Local artist Tamara Garvey specializes in controlled chaos. Working primarily in drips and splatters of colored ink, she creates mysterious, whimsical environments filled with a bizarre yet charming cast of characters. From cupcake-stealing burglars to amorphous sea creatures, each glance reveals something new and unexpected.

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a degree in Illustration, Garvey also holds a B.S. in Biology from Mary Washington College. Of her biology degree, she says, “I don’t use the biology too much in my day-to-day life, but it’s there. Lurking.”  It’s not hard to see the influence, because her work shows a distinctive attention to detail and a fascination with plants and animals.

Her work seems to appeal to a large audience, while still preserving an element of strangeness and mystery.  Obviously she’s doing something right; Garvey took Honorable Mention in this year’s Telfair Art Fair, participates in local group shows on a regular basis, and is also starting to gain recognition online as a featured artist on a number of design blogs.

Unfortunately for us, she will soon be re-locating to Brooklyn, but Savannah will always hold a special place in her heart. “I’ve been living in Savannah for five years and have enjoyed it more than I can say. I’ve gotten a great start to my art career,” she explains, “ there are so many other artists to learn from and bounce ideas off of, and downtown is so beautiful and unique that of course it’s great inspiration!”

This Sunday, she will be hosting an open studio sale, so don’t miss the chance to snatch up an original painting before they’re all gone! And don’t worry; when you inevitably fall in love with her work, you’ll still be able to order through her Etsy shop.

Sunday, March 21 1pm-7pm or by appointment

312 ½ W. Hall Street, between Montgomery and Jefferson Streets.

For more information contact: info@tamaragarvey.com

Pink Day Gone Wrong, top left.

Enchantment under the Sea, bottom right.