Tarica Dreams in ‘Boho Funk’ Art
Artist Marguerite Tarica’s work ranges in inspiration and imagery using color and patterns, and then her emotional interpretations of family photos as another genre.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Artist Marguerite Tarica may be best known for her treatment of the female form, but she describes her genre as “inspired color and texture, patterned with a boho funk mixed with Impressionism and Expressionism.”
Growing up in Morningside, Tarica Walsh earned a BFA from SCAD (formerly Atlanta College of Art) coupled with training alongside local artist Faye Mitchell. Her artistic trajectory began at age seven when she spent hours laboring at the dining room table, sketching figures and fashions (from the feet up) from the Sears catalogue.
“I have painted and sketched ever since I can remember,” she said.
Her style has evolved over the decades. Originally, Marguerite painted women without faces. She explained, “I left out facial details because I felt the essence of a soul did not need a face to express the inner being. Some people, including a college professor at SCAD, remarked that my work reminded them of Klimt because of the patterns and colors I use. I have always been inspired by Monet’s use of light and texture.”
She uses acrylic, decoupage, pastels, paper for a dimensional effect, sometimes with beads and unique jewelry; for another medium, she brings other peoples’ photos to life.
While she still primarily features women, years ago her art could be chaotic and abstract. She stated, “These paintings reflected some serious health problems I had at the time. Some of my more ‘folky’ pieces are giant canvases painted from black and white photos of family snapshots. I used those flat black and white photos of my mother and father on their honeymoon in Daytona Beach (1956) or the standard photo of me with my older siblings, Mark and Stella, to transform the pictures into life.”
Marguerite’s sister, Stella, commented, “I believe I have a painting or drawing representing all of the stages of my sister’s inspirations. I have a couple of rather psychedelic pieces, a couple of women with faces, and a folk art style garden piece that fills a large space in my sunroom. My favorite of all may be those black and white photos brought to life.”
Tarica states that she is amazed at the emotional reactions her paintings elicit. She offered, “One painting, ‘Depression Days,’ is simply a re-imagining of a family standing in front of their home, possibly from the ‘30s. This client took one look at it and began crying. She said it reminded her of her childhood. This reaction and others like it inspire me. Of course, I paint as an expression of my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions, too.”
Sometimes an idea for a painting originates from a nightmarish dream. About 20 years ago, she had a recurring dream that always had the same devastating ending. She felt something otherworldly led her to her art studio where she created a piece called, “The Premonition.” She explained, “Unfortunately, the premonition came to be. Art is powerful; it is the ultimate release for me.”
Tarica’s work was selected for display at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival. She said, “Being chosen to show my work at this venue was always a feather in my cap. In the ‘80s, I would say it was a real honor to be in this venue surrounded by amazing and diverse people and their art. Since then, I have had shows in some of the arty cafes in Norcross and Chamblee, boutiques, and the Inman Park Festival.”
Tarica can be found painting in the wee hours in her home studio by the glow of candlelight, listening to ‘90s music. She recalled, “Usually I have an idea in my head … with proportions drawn out … but I also have been known to change lanes midway through my creative expression.”
She can usually complete a piece in two days or less.
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