can feel when viewing, yet sets you on a journey toward new perceptions.  

     Tonja has sold art nationally and state wide, has been exhibited at Chokma Si’ Gallery in Ada, Oklahoma and she gives back to her community through her art; the Chamber of Commerce chose her work for local fundraising in February, 2022.  She has also been involved in various fundraising and art events in her community and painted numerous commissioned pieces. Tonja’s piece “Resilence” was published in Emerging Artworks of 2023, Women’s Edition by Arts to Hearts Project.

Artist Statement: 

     My art begins with an idea, vision or dream and is brought into existence with mixed media techniques and oil paints. I love to explore marks and other expressive aspects in my creative process. I highlight nature, pull from emotion, psychology, culture, the cosmos, universal intuitions and principles to create unique worlds and connections of possibility; extensions of the human soul and experience. I narrate a journey with self expression and imagination. I believe we are an integrated part of Creation itself; not separate, and enjoy highlighting the beautiful metaphors and connectedness we share. My abstract work is grounded in nature colors as well. I hope the viewer will resonate with that or see their unique characteristics and possibilities within my art. Everything true and just we release into the universe creates positive change. I hope to inspire this hope and empowerment in others with each piece I create.