Ty
Raderstorf

Artist Statement

My work lives in the wakes created from the disruption of a great loss. I use oil on canvas to create large-scale narrative paintings that are representational and realistic. I create my own references, photographing and manipulating them to create depictions that are just far enough from reality to be unfamiliar. The symbolism in the work is based on personal mythologies that I use to explore themes of change, loss, and grief. We expect things to stay the same, consistent, predictable; and find ourselves shaken when reality cannot meet these expectations. There is a lot in the world we can lose: loved ones, homes, futures, and we are left to sort through a new understanding in their absence. My current series makes a home for itself in this unfamiliar place that we all find ourselves in, one way or another. Through all the chaos and confusion, it asks the viewer to reflect on how they will move on from this and find new stability, even though nothing will ever be the same again.

Biography

From Jacksonville, Florida, Ty Raderstorf spent her summers travelling and building experiences that would end up being the subjects of her art. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Florida with a concentration in Painting in 2023. While in school, she organized and curated student group exhibitions with the Painting and Drawing Guild including the first exhibition of work in the Thomas G Carpenter Library Third Floor Gallery and at the CoRK Gallery in Jacksonville, Florida. Primarily working with oil on canvas, Raderstorf explores themes of loss and grief. Her current series uses visual motifs of plants, hands, and doubles to create impactful narratives. With her large-scale paintings, she offers the viewer a chance to reflect on their own notions of change and how to cope with what comes after.