We were lucky to catch up with Tyler Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tyler, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The first time I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally was when I was in high-school going into my senior year. I had awesome art teachers that helped me grow and explore my talents past my comfort zone. My teachers were Mrs. Morris, Mr. Robbins and Mr. Simpson at McCluer North. I loved the way they interacted with us and pushed us artistically. I got to explore drawing, computer graphics, painting, ceramics and independent study classes. These classes let us study master painters and come up with our own projects to use for portfolio reviews to get into college.
Tyler, 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 got into my field by first getting a Bachelors of Science degree in Art Education at Southeast Missouri State. I’ve taught art at various schools and Nonprofit organizations around St. Louis. Not only do I teach, but I also have created murals around the city as an independent artist and with youth. Both STL Artworks and Craft Alliance are where I’ve worked with these youth. My latest mural that I and Stajah Curry created is located on the side of Craft Alliance off Delmar headed towards Kingshighway. When I’m not creating murals, I’m a painter, illustrator, comic book creator and event planner. Me and my team, Echelon 7, put together shows centered around our art, local poets and local musicians (vocally and instrumental) to bring together different art forms in STL. I am always looking for new projects and work around the city to spread art throughout the community.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a creative, the most rewarding aspect is the freedom to make my own path in sharing my creative gifts. I’ve been given the opportunity to create murals for clients, do live painting shows, curate multiple events, create a comics and design my first bus shelter. I love that my ideas and creations are able to liven up the city and aspire other creatives. I also like getting the youth involved and showing them there are possibilities to be successful in the arts.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can help support the arts and creativity by putting money into Arts education, and non profit organizations that help mold youth in a creative direction. Society can also push the importance of creatives since creatives are responsible for the media you consume, the clothes you wear, building design, technology and etc. Creativity is in all facets of any successful civilization, yet we demonize creativity for uniformity instead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.e7tash.com
- Instagram: E7tash
- Facebook: Echelon 7
- Linkedin: Tyler harris
- Twitter: E7tash
- Other: https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/strs-/list?title_no=1015287
Image Credits
A-ron (Dopenessvisuals)