We recently connected with Alexander Tamahn and have shared our conversation below.

Alexander , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

While I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally, I do remember the moment I was ready to take the leap. From a young age, I had a natural affinity for art and performance, and while that talent was nurtured to some extent, I grew up in the 90s and early 2000s—a time when the intersection of creativity and technology wasn’t as vibrant as it is today. Although I was passionate about the arts, I couldn’t yet see a clear, sustainable career path for myself.

Fast forward to the end of an almost eight-and-a-half-year tenure in adolescent addictions counseling. By then, I was already moonlighting as a performer in professional musical theater productions, exhibiting in art shows, and securing regular commissions. I had facilitated creative workshops for hundreds of young people in one of the world’s largest contemporary art competitions. Late nights were spent recording music in studios with talented friends and major artists. It became clear that there was real viability in betting on myself.

For years, I knew I wanted to be sustained by my passion for art rather than confined to a restrictive 9-to-5 schedule. I envisioned a full-time creative practice that reflected the diverse skills I was already known for mastering. By mid-2018, burnout from the mental health field was setting in, compounded by frustrations with the agency I worked for—despite maintaining a wonderful rapport with my clients.

Ironically, it was my clients who gave me the final push. They had listened closely as I encouraged them to identify their goals, talents, and dreams, and many called me out on it. They knew my creative range and had seen firsthand how I wove art into our counseling sessions and facilitated their exposure to the arts. They recognized that I was too talented to keep playing it small and insisted I take my own advice. And so, I did. My last day was January 14, 2019.

Alexander , 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 am a modern day renaissance man. For those who might be hearing about me for the first time, my name is Alexander Tamahn, and I’m a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur. My journey into the creative world began early on, but it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in my adult life that I fully embraced it as my professional path. I started with a natural affinity for both visual art and performance, and over the years, I’ve woven these passions into a cohesive and dynamic career.

I ventured into the world of pole dancing during the pandemic—a time of reflection and reinvention for many of us. What began as a personal exploration quickly evolved into something much more profound. Pole dancing became a medium through which I could challenge societal norms, explore themes of identity, and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. This journey led me to become an active member of communities like Black Girls Pole and Black Men Pole, where I not only train and perform but also teach and collaborate with fellow artists and dancers.

In addition to my work in the pole dancing community, I’m the founder of Alexander Tamahn Design, LLC, where I provide a range of creative services. My work spans large scale public installation, visual and wearable art, performance, curation, creative direction, and more. I’m passionate about merging these disciplines to create work that resonates on multiple levels—whether it’s through sculpture inspired by live pole performance art or visual art that tells narratives of empowerment and self-discovery.

One of the core problems I solve for my clients is helping them express their unique identities through art. Relentless authenticity and radical self nurturance are pillars of my personal and professional ethos. Whether it’s a personal commission, a performance, or a collaborative project, I strive to create work that speaks to the individual experience, blending aesthetic beauty with deep, resonant meaning. What sets me apart is this ability to seamlessly integrate various forms of art, creating work that is both visually striking and emotionally impactful.

I’m most proud of the communities I’ve built and the connections I’ve fostered along the way. From television features and involvement in professional theatre and cabaret productions to global and national brand partnerships, every step of my journey has been about creating meaningful experiences for myself and those around me.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, what I want you to know is that my work is a reflection of a deeply personal journey, one that invites you to explore your own identity and push the boundaries of what art can be. I’m here to collaborate, to inspire, and to create work that not only captures your vision but also challenges you to see the world—and yourself—in a new light.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound sense of agency and autonomy it provides. As a creative, I have the freedom to express my thoughts, emotions, and identity on my own terms, without the constraints of societal expectations or external pressures. This autonomy is not just about creating art—it’s about shaping my own narrative, challenging norms, and pushing boundaries in ways that feel authentic to who I am.

But beyond personal fulfillment, what truly drives me is the ability to inspire others through my work. I believe that art has the power to ignite change, to encourage others to explore their own identities, and to embrace their own agency. When I see someone moved by my work, or when I witness a student or fellow artist discovering their own creative voice, that’s when I feel the most rewarded. It’s in those moments that I know my art is not just a reflection of my journey, but a catalyst for others to embark on their own. That, to me, is the ultimate reward—empowering others to find their own autonomy and inspiring them to live boldly and creatively.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

As an artist, I firmly believe that we must never undermine the historical value that artists have brought to society. Throughout history, artists have been the visionaries, the provocateurs, and the storytellers who have shaped culture, challenged norms, and reflected the spirit of their times. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to not only recognize this legacy but to actively create innovative practices and policies that support and sustain the work of artists.

One of the ways we can do this is by developing policies that incentivize and facilitate more sustainable and ethical engagement with the arts. For example, introducing tax incentives for local businesses to exhibit the work of local artists can be a powerful way to integrate art into the fabric of our communities. This not only supports artists financially but also fosters a culture of creativity and appreciation at a grassroots level.

We need to rethink how we engage with art and artists, moving beyond seeing art as merely decorative or secondary, to recognizing it as essential to the vibrancy and well-being of society. By creating systems that encourage ethical engagement and ensure that artists are fairly compensated for their contributions, we can build a future where art is valued not just in words, but in practice. This is about more than just supporting artists—it’s about honoring the role art has always played in advancing our culture and ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alexandertamahn // @alex_with_his_fine_ass

Image Credits

James Wayne; Izia