News
Easing away from the easel: Artist faces failing vision
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| ELLEN SUSSMAN PHOTO Artist David Tineo explains the painting “Eyes of Hope,” for which his exhibit is named. To his left are “Corn Princess” and “Reyna.” |
By Ellen Sussman, Special to the Green Valley News
As the weeks and months go, by artist David Tineo’s light is growing dimmer. It isn’t the lack of north light favored by artists; it’s the fading light of his vision.
At age 52 this muralist and former Pima Community College art instructor is literally seeing his vision fade away. Macular degeneration is changing the way Tineo paints, yet he continues, knowing one day all light may be gone.
Legally blind, he can no longer read or drive but he continues to stretch his own canvases and build his own frames while working on six paintings simultaneously.
Strongly influenced by the Mexican muralist movement of the early 20th century, Tineo has painted more than 200 murals in homes, restaurants, schools and hospitals in Tucson and Southern Arizona. The strong and colorful strokes of his murals have been photographed and used for promoting regional tourism.
Now, in a six-week showing, Tineo is promoting a series of his painted canvases called “Eyes of Hope—Dignity and Pride” at Kool’s Native Arts in Continental Shopping Plaza. His exhibit runs through Dec. 28.
Explaining each of his paintings, he told groups of guests, “Some images are sad, some are endearing, others sacred.”
Describing “Hummingbird Princess,” “Corn Princess” and “Eyes of Hope,” he said, “They’re one-of-a-kind, simple, and not perfect. They’re people, and people aren’t perfect.”
Tineo’s introduction to Green Valley was in the late 1980s when he was commissioned to paint a mural on the outside of a home; he also worked with students at Continental School on an art project.
Though his vision is fading, his optimism is not. Rising early every day, he says, “I can still paint till about 10 in the morning; the morning light is good.” With his own positive spirit and sense of hope, he says, “My art conveys the essence of the human spirit and the hope of humanity.”
Inspired by the women in his life, especially his mother who raised seven children on her own, artist and elementary school teacher Dorothy Clark, and artist Marilyn Barker, Tineo has also been inspired by U of A artists Jim Davis and Bruce McGrew and photographer Dick Fontaine.
“I’m fortunate to have many people support my work,” he says.
Immensely proud of having received the prestigious Robert Rauschenberg Award in 1999 for his work encouraging local youth and schoolchildren to express themselves artistically and create historical murals in their neighborhoods, Tineo says, “Art heals the mind and soul.”
Rather than seeing youth go in a negative direction, he has helped elementary school children and teens to see within, stretching their confidence and abilities like he stretches canvases.
Tineo has also been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Gov. Janet Napolitano in 1999 and acknowledges his many successes. Asked what three accomplishments he’s most proud of, Tineo said, “Being recognized as an artist in the U.S. for my work with children, earning respect in Tucson and in Arizona and maintaining sincerity in my work. I keep an open mind and I keep on learning.”
As expressive verbally as he is artistically, of his successful career he says, “It’s a journey that’s become prophetic.”
Facing the reality of continually failing vision, Tineo is upbeat and matter of fact. His greatest challenge, he says, has been adapting, compensating and learning to use his other senses. “I’m using more peripheral vision now… we take our vision so for granted.”
A realist of his fate, Tineo said, “In not seeing, I see within. I feel the spirit of the heart; we all have a common spirit. I’m on a path in my life where I need direction.
“It’s an inner awakening; I can see more. My paintings are my children; each work is a part of me; each has its own essence, like children.”
Ellen Sussman is a Green Valley freelance writer. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net. Comment on this story online at www.gvnews.com.
At age 52 this muralist and former Pima Community College art instructor is literally seeing his vision fade away. Macular degeneration is changing the way Tineo paints, yet he continues, knowing one day all light may be gone.
Legally blind, he can no longer read or drive but he continues to stretch his own canvases and build his own frames while working on six paintings simultaneously.
Strongly influenced by the Mexican muralist movement of the early 20th century, Tineo has painted more than 200 murals in homes, restaurants, schools and hospitals in Tucson and Southern Arizona. The strong and colorful strokes of his murals have been photographed and used for promoting regional tourism.
Now, in a six-week showing, Tineo is promoting a series of his painted canvases called “Eyes of Hope—Dignity and Pride” at Kool’s Native Arts in Continental Shopping Plaza. His exhibit runs through Dec. 28.
Explaining each of his paintings, he told groups of guests, “Some images are sad, some are endearing, others sacred.”
Describing “Hummingbird Princess,” “Corn Princess” and “Eyes of Hope,” he said, “They’re one-of-a-kind, simple, and not perfect. They’re people, and people aren’t perfect.”
Tineo’s introduction to Green Valley was in the late 1980s when he was commissioned to paint a mural on the outside of a home; he also worked with students at Continental School on an art project.
Though his vision is fading, his optimism is not. Rising early every day, he says, “I can still paint till about 10 in the morning; the morning light is good.” With his own positive spirit and sense of hope, he says, “My art conveys the essence of the human spirit and the hope of humanity.”
Inspired by the women in his life, especially his mother who raised seven children on her own, artist and elementary school teacher Dorothy Clark, and artist Marilyn Barker, Tineo has also been inspired by U of A artists Jim Davis and Bruce McGrew and photographer Dick Fontaine.
“I’m fortunate to have many people support my work,” he says.
Immensely proud of having received the prestigious Robert Rauschenberg Award in 1999 for his work encouraging local youth and schoolchildren to express themselves artistically and create historical murals in their neighborhoods, Tineo says, “Art heals the mind and soul.”
Rather than seeing youth go in a negative direction, he has helped elementary school children and teens to see within, stretching their confidence and abilities like he stretches canvases.
Tineo has also been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Gov. Janet Napolitano in 1999 and acknowledges his many successes. Asked what three accomplishments he’s most proud of, Tineo said, “Being recognized as an artist in the U.S. for my work with children, earning respect in Tucson and in Arizona and maintaining sincerity in my work. I keep an open mind and I keep on learning.”
As expressive verbally as he is artistically, of his successful career he says, “It’s a journey that’s become prophetic.”
Facing the reality of continually failing vision, Tineo is upbeat and matter of fact. His greatest challenge, he says, has been adapting, compensating and learning to use his other senses. “I’m using more peripheral vision now… we take our vision so for granted.”
A realist of his fate, Tineo said, “In not seeing, I see within. I feel the spirit of the heart; we all have a common spirit. I’m on a path in my life where I need direction.
“It’s an inner awakening; I can see more. My paintings are my children; each work is a part of me; each has its own essence, like children.”
Ellen Sussman is a Green Valley freelance writer. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net. Comment on this story online at www.gvnews.com.
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