By Vicki Dennis
Special to the Herald

Some artists are intimidated by a blank canvas, but not Jeffrey Tover. For him, that empty space is the best part of his studio day.
“I find it exciting in a way, to start from nothing and, with no guide or reference, make something that resonates with the human spirit,” Tover said. “It is challenging of course but thrilling too.”
Tover, a Walnut Creek native who has lived in Benicia for six years, will be the featured artist at The Rellik Tavern from April 3 through July 10 with an opening reception on Thursday, April 6 from 6-9 p.m. He will be showing a number of his abstract acrylic and mixed media artwork as part of the Arts Benicia program, “Arts Benicia Presents,” which provides member artists with opportunities to exhibit at local businesses.
Although he has only been painting full-time for five years, he has a life-long passion for the arts, studying at the San Francisco Art Institute and with many regional abstract painters. And he’s making a big splash in California with his abstract work. In the last year alone, he has had three solo shows in Benicia, Oakland and Palm Springs and been part of six group shows in the Bay Area.
For Tover, each new piece of art is about constantly finding the right balance between left-brained deliberation and right-brained creative abandon.
“I do a lot of research before, during, and after I work on a piece,” he said. “A lot of my ideas come from studying other artists’ work. I look at the intricacies, the history, the soul of a painting that makes the work come alive. That is what I’m looking to create with my art.”
As he begins to paint, Tover lets pure joy take over. “There are no general rules about abstract art, and I usually have no preconceptions about what I’m trying to accomplish at that point,” he said. “Often, I begin a painting with random marks using paint or charcoal. From there, I add more material and wait for the moment the piece begins to speak to me. At that point the painting dictates what direction I need to go.”
Tover relates the ability and ingenuity of artists to sports or science.
“I want to be the kind of artist who pushes the boundaries like an athlete does,” he said. “For me, it’s all about discovering the next technique by experimenting with different media. It’s like athletes who keep working to get that perfect pitch or a scientist to find that medical breakthrough.”
And like an athlete in training, Tover recognizes the isolation that is necessary for any artist or athlete to do his or her best work.
“Painting is a solo sport,” he said. “It’s just me and the painting having a dialogue. And I listen because it’s the painting that tells me where I need to go next.”
“At some point, I get connected to the painting and give in to the needs of the work,” he added. “The painting at that point becomes the guide. It’s exhilarating because it’s like going on a vacation to a place you’ve never been.”
In the end, Tover wants his art to connect with people on a more personal level.
“I think art is the pathway to the soul. It inspires and antagonizes at the same time,” he said. “It forces the mind to reflect on one’s past or present or to rationalize it. At that point, the viewer determines the work’s appeal.”
Even in his spare time, Tover stays focused on art. He has been active with Arts Benicia for several years and currently serves as chair of the Arts Benicia Board of Directors. He has headed the annual auction and gala for the last three years.
“I got involved because I’ve made so many friends in the Benicia art community, and I’m so grateful to everything they have taught me that I wanted to support them and assist them any way I can,” he said.
The Rellik has supported Arts Benicia Presents exhibitions for 8 years.
“I’m so grateful to Arts Benicia and Tom Hamilton at The Rellik for this opportunity to display my work,” Tover said. “To present here is kind of a dream come true. I am in awe every time I see an exhibit in this space. The work just illuminates on those brick walls.”
More of Tover’s work can be seen on his website, www.jeffreytoverartist.com. The Rellik Tavern is located at 726 First Street, Benicia. For more information, contact Exhibitions and Programs Manager Mary Shaw, 707-747-0131 or visit www.artsbenicia.org.

Sharing is caring!