We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tabitha Benedict a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

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

I was in the second grade when I won my first art award for my first life drawing of my hand holding a rose. This became the cornerstone of my knowing that I would be pursuing a creative /artistic path. My talent was then nurtured in the talented and gifted program. I continued to pursue the arts throughout high school collecting newspaper clippings of many awards, recognitions and scholarships. One in particular that I am proud of is the Artistic Discovery Award in 1992. My painting had the opportunity to hang in the U.S. Capitol building for a year alongside other amazing high school artists who had also proceeded to the finals in their U.S. district. I went on to study Commercial Illustration, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY from 1992-1996.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After my collegiate life I continued to pursue whatever I could in the arts, I became a pet portrait artist, sign painter, muralist, furniture painter and a professional faux painter. You name it, I painted it. I loved helping people bring their visions to life and capturing their favorite pets expressions. I was good at translating ideas and envisioning what my clients were looking for. About 7 years ago after taking a long hiatus from the arts to raise my two daughters, I decided to pursue fine art and create my own body of art work. I was highly discouraged to study Studio Arts in College because of the whole starving artist myth, when it really was my true passion. So in 2017 I started my Collection “The Piece of Wild Things” inspired by my grandmother. It was her favorite poem we loved being in nature together and viewing the wildlife at Rogers Environmental Center In Upstate NY where I grew up. The problem when I was first starting out with this collection was trying to come up with my own style/ brand, I had been painting what others wanted me to paint for so long, I had no idea to know where to even begin so I ended up taking my very first abstract class at The Denver Students Arts League in Denver, CO. I figured what better why to loosen the grip and dive in and to start thinking outside the box and it worked because this very class is how I came up with the style I create today with Venetian Plaster. My work is still in evolution but I mainly work in Venetian Plaster, earth pigments, Oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, graphite and charcoal all depending on what kind of effect I am trying to transcribe. My work is said to be calming with a spiritual flare. I have been known to channel past loved ones into my work unbeknownst to me until recently. For about 5 years I was selling my work through outdoor festivals. Many people would stop and stare at my work sometimes with tears in their eyes because a piece had reminded them of someone who had passed away that was near and dear to them, friend or family. My paintings have touched the souls of many in ways I could not have ever imagined, I have had several clients even buy their first original piece. I know will take on a few commissions a year connecting past loved ones with their spirit animal. Other proud moments, my work is now part of the infrastructure in Colorado’s Mental Health Institute in Pueblo. I had the privilege of creating my first public art project for the new reception area in the hospital. I created five 14 foot panels representing the 5 elements water, fire, earth, metal and wood and placed according to the principles of fengshui to create a calming environment for the employees, patients and visitors. My work also holds the honor of being a part of Colorado’s Recovery Card Project. Colorado used grant funds to create a line of free greeting cards for people recovering from opioid addiction and their families. This is also my why, mental health. I am a big advocate for change in mental health, It starts within.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

This leads me into why my work is rewarding, to touch the life of another and reconnect them with past love ones is beyond what I ever imagined. I love being of service to others in this exact way. I plan on developing and canting this genre of creation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Art by itself can teach us resilience and that it is not always going to perfect, mistakes and detours are a part of the journey, it’s all a part of the process. After my divorce 3 years ago, I became a single mom and had to learn how live and provide for myself all over again. I then hit rock bottom immersed in a bad case of Covid, I have had my share of really challenging moments, I have wanted to throw in the towel so many times. But I kept and still keep going despite all the set backs. I know this is what I am supposed to do and thats what it takes to create a hero in a story. Resilience has become my middle name. without the challenges there wouldn’t be growth, discoveries or revolutions. I am grateful for the person I have become today. I strive to be a better role model for the two young women I am raising today. My daughters have been my primary focus and motivators. I have been through the toughest times of my life the past two years and I am not giving up yet. I have had a lot of support from the people around me and I am so grateful, even my previous husband. .

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tabithabenedict.com
• Instagram: @tabitha.benedict.arts
• Facebook: @tabitha.benedict.arts