Tatiana Escallon Birckholtz
Artist Statement: Mapping Time
"My work delves into themes of identity shaped by time, movement, and the experience of displacement. These concepts are represented through lines that evolve into abstract maps and pathways, initially inspired by the architectural forms of colonial structures in Colombia, my homeland. Through abstraction, these architectural lines transform into routes that trace my personal journey as an immigrant, mother, and woman.
I approach this subject from an inner exploration deeply rooted in my immigrant experience. This internal journey is expressed through gestures of line, color, and fluidity, aiming to provoke reflection on how movement affects both personal and cultural identity. The paths and maps in my work are metaphors for time's passage, highlighting how displacement alters physical spaces and reshapes identity.
Time constantly rewrites us. Sometimes it is our own, malleable and directed by us. Other times, it belongs to life itself, consuming us in its direction. These overlapping events shape our evolution as individuals and, ultimately, society.
Through my visual language, I aim to spark a conversation about what lies behind changes, exploring how people lose and recreate their sense of place and identity through time and relocation.
This focus on representing human movement and the continual evolution of ideas, spaces, and identity defines my work.
I incorporate fragments of my poetry into my work and enjoy exploring various materials, such as acrylics, oils, spray paint, graphite, fabric, rope, and wood. My background in calligraphy has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for graphism, which influences my artistic approach."
-Tatiana Escallon Birckholtz
To learn more about her process, work, and poetry, follow her on Instagram at:
Visual Art: @Tatianaescallon
Poems at @TatianaEscallonPoesia
Become a Nave member today to gain an exclusive invitation to our Members-Only Opening Night Preview Events and Patron Parties for an opportunity to mingle with members, guests, and artists to hear the passion behind their works!
Barbara Sparkman
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Studio Art, BARBARA SPARKMAN works in her studio in Rockport, Texas. Her most recent exhibitions were Her Spacescape at the Nave Museum in Victoria, Texas in 2015 and a one-woman show at the Victoria Art League in 2017. Recently, six of her large watercolor paintings were added to the healing art collection in the new Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center of Compassion in Victoria. Three of her paintings were selected to be part of the 2018 Five Points Museum of Contemporary Art show entitled “Decoding 361 – The Victoria Show”. Her work can be found in many private collections as well as many business establishments in Victoria, the Rockport Center for the Arts Member Gallery, and the surrounding area.
Of her work, Barbara says: "My work is non-representational. My vision has evolved through the years from more realistic landscape images to non-objective images with landscape references. My work is driven by a careful balance of intention and intuition. My goal is to create an image that is not recognizable or familiar, but becomes a distinct space created only by the paint and the process. My purpose is to create and provoke responses that are unique to every viewer."
Also: "The actual process of my work differs with the media I am using. My watercolors are done on heavy Arches watercolor paper. I use layers of transparent washes to create the illusion of texture. Painting with oil paint is even more process oriented. I use layers of thin glazes on canvas but also build up texture with painting mediums or cold wax."
Become a Nave member today to gain an exclusive invitation to our Members-Only Opening Night Preview Events and After Parties for an opportunity to mingle with members, guests, and artists to hear the passion behind their works!
Tatiana Escallon / Barbara Sparkman (October 25 - December 14)
A Colombian-American artist based in Houston with roots in Bogotá, TATIANA ESCALLON’s large-format paintings fuse poetry and painting, incorporating bilingual verses concealed behind bold lines. Drawing inspiration from childhood landscapes and utilizing natural materials like wood and threads, her work explores emotions, personal narratives, and a continuous exploration of identity within multicultural and bilingual contexts.
Working from a non-representational perspective, artist BARBARA SPARKMAN’s work, evolving from realistic landscapes to non-objective images with landscape hints, seeks a careful balance of intention and intuition. Through her process, whether using watercolors on heavy Arches paper or building up texture with layers of cold wax or thin glazes in oil paint on canvas, she aims to create distinct spaces that provoke unique responses in each viewer.
Wildlife In Focus (January 10 - March 1, 2025)
Join us in hosting the WILDLIFE IN FOCUS Photo Exhibit showcasing winning photographs from their annual wildlife photography contest. WIF is dedicated to preserving and protecting native wildlife and habitats in Texas by raising public awareness and encouraging outdoor experiences, aiming to inspire people of all ages to appreciate Texas's natural beauty. We invite you to support their mission and experience the stunning photography that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation.
Robin Hazard (March 21 - May 10, 2025)
ROBIN HAZARD is renowned for her vibrant and colorful paintings. A Southern Methodist University graduate with a fine art degree in painting, drawing, and printmaking, her work has been showcased in prestigious venues, featured in gallery openings, and participated in numerous exhibitions. Hazard's work is currently represented by Boswell Mourot Fine Art in Little Rock, Cerulean Gallery in Dallas, Felder Gallery in San Antonio, and Rockport Center for the Arts.
The Art of Dr. Seuss (May 30 - July 16, 2025)
Austin’s Ao5 GALLERY has been proud to host one of the world’s largest collections of The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss for over two decades. The collection is comprised of estate authorized limited edition reproductions of Dr. Seuss’s original art, specially chosen by Audrey Geisel and the estate curator for publication and release.
Myke Venable (August 15 - October 4, 2025)
Texas artist MYKE VENABLE is known for his vibrant, abstract paintings that explore color theory and geometric abstraction, characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and intricate patterns. Now residing in Houston, he teaches drawing and creates art at a prolific rate, actively participating in various exhibitions and having his work collected by numerous individuals and corporations worldwide. Venable is currently represented by Gallery Sonja Roesch.
Tara Conley (October 24 - December 20, 2025)
TARA CONLEY is an artist based in Houston, Texas, known for her innovative use of materials such as fiber, steel, bronze, and fiberglass. She creatively combines these materials to produce organic shapes and cast bronze phrases that project shadows, adding a whimsical touch. Conley has been featured in Texas Artists Today and Touching Fiber Arts and is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts.
Support The Nave
Are you interested in helping the Nave bring beautiful art to our community?
WE PROUDLY THANK OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS