“Idelle Okman Tyzbir is a multifaceted artist living in Southern California. Her three areas of concentration are metal sculpture, watercolor and photography.”

I am passionate about making art accessible and an integral part of people’s lives.

Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences, my work reflects my life.  The way I see and feel about my physical surroundings directly influence the story of each of my pieces.  A large part of my life is my family, and dogs too.  I love them and they have a major impact on everything I do, even if its just dog hair in my paint!

Sculptures are created using a variety of metals, glass, acrylic paintings and other mediums. I contrast flowing movement with structured elements to enhance the narrative between these aspects and the viewer. My metal work is primarily abstract. The work engages the audience, encouraging deeper contemplation and revelation, leading to enlightenment or emotional connections.  Creating pieces by hand, I develop a relationship with the work, allowing for spontaneous modifications. My hand shows in every piece. 

 Juxtaposed with the works in metal are my watercolors. I started to paint more intensely as a result of my metal work. Sometimes it is just too hot to weld outside!  So I paint inside…  Sometimes it’s too early or too late to make a lot of noise, so I paint inside….  Realistically, I paint because I love to paint…  I find that I am able to express myself freely and more realistically, in a watercolor way, in this medium.

I have been engaged with photography since elementary school.  I love it!  Over the years, I have mainly used my photos as a basis for paintings.  Now, for the first time, I am offering my photographs as a serious part of my repertoire.

 I am a multifaceted artist, academically educated in fine art & design, autodidactic and holding a belief in pushing limits through counsel with other skilled artists and craftsmen. Continuously striving to grow, I push my limits in all areas.  I was a teaching artist in a public elementary school for nineteen years, and loved it.  Teaching metal sculpture at the college level, as well as a summer welding program for jr. high and high school students was hard, great fun and inspirational.  It was joy to share my skills with others. Currently I teach adult small group watercolor classes which is rewarding for both my students and myself.  I am an international award winning artist, and also exhibit locally and nationally.  Public art projects and private commissions are a part of my art practice.