Tess Bloomer

Artist Statement

Hi I’m Tess Bloomer. As both a portrait and narrative artist and death doula, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the dance between life and death. My work is inspired by the indomitable spirit of Frida Kahlo, whose personal life, marked by confrontations with death and heartbreak, fuels my creative fire. Kahlo's autobiographical surrealism, her mesmerizing use of color, and her captivating stoic-faced portraits serve as an indescribable beacon through my own artistic journey.

In my art, I delve into the space where life and death converge, seeking to capture the profound beauty and raw discomfort that reside in these moments. My dual role as an artist and a death doula allows me to explore existential contemplations with a unique perspective. I create art as a tool to express the pleasures and challenges of facing death head-on and invite viewers to engage with their own mortality in a meaningful way.

Plant medicine is another vital thread in my work. The natural world and its healing properties inspire me. Through rich, vibrant colors and intricate details, I aim to create pieces that resonate with the viewer on a deep, emotional level, evoking the same sense of wonder and reverence I feel for the cycles of life and death.

Ultimately, my art is a celebration of the human experience in all its complexities. It is an invitation to look beyond the surface and explore the depths of our shared existence, to find beauty in the ephemeral, and to embrace the inevitable with grace and curiosity.

Biography

Tess Bloomer has been painting since she could hold a paintbrush. She nurtured this passion through her formative years and into college, where she pursued an academic path that honed her artistic skills and deepened her understanding of art's cultural impact. Tess graduated from Skidmore College with a BA in Art History and a minor in Studio Art, a combination that provided her with both a scholarly foundation and a hands-on approach to creating art.

After college, Tess took a hiatus from painting, embarking on a journey of self-discovery to find her authentic expression. This period of exploration was pivotal, leading her to the role of a death doula. In this capacity, she supports individuals through the end-of-life process, a profound experience that fuels her artistic vision. Her work as a death doula and her commitment to creating art are intertwined, driven by a deep necessity to express the myriad emotions and experiences of life and death.

Now an accomplished acrylic painter, Tess is motivated by the urgency to create while she’s alive, capturing the ephemeral beauty of existence on canvas. Her work is a testament to her belief in the power of art to connect with people on an emotional level, offering a glimpse into the profound moments where life and death intersect.

Tess was recently featured in the 2024 Venice Art Crawl, a prestigious event that showcased her compelling works to a broader audience. Eager to share her art with the world, Tess continues to create pieces that resonate deeply with viewers, inviting them to explore and connect with the profound themes she passionately explores.

Surrender_2023_Acrylic paint on canvas_14 x 11 inches
Grandmother_2023_Acrylic paint on canvas_ 20 x 20 inches