Try to Tell a Fish About Water: The Art, Music, and Third Life of Norma Tanega

Norma Tanega was a multi-talented artist who was a noted gallerist, teacher, and a central figure in the creative scene of Claremont, California. Try to Tell a Fish About Water is a thoughtful exploration of her art career and a testament to a life spent immersed in creativity, featuring unseen photos, illustrations, journal entries, and other ephemera.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Anthology Editions

Norma Tanega, a multifaceted talent, excelled not only as a gifted musician and songwriter but also as a noted gallerist, teacher, and a prominent figure in the vibrant and homegrown creative scene of Claremont, California. Her artistic prowess extended beyond music, as she was also a visual artist of astonishing originality.

In her captivating book titled "Try to Tell a Fish About Water," the vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes of Tanegas paintings are showcased for the first time, accompanied by unseen photos, illustrations, journal entries, and other ephemera. These personal reflections and remembrances from Normas friends and collaborators are seamlessly collaged alongside the visual timeline, creating a thoughtful exploration of Tanegas art career and a testament to a life dedicated to creativity.

Born in Argentina in 1921, Norma Tanega immigrated to the United States with her family in 1939. She settled in Claremont, a small city nestled in the foothills of Southern California, where she began her artistic journey. Tanega studied art at various institutions, including the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles and the California School of Arts and Crafts in Oakland.

Throughout her career, Tanega exhibited her work in galleries and museums across the United States and internationally. Her paintings, characterized by bold colors and gestural immediacy, captured the essence of her experiences and emotions. Tanega was known for her ability to convey a sense of movement and energy through her art, often using abstract forms and bold lines to create a dynamic visual language.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Tanega was a dedicated teacher and mentor to many aspiring artists. She taught at the Claremont Graduate School and the California Institute of the Arts, where she inspired generations of artists with her passion for creativity and her unwavering support for emerging talent.

Tanega was also a central figure in the vibrant and homegrown creative scene of Claremont. She played a pivotal role in organizing art exhibitions and events, promoting the work of local artists and fostering a sense of community among creatives. Tanega was a beloved member of the Claremont community, known for her warm personality and her generous spirit.

In her book "Try to Tell a Fish About Water," Norma Tanega shares her personal journey through the world of art, offering a glimpse into her creative process, inspirations, and the profound impact that art has had on her life. Through her words and her art, Tanega invites readers to explore the depths of their own creativity and to embrace the power of artistic expression.

In conclusion, Norma Tanega was a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on the world of art. Her talent as a musician, songwriter, gallerist, teacher, and visual artist was awe-inspiring, and her contributions to the creative scene of Claremont, California, were invaluable. Through her book "Try to Tell a Fish About Water," Tanega invites us to explore the depths of her creativity and to embrace the power of artistic expression in our own lives.

Weight: 736g
Dimension: 231 x 254 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781944860356