Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tania Torres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tania, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve ever had the privilege to work on is undoubtedly the children’s book titled ‘Time with T & Bernie.’ This project is deeply personal to me, and the backstory behind it adds layers of significance to its creation.

The idea for ‘Time with T & Bernie’ came from a heartfelt conversation with my best friend, Kevin Ly. We both share a unique bond rooted in our experiences with our immigrant parents, and we discussed how my dream of creating a children’s book should be rooted in something personal. Our fathers, whom we dearly loved and admired, had also experienced profound losses during their childhoods, and we couldn’t help but wonder how different their journeys might have been with the guidance and comfort of a resource like this children’s book.

Kevin and I co-hosted an exhibition for Kevin’s project, Letters to Parents, asking people: What is something you wish your parents would have told you? When creating the theme, he decided a children’s room would allow for a calming space for people to reflect on their memories with family and childhood. I helped create mock children’s book covers and art for the walls, and thus, the first version of Time with T & Bernie was born.

As we delved into the project, we immersed ourselves in our own childhood memories, grappling with the absence of our fathers and the challenges we faced in understanding and navigating grief at such tender ages. ‘Time with T & Bernie’ became not just a creative endeavor but a labor of love, compassion, and healing. We aimed to create a story that would have resonated with our younger selves, offering solace, empathy, and the message that they were not alone in their feelings.

The process of writing and illustrating this book was both cathartic and heartwarming. Every page, every character, and every word held a piece of our own journeys and the unspoken conversations we wished our fathers could’ve had when they were young. It became a tribute to their enduring spirits and a source of hope for children facing similar circumstances today.

To us, ‘Time with T & Bernie’ is not just a book; it’s a heartfelt testament to the power of storytelling to heal and connect generations. It’s a legacy we hope to leave behind for those who, like our dads, have experienced loss and grief at a young age without being allowed to talk about pain. This project has allowed us to honor our fathers while extending a hand of understanding and comfort to children who may be going through the same difficult journey. The knowledge that our work might make a difference in someone’s life makes ‘Time with T & Bernie’ the most meaningful and emotionally resonant project I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of. It is still a work in progress that we are hoping to complete next year.

Tania, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Tania, also known as Goopy Banana Co, and I’m an artist and illustrator hailing from Southern California. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a penchant for doodling, and over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style. My work often leans towards simplicity and a child-like quality, with a strong focus on creating comforting and cute pieces that resonate with my audience.

As a queer Latinx artist, my journey in the arts has mostly been self-taught. Art was never seen as a realistic professional goal, and I rarely showcased my work to anyone beyond my closest friends. However, through collaboration, dedication, and hard work, I’ve managed to overcome these obstacles and have begun sharing my work online, in galleries, and through art sales.

One of my most significant projects to date was the creation of tak! Studios, a passion project I embarked on with my best friends, Alesan Aboafahe and Kevin Ly. tak! was born out of our desire to create a platform that brings people together across different mediums and skill levels. Through this project, we aim not only to showcase our artistic abilities but also to connect with other artists and creatives who share our passion.

Today, you can find my work on various platforms, including social media, art exhibitions, and merchandise. My art has become a way for me to express myself, connect with others, and hopefully bring a little joy and comfort to those who appreciate my creations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative lies in the profound journey of self-discovery and the connections I’ve forged along the way. As a queer Latinx artist, my path in the arts has been marked by self-teaching and the breaking down of barriers that once seemed insurmountable. It’s immensely satisfying to witness the evolution of my skills and style over the years and to see my work resonate with an audience that finds comfort and joy in what I create.

But perhaps the most fulfilling part of this artistic journey is the opportunity to connect with others who share my passion. Through collaborations and projects like tak! Studios, I’ve been able to bridge the gaps between different mediums and skill levels, uniting with fellow artists and creatives. These connections have not only enriched my own creative process but have also allowed me to contribute to a broader artistic community.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to express myself authentically, to tell my story, and to connect with others on a deep, emotional level through my art. It’s a privilege to share my perspective and experiences with the world, and it brings me immense satisfaction to know that my work can resonate with, inspire, and comfort others on their own life journeys.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, creating the best support system for artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem involves a combination of fostering inclusivity, providing opportunities, and recognizing the inherent value of art in society.

1. Invest in Arts Education: A strong foundation in arts education at all levels is crucial. It not only helps budding artists develop their skills but also fosters an appreciation for art in society. By funding and promoting arts programs, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to explore their creative potential.

2. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Encourage inclusivity within the creative community by actively supporting underrepresented voices and perspectives. Initiatives that prioritize diversity can help break down barriers and ensure that the creative world reflects the richness of our society.

3. Accessible Resources: Provide resources, such as affordable studio spaces, grants, and mentorship programs, to empower artists to pursue their passions without undue financial stress. These resources can serve as a safety net and catalyst for innovation.

4. Recognition and Compensation: Acknowledge that art has intrinsic value and should be compensated accordingly. This involves fair pay for artists, whether through sales, exhibitions, or collaborations. Respecting the economic side of creativity ensures artists can sustain themselves and contribute to the economy.

5. Collaborative Platforms: Foster collaborative platforms and spaces for artists to connect, learn, and share their work. Initiatives like tak! Studios, which aim to bring together creatives from various backgrounds, can help strengthen the creative ecosystem and promote cross-pollination of ideas.

6. Accessible Art Experiences: Make art and creativity accessible to the wider public through exhibitions, public installations, and community engagement. This not only democratizes art but also builds appreciation and support from the community.

7. Mental Health Support: Recognize and address the unique challenges faced by artists and creatives, including mental health concerns. Providing resources and support for their well-being can help them continue to create and thrive.

8. Public and Private Partnerships: Encourage partnerships between public and private sectors to fund art initiatives, cultural events, and public art projects. Collaboration between different stakeholders can amplify the impact of creative endeavors.

9. Promote Entrepreneurship: Support artists in developing their entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to navigate the art market, promote their work, and sustain their creative careers.

10. Celebrate Art as a Catalyst for Change: Highlight the role of art in driving societal change, sparking dialogue, and addressing important issues. Art has the power to provoke thought, challenge norms, and inspire action.

By implementing these strategies and recognizing the vital role of artists and creatives in shaping culture and society, we can create an environment where artistic expression thrives, and the creative ecosystem becomes a vibrant and sustainable part of our communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goopybanana.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goopybananaco/?hl=en