Meet SheROCKS 2026 Artist: Tori Carlisle (TzoArt)

Rooted in her upbringing in Maryland and a city-centered lifestyle, her work challenges narrow perceptions of urban environments, highlighting them as sites of creativity, movement, and possibility. As an emerging artist with a growing exhibition history, Tori reflects on finding confidence in her voice, learning from Black artists who came before her, and trusting experimentation as a core part of her process.

Q: What first drew you to the inner workings of the mind as a visual artist?

Tori: My first time working exploring the inner workings of the mind started when developing my AP portfolio in high school. My thesis was [about] how mental health affects artists and how they work.

Q: How do you decide which medium, or combination of mediums best brings a concept to life?

Tori: I feel like there is no singular medium that can do that. Only multiple mediums can achieve that, [bringing a concept to life].

Q: Growing up in Maryland and living a city-centered lifestyle, how does your environment shape the stories you want to tell visually?

Tori: Everyday where I live there are stories to tell. No day is the same and I don’t want it to be. Living in a city gives you constant room for inspiration to enter.

Q: You’ve shared your art “aims to bring light to people from urban backgrounds.” What narratives or experiences do you hope viewers see reflected in your pieces?

Tori: I hope that viewers can see that urban places aren’t as bad as they may seem or look on the outside. Urban backgrounds push for creativity and give you a creative outlet.

Q: You recently had your first solo exhibition showcasing your college portfolio. What did that milestone teach you about your voice as an artist?\

Tori: It taught me that being an artist is a passion and that it doesn’t matter what stage of your life you're in, you can inspire those older than you.

Q: What’s a medium or technique you’ve tested recently that surprised you?

Tori: The most recent medium that surprised me was using oil pastels and testing the limits of that.

Q: How do you balance scientific inspiration with emotional storytelling in your art?

Tori: In the past, my work focused more on mental health but as time goes on,  I’ve focused more on human emotions and how that processes through the brain. I find it interesting to focus on a topic that is not really explored.

Q: As a college student, how has your academic journey expanded your understanding or approach to your craft?

Tori: During my academic journey I have learned more about African American art history and the periods of time in art. From this, it’s inspired me to be like the artists before me and make a way for myself.

Rapid Fire: What’s the one art tool or app you can’t go a day without using?

Tori: An app that I cannot go a day without using is Pinterest. Pinterest is filled with ideas and inspiration from all over the world.

Q: As you prepare for the March 2026 SheROCKS event, what part of presenting your work _{excites you the most?}

Tori: The part that excites me the most is having more exposure towards my work and being able to be inspired by other artists as well.