Tanya Ashworth

Before relocating to Brisbane in 2011, I had spent the majority of my school and university years living in Townsville. In 1999 I moved to Cairns to focus on my business as a freelance artist distributing artwork to Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Kuranda and the Cairns area.  

I completed my Bachelor of Visual Arts at James Cook University Townsville majoring in Illustration in 1991. 

It was in Townsville that my passion for art started. In my high school years my passion for drawing, painting and design became more apparent. My art books reflected the way I felt about my art and how detail plays a very important role in my work. While still at high school I made some pocket money by selling my screen printed t-shirts and tea towels on Sundays at the local Cotters Market. In 1990 I registered Sarianti Designs as a business and my reputation at the markets as an artist grew with overseas visitors returning year after year to buy my work. 

The idea for Sarianti Designs was sparked from a costume design created for Dance North Extensions (Townsville). In mid 2000 I decided to concentrate on the business and pursue painting full time. I painted my first major art pieces and started hand painting on ready made ceramics to supply the large local Queensland tourist market. 

I use digital art, gouache, porcelain paint and acrylic but my preferred medium is acrylic. The three most interesting techniques I enjoy are my blends, playing with depth and light sources. The challenge is to achieve an almost airbrush finish, plus a 3D feel through the use of light sources. To enhance these techniques, I use watercolour paper and balsa wood which give me more scope to play with these effects further. 

My works over the years have involved layered collages, bold abstract designs, semi realistic paintings and more recently photorealism paintings. 

As an artist I have always believed that it is important to vary my skills. I like developing new styles of illustrative works purely because I enjoy the challenge and it generates more customer interest.

Awards and Recognition

2008 Cairns Art Society 62nd Annual Exhibition AWARDED Highly Commended for Abstract Category

2002 DR EDWARD KOCH FOUNDATION Far North and Far More Healthy AWARDED Theme 3

Exhibitions

2017 “Urban Scenario,” Finalist -  Brisbane Art Prize Annual Exhibition 2017

2017 “Silent Strike,” Online Finalist - Lethbridge 10 000 Small Scale Art Award

2016 “Handle with care,” Preselected finalist - Brisbane Art Prize Annual Exhibition  

2010 “When the boats come in” window display (Cairns regional Council)

2010 Cairns Art Society 64th Annual Exhibition 

2010 Connection Exhibition Cairns City Council Initiative c.1907 Sept-Oct 

2010 Artist of the North (Cairns Art Society)

2010 Momentum Exhibition Fundraiser Kick Arts

2009 Cairns Art Society 63rd Annual Exhibition 

2009 HeadsUp ‘Story-line” Exhibition Cairns Festival Aug-Sept 

2009 Exhibition Port Douglas Carnival May 

2009 Artist of the North (Cairns Art Society) Q150 (April) 

2008 Exhibition Port Douglas Carnival 

2008 Artist of the North (Cairns Art Society) 

2006 Oceanic Exhibition Port Douglas

2005 Festival Cairns Gallery 53

2005 Selected as a finalist in the 2nd International Delphic Games 2005 1st September

2005 Art Loans Scheme James Cook University Cairns

2004 Mayor Christmas Appeal Gallery 53

2004 Glare Exhibition Fundraiser Kick Arts 

2003 Art Loans Scheme James Cook University Cairns

2002 Tavern Wine Tasting Function and Exhibition. Smithfield Tavern 

2002 Art and Craft Expo Hilton Hotel (Craft Connect) One of 40 artists chosen.

2002 Cairns Art Society Members Exhibition Tanks Artist in Residence Tanks

2002 NORTHERN INTERIORS EXHIBITION

2002 Exhibition Spring Collection - Art On Aplin

2002 CAIRNS ART SOCIETY 56th Annual Open Exhibition Artist in Residence Cairns Regional Gallery 

2002 to 2003 PARADISE PALMS Atrium Gallery December to March EXHIBITION

2001 Champagne Breakfast September Exhibition PARADISE PALMS ATRIUM GALLERY

2001 Post Card Show Cairns Regional  Gallery

1989 Presented Under 20’s Encouragement award TOWNSVILLE PACIFIC FESTIVAL ARTS EXHIBITION

Exhibiting Galleries

Underrart Gallery (Cairns City), Village Gallery (Palm Cove), Ian Stephens Fine art Gallery (Kuranda)

Other

More Info

Visit Tanya's website here.