We recently connected with Tara Kelley-Cruz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tara, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
In the early days of my art practice, I found myself getting stuck in my paintings a lot. I would reach a certain point in the process of making a painting, and then would not be able to move forward or resolve the piece because of fear of losing what was already good about the work. I had a mountain of unresolved work and felt like a failure. This became debilitating and it was a challenge that threatened to end my hope of continuing as an artist.
To combat this, I changed my mindset. Instead of focusing on creating a finished painting, I now embrace the journey, which means experimentation, play, and basically lightening up! Now I have fun in the studio, and relish the process of play and risk taking. This way of working creates joy in my practice, and I think it shows in the work.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have always had a dream of becoming a full-time studio artist. I earned BFA degree in printmaking, through which I developed a love of process in my artmaking. I also fell in love with typesetting and fonts. I then went on to become a graphic designer for 27 years, continuing my love of fonts and composition. Now in my art career, I am taking my background in printmaking and graphic design, adding the texture element. I love the textures that can be created by the paint and various mark making tools.
My paintings are layered with ephemera, marks, paint. I sand into it, revealing earlier layers .I am building up a history. The painting becomes a being with its own background. Its own “baggage” so to speak. It’s own worldview.
I’m working on loosening up, and going larger. I can see now that in my life, there have been no detours – only experiences that enrich me and my work.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Artists are an important part of the culture of a city. Support for artists can come in many forms. Purchasing original artwork from local artists is a great way that individuals can help foster an artist’s career. On a larger scale, help can come through city ordinances. When artists and galleries are pushed out of a neighborhood due to increasing rent and taxes, that neighborhood loses a large part of its soul. Cities should offer protection for art galleries and other art-related businesses in designated “Art Districts” and in other parts of town. That protection can come in the form of tax breaks for qualifying businesses, grants, or other safeguards that are aimed at preserving art and culture in the city.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As opposed to painting something that exists in the physical world, I see my art as a depiction of emotion. Often, viewers point out objects that they think are in my paintings, and I love hearing these perspectives and the stories they conjure in people. I love the subjective nature of the viewing experience. But my aim in creating art is to make something like visual poetry, that has an emotional impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tarakelleycruz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarakelleycruz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tkcmixedmedia