Let Me Re-Introduce Myself
Hello & welcome! It has been a wild year already, and it still feels like it’s barely begun. With so much going on recently, I thought I should take a moment to slow down and introduce myself. It’s sort of strange, but I’ve never done a digital self-introduction. I just show up and share art…
Well buckle up, because that’s all about to change now! I’m going to tell you all a little about myself and what’s going on in the studio these days.
Firstly, Hello. I’m Tia, a visual artist and North Dakota native. I have been making various forms of art for 15+ years. My creative practice is currently focused in painting, specifically surreal oil paintings. I like to use my art to question common perceptions about the world around us. My purpose as a visual artist is to reflect, conceal, mystify, and inspire. Through my creations, I delve into complex concepts with a spirit of curiosity, unearthing the beauty that so often lies within confusion.
A photo from a recent group show I was a part of
I have always been enchanted by creativity and making things. My passion for art has existed for as long as I can remember.
I enjoy the poetic ambiguity of composing a painting. I get to infuse each piece with truth and meaning that is sincere yet flexible. They are visual metaphors that are entirely up for your interpretation. Pulling from a variety of influences, including art history, pop culture, ancient mythology, and personal observation, my art explores how shared and personal stories overlap. Each piece is an invitation to question, to wonder, and to discover the hidden narratives that connect us all.
While I love expressing myself and my ideas through my art, I’m equally passionate about utilizing art as a means for overall wellbeing. Viewing and creating art are powerful ways to activate your mind. Creativity is good for both your brain and your body, and studies show that viewing original art activates important sensory responses in the brain.
Art is good for you, which is why I’ve been focused on getting out into the community and getting involved in a few new projects that align with this idea.
The People’s Artist.
This national art competition is presented by ArtForum and Johnny Depp. It is a multi-round voting competition with a grand prize of $25,000 plus a feature in ArtForum (a pretty prestigious art publication) and a solo show in a gallery space that focuses on art and wellness in Los Angeles.
Each of those things by themselves would be a dream come true, but all together would be life-changing. Voting for this competition starts May 4th, and I will be posting more information on how to get involved soon, so stay tuned!
I have also been selected to be a part of a local artist showcase at the North Dakota Museum of art called ArtSee. For this event, a handful of artists are selected to exhibit their work and their craft for an evening of art and community engagement. This event is hosted by the GFYPP on May 8th from 5:30-8:30PM. This is a free event with drinks sponsored by Happy Harry’s. It’s going to be a fun event with cool art and even cooler artists, so please stop by and say hi if you are in the area!
Additionally, I’ll be launching the sale of my handmade tote bags exclusively at ArtSee, so if you have been wanting to get your hands on one, this is where to be. If you can’t make it, don’t worry (too much), I have many more fun events on the horizon. To stay updated on all the latest news and happenings, sign up for my newsletter!
