We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tatyana Champion a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tatyana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
As I reflect on my multidimensional art career, there’s a part of me that wishes I had embarked on this journey much sooner. The thought of the artistic growth and exploration that could have unfolded fills me with such a sense of longing tempered by determination. Though I can’t change the past, I find solace in knowing that each moment offers new opportunities for creative expression and evolution. With every brushstroke and digital creation, I embrace the present, infusing my art with the wisdom gained from my journey thus far. The unfolding chapters of my multidimensional art career are a testament to the timeless pursuit of creativity, transcending the boundaries of time and circumstance. I’m just grateful to embrace the opportunity to hone my craft.
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.
People refer to me as Tyana or MelaniinGoddess, originally from Charlotte, NC and currently residing in Houston, TX. I’m a multifaceted artist and full spectrum doula with a passion for creativity and holistic care. Beginning my artistic journey in high school as a therapeutic outlet, I have since cultivated a diverse skill set spanning painting, digital art, graphic design, and soon, tattoo artistry. I am also an adept host of sip and paint parties, a poet, short story writer, photographer, and dancer, demonstrating a remarkable versatility across various artistic mediums. In addition to my artistic pursuits, I serve the community as a full spectrum doula, providing crucial emotional support and mental health services to pregnant women in the diaspora, while also offering the unique service of creating placenta prints. With a deep commitment to flexibility and adaptability in my artistic endeavors, I embrace the ever-evolving nature of creativity.
For more insights into my vibrant portfolio and holistic approach, visit my Instagram profile: @melaniingoddess_.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is in my opinion, such a highly regarded book for nurturing creativity and overcoming creative blocks.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
1. Provide recognition and appreciation by acknowledging the value of art and artists in society. Encourage public appreciation through exhibitions, performances, and events.
2. Provide Financial Support including grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities for artists to pursue their work without financial strain.
3. Create affordable studio spaces, rehearsal rooms, and workshops where artists can practice, collaborate, and experiment.
4. Offer arts education programs in schools and communities to nurture artistic talent from a young age and provide professional development opportunities for artists to enhance their skills.
5. Facilitate connections between artists, organizations, and patrons to foster collaboration, share resources, and create opportunities for growth.
6. Ensure that artists are compensated fairly for their work, whether through sales, commissions, performances, or royalties.
7. Provide promotion and exposure platforms for artists to showcase their work, such as galleries, theaters, online platforms, and public spaces, to reach wider audiences.
8. Cultural advocacy for policies that support the arts, including funding for cultural institutions, preservation of cultural heritage, and integration of art into public spaces.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Melaniingoddess_
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Buedha Bass/ Jarod Bullard