We were lucky to catch up with Tommesha Holt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tommesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

Generally, I would describe my hero as the numerous matriarchal figures in my life due to the various examples they have set for me. They’ve taught me to live life as I see fit for myself at any given time and to understand that not everything is linear or a fairytale, but to embrace the beauty of that. Witnessing the diversity of their experiences and stories has profoundly influenced both my art practice and my life, which frequently involves an exploration of identity and a rebellion against societal norms.

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.

My name is Tommesha Holt (she/her), a visually-based artist who grew up in Southern California. As a child, I was interested in making and creating things, but I was officially introduced to photography in high school. Up until my second semester of undergrad, I thought I wanted to be a doctor. My high school offered an Advanced Pre-Med course, but because I transferred that year, it was too late in the semester to enroll. So, my advisor added me to a Visual Imagery (Photography) class. I loved the class, and with my first job, I invested in a camera.

Throughout college, I enjoyed creating art that often questioned certain aspects of life as well as celebrated others. I believe this dynamic of exploration and celebration of things that relate to the various aspects of my identity will continue to be a part of my artistic journey.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I would say liberation. I aim to create art that shines a light on aspects of our lives that may not receive the celebration they often deserve. I like to think that even in topics that may be a bit heavy, there’s always an undertone of hope.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist for me is the people I get to meet in the process. Whether they are subjects for a particular project, fellow artists, or even art consumers, I truly appreciate all those moments where I get to spend time and build those connections. I have the most fun, particularly during the times I photograph, because I’m usually shouting affirmations at the person in front of my camera.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tommeshaholt.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommeshaholt/?hl=en

Image Credits
Tommesha Holt