Tovari Designs

Welcome to Tovari Designs, where the beauty of nature and the elegance of dance come alive through unique artistic creations. Located at 5221 Sand Dollar Lane in the picturesque city of Naples, Florida, Tovari Designs is the creative haven of a former dancer turned visual artist who masterfully choreographs movement onto clay and canvas.

With a rich background in dance and art from the University of South Florida, an unexpected injury pivoted my path towards ceramics and painting 26 years ago. Today, I weave together 2D and 3D art, embracing the freedom and fluidity this combination brings. The name "Tovari" is a heartfelt tribute to my two children, Tova and Ari, who inspire my finest works of art. Tova, meaning "Everything Good and Beautiful" in Hebrew, encapsulates the essence of my creations.

My journey has led to collaborations with prestigious establishments like Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Gumps in San Francisco, and Tovari for Kravet. My artistic exploration has taken me across the globe, most recently to Kyoto, Japan, where I learned the ancient art of Kintsugi from a master. The profound influence of Japan is evident in my work, particularly through my 26-year practice of Traditional Japanese Raku firing and the incorporation of Kintsugi concepts.

Featured in renowned publications such as Florida Design Magazine, Gulfshore Life, and Gulfshore Business, my art spans a multitude of mediums including clay, acrylics, watercolors, oils, and plaster. I believe that confining oneself to a single medium limits the creative process. My ceramic journey began with a focus on Raku firing, a spiritually-infused Japanese technique that embraces the unpredictable elements of water, air, and fire. My hand-built pieces, free from molds, are textured with vintage lace and natural patterns, often appearing alive with movement, as if they are dancing.

On canvas, my abstract and impressionistic works are a symphony of layers, symbolizing life, nature, and balance. Utilizing materials like acrylics, pigments, and botanical impressions, these pieces capture nature's fleeting moments as if viewed through a window. My brushstrokes dance with grace and movement, guided by intuition rather than rigid plans, allowing colors and compositions to unfold organically.

Nature's visceral impact profoundly influences my work, whether it's the awe of a sunset, the drama of stormy weather, or the serenity of falling leaves. My travels around the world fuel my creative spirit, inspiring me to capture the unseen colors and vistas onto clay and canvas. Living and creating in the serene waterfront setting of Naples, Florida, I am constantly inspired to translate the beauty around me into art.

At Tovari Designs, each piece is crafted with vulnerability and soul, sharing personal experiences and memories through art. Join me on this artistic journey, where every creation is an invitation to experience the dance of life through the lens of nature's beauty.