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Tessa O'Brien

Tessa O'Brien

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Website http://www.tessagreenobrien.com

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 “My paintings depict my experience and impressions of places I have known, conveying a sense of focus, and the passage of time. Observing my surroundings is a constant exercise that brings me joy and fascination. The space between moment, place, and memory is what I’m chasing. My palette ranges from soft, dreamlike muted neutrals to bright, crisp, vibrant primaries, and I use diverse mark-making techniques including pouring, staining, sanding, and scraping to achieve these goals.”O’Brien has shown throughout the US, including solo exhibitions at Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, ME and Elizabeth Moss Galleries in Falmouth, ME. Her residencies include Studioworks Residency at the Tides Institute in Eastport, ME, The Joseph A. Fiore Maine Farmland Trust Residency, Monson Arts, Haystack, Vermont Studio Center, Hewnoaks, and The Stephen Pace House. O’Brien earned a B.S. in Fine Art from Skidmore College, and received her MFA from Maine College of Art.In addition to her studio practice, O’Brien has worked in arts administration and public art, managing the painting department of the visual design team at major music festivals for over 10 years. O'Brien co-founded the Portland Mural Initiative with partner Will Sears, which curated, funded, and oversaw the execution of 7 murals around southern Maine between 2015 and 2017. She is a co-owner of a mural & sign painting company called Better Letter Hand Painted Signs, and is currently the director of Able Baker Contemporary Gallery in Portland, ME.