Meet the Artist!
"Even in the darkest alleys of human experience, beauty can be found and forged in friendships. We may never know what tomorrow has in store, but I have found meaning in seeking the beauty in all. Please, enjoy my portfolio and all the services I have to offer. Thank you for supporting me in continuing to serve not only the community, but the dazzling environment of which we are all a part; never apart."
Devyn Burgess, Founder of Toad Alley Art
About Me.
My name is Devyn Burgess! It is my desire to create original art, and my honor to craft your vision.
We have not crossed paths on accident. Paint class instructor by day, freelance artist by night, I am always ready to heed the next call of creativity. There is no job is too small, no detail too tedious!
I am dedicated to bringing high-quality art to the community, including murals, pet portraits, photoshoots, and more, all at sustainable prices!
Speaking of sustainability, a portion of every dollar earned by Toad Alley Art will contribute to a non-profit environmental sustainability organization, so you can feel good about buying art! Learn more about my credentials in the timeline below. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
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Many projects are in the works, so check back often for new products or services!
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Thank you for visiting Toad Alley!
My Timeline
2011-2015
Visual Arts
Douglas Anderson School
of the Fine Arts
Art has always called to me. Whether it was painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, I had many phases in my youth where I explored the depths of my abilities, earning recognition and awards in school. This love for creativity in childhood led me to Douglas Anderson, a local fine arts magnet program in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL. This is where my dedication to learning the arts was tested, from acrylics and art history, to photography and printmaking. Although I passed the AP arts exams with flying colors (four being the lowest, on a scale of five), it was not high scores that urged me forward along my path, but my passion for authentic expression.
2015 - 2018
B.S. Degree
University of South Florida
After graduating high school, the demanding rites of adulthood insisted I gain a college education in something I would likely not end up pursuing professionally. So, I earned a 4-year degree (one year ahead of schedule, despite changing my major three times) from the University of South Florida in Tampa. My major is in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, with concentrations in Psychology and Communication. Whew, that's a mouthful. During this time, I learned a lot about the natures and qualities of the human mind and society, which helped me gain a greater understanding of why humans, myself included, create art. However, it was also during my studies that I realized the calling of a licensed therapist profession wasn't for me. Seeking art electives "as a break" from my main studies should have clued me in, but still, I did not quite feel ready to make a name for myself in the art world...
2019
Certification in Clinical & Transpersonal Hypnotherapy
The Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy
Knowing I did not want to continue down the collegiate path, yet still thirsting for a fully fulfilling and satisfying career, it was fate which led me to hypnotherapy. The Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, conveniently located in Tampa, is the nationally accredited institute through which I became certified in Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, after seven months and 500+ hours of training and study. It was during these studies when I made great strides in my personal inner life, undergoing a massive transformation through the very hypnotherapy I was practicing. I made the decision to answer the call from my childhood, when I would express myself, authentically and without abandon, through art.
2020- ???
Toad Alley Art!
Mere months after completing my hypnotherapy certification, something big happened. I'll give you three guesses, but you're only going to need one... (Hint: look at the year.)
Amidst the chaos and confusion (and the quiet of quarantine) I was given a chance to think about what I really wanted from life. Through many moments of grace, I secured a position at a local paint-and-sip studio teaching insanely fun art classes! With a stable trickle of income, and a feeling that anything is possible, I decided it was finally time to dedicate myself full-time to honing my artistic capabilities.
Toad Alley Art is the result of many years of development, for what began humbly as gifts for family and friends, has now become a dedication to the many skillsets I am proud to offer. If you have met me personally, chances are you're familiar with my favorite catchphrase... "I wear many hats!"