Tavis Lea

Tavis Lea is a visual artist from Sarnia, Ontario working primarily with painting and digital media.

He received his MFA from the University of Windsor where he developed an eco-dystopian aesthetic, which he refers to as ‘PetroPunk’ – inspired by the industrial landscapes of the Chemical Valley.

Working within a pseudo genre of science fiction allows Tavis to utilize multiple mediums and approaches, ranging from painting and drawing, to installation, performance, and digital media. His works use absurdity and dark humour to counter-balance more serious political and philosophical themes.

Currently Tavis lives in Chatham and works out of his studio in Tilbury – where is currently focusing on both digital and physical painting.

Tavis is interested in shaping and contributing to Chatham’s vibrant artistic community.

Tavis believes that art influences culture and culture influences everything. With the current political tension and shifting cultural attitudes, art is more necessary now than ever – and it demands an artistic response.