More About the Artist
Behind the Art
My wire-based art has been molded by travel. In 2011, my husband and I departed from Virginia on foot with only backpacks, hammocks and a vague idea of what an off-grid life might entail. We worked our way up to a conversion van, followed by a truck camper, then a pull-behind travel trailer, and, finally, a Class A Motorhome. For the past 13 years, we’ve learned to thrive in what would eventually be hashtagged #RVLife.
By this writing, I’ve driven back and forth across the US four times and have visited 45 states.
The best part of living the minimalist lifestyle is the freedom to focus on the philosophy that inspires my art. Our nomadic life and the experiences gained by movement are weaved into every one of my wire-based pieces.
More than just wire wrapping, my sculptures are both inspired by nature and created in nature. I use the medium of wire to evoke flora and fauna, as well as mythical creatures. My goal is to share a glimpse into the magic of my country’s majestic parks and landmarks, the world I have become immersed in. I hope my wire works will inspire others to see some of this magic in their own lives, no matter where you call home!
All That from a Walnut?
In 2015, I was invited by a Cherokee friend to participate in a women’s sweat lodge ceremony.
I tried not to expect anything, as I had been instructed to do. Still, I admit I was seeking a spiritual experience. I wanted a sign that there is something greater than us, one of those yes-or-no answers that humanity is so fond of. What I left with, however, was far more complex than anything I could have personally devised.
It was freezing and windy on that Kentucky evening. I went from intense heat to intense cold and back again. It wasn’t fun. It wasn’t enlightening. At one point, I lost myself for what felt like only a few moments. When I snapped back to reality, one strange phrase appeared in my thoughts:
“All that from a walnut?”
That was it. The rest of the ceremony passed by uneventfully, and then it was over.
I was selfishly unfulfilled. Where was my spiritual experience? Where was my proof of a higher power? Where was my epiphany?
When I returned home that night, however, that one phrase still lingered in my mind. “All that from a walnut?”
I fought to remember anything from the event that would cause this nonsense to enter my mind. Much like the sweat lodge experience itself, I was disappointed.
A few months later, while looking at jewelry online, I came across black walnut slices with turquoise inlay. I was inspired. I harvested some walnuts from beneath a neighbor’s tree and enlisted a friend’s help in slicing them. I then purchased epoxy, crushed turquoise, and my very first roll of wire.
At the time, I did not remember that bizarre phrase from the sweat lodge. It wasn’t until I finished my first few pieces that I made the connection. Although I found it interesting, I still had no idea the artistic path I was getting ready to embark on.
Soon, I made more inlaid walnuts and bought more wire. The wire was far more interesting to me. I put the walnut slices to the side.
While visiting my family in Connecticut, I took a free 15-minute course on wire-wrapping pendants at a local gem and mineral shop. That short demonstration was all it took to change my entire artistic trajectory. Over the next few years, with the help of a supportive friend and benefactor, I was blessed to acquire all of the materials needed to practice and hone various techniques.
Finally, in 2020, I made yet another artistic transition and began my journey with wire sculpture.
With each finished piece of wire art, I express my gratitude for serendipity and all of life’s undeniable connections. I remember the metaphorical seed that grew from a literal seed, from saying yes to art and inspiration. And I say to myself:
All that from a walnut?
Why Tangari & Vautour?
Tangari and Vautour are family names. Tangari (Italian) on my father's side, and Vautour (French) on my mother's.
As a married woman who took her husband's last name, I wanted to make sure that I paid tribute to my biological family in my brand. I decided to do this by incorporating one surname from each side of my genetic makeup into my artist profile.