November's Artist & Ambassador of the Month: TINA IRVINE
by Tiffani Rex
We are so excited to showcase a wonderful artist who has made a name by just being typically awesome and supportive in the alcohol ink community, Tina Irvine.
Let's hear from her:
What kind of alcohol ink artist are you? How did you get started? Tell us a little about you.
Instagram was my source of inspiration for beginning my journey with alcohol ink. I had already hopped on the fluid art train with acrylic pouring, and I was having a lot of fun with it. Once I saw the vibrant colours and beautiful gold metallic accents on Instagram, though, I needed to try it! I’ve been creating alcohol ink art since early 2018.
What would you say are your specialties as an alcohol ink artist? What sets you apart?
Everyone has their own style when it comes to alcohol ink. People have described my art as “ethereal” which I think makes sense. I usually create abstract pieces with wispy, soft, fading edges and contrasting, bold lines and movement. This is the technique that I’m drawn towards, and comes most naturally to me.
I try to have fun and experiment with other techniques as well, though. Something that might be a little different about me, as an artist, is that I also have a graphic design background. Anything related to design, print, or web, are all things that I can offer help with.
Do you teach how to do this at all? How can we learn from you?
I absolutely love supporting other artists. I began my Alcohol Ink Art Facebook group to do just that. My process is posted on my YouTube videos, and in short video clips on my other social media accounts. I’ve taught a workshop in the past as well, and I’d be happy to teach another in the future.
Aside from that, I have a website (tinairvine.com) where I’ve recently begun a blog, and there’s a “supplies” page which includes links to all of my favourite alcohol ink essentials - this is a great place for beginners to start!
What advice for new alcohol ink artists would you offer?
If I was to give advice to new alcohol ink artists, I would say that if you’re interested in it, just go for it. Don’t feel pressured to create a masterpiece right away, and there’s no need to have previous art experience. Just enjoy the process and have fun with the colours and fluidity. If you’re unhappy with a piece, you can always go back and rework it later.
Two tips I have are: “less (ink) is more” and be sure to follow any safety measures listed on the product's packaging / SDS (safety data sheets) - such as good ventilation and a respirator when working indoors. There are tons of videos online, and everyone is welcome in our Alcohol Ink Art Facebook group to share and ask questions.
What have you enjoyed most about using T-Rex Inks? Do you have any in-depth review videos / posts about our inks we can link to?
The gorgeous colours are what first attracted me to T-Rex Inks. When I saw them in a nearby art supplies store, I couldn’t resist purchasing all three packs that were available! There’s a great variety of colours that are fantastic to work with, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced alcohol ink artist. The inks are vibrant and have the perfect amount of pigmentation. The names on the tops of the bottle lids is helpful too, especially when it’s time to clean up and match the lids back with their bottles.
One of my favourite alcohol ink art pieces that I’ve made uses all T-Rex Ink colours (aside from the metallic). Check out the video here, and let me know what you think!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tinairvine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tirvineart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinairvineart
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alcoholinkartwork
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tirvineart