Robert "Bob" Tavani

As a boy (starting around 6), I drew a lot. I'm not sure why, but I wanted my drawings to be perfect. Sometimes, I would erase so much a hole would form in the paper. At least once, I blamed the hole on my sister, Michelle. At an early age, I was in and out of the hospital and became somewhat comfortable spending time alone; this has served me well.

I've experienced many artistic incarnations but I've always returned to "the figure".  I prefer painting a live model. A human being is bound to move, at least a bit. This movement, if captured, can suggest a passing of time. Working from the live-model can also promote community with others painting from the same model. I paint at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, X-space, The Vanderelli Room and my own studio.

In addition, I'm captivated by that which we call styles in art history. The transition, from one style to the next, creates an "art history". Recently, I've realized my "many artistic incarnations" is related to my love of styles. I'm beginning to juxtapose styles; it's very exciting.