The first in a series of interviews with our newly appointed Artist Ambassadors Board, we caught up with Tasia Graham, UK based digital artist and painter.
Q: Could you start by introducing yourself to our community?
Hello All! I'm a freelance illustrator and a recent graduate from the University of Arts London, UK specialising in narrative illustration. I work in traditional and digital mediums focusing on different experiences and topics, ranging from real life experiences to conceptual spirituality. I’ve worked with independent writers, magazine editorials and various other brands helping to create a story from imaginative ideas. My work features black expressionism, womanhood and culture.
Q: How long have you been on Artfinder and what has been your experience so far?
I have been on Artfinder for six months after being contacted for Grad Week 2021. I have had amazing support from the team, being featured on their instagram and asked to attend an artist talk with the staff members, where I talked about my craft, and why I became an artist. I have now sold a handful of digital prints and have had amazing feedback from the community and great reviews!
Q: What made you want to become an artist?
I’ve always had a vivid imagination, I watched cartoons and read stories as a child, but I soon realised none of the characters looked like me. So I began to create my own. This was the start of my self expression and the black female expression. Which then manifested into my drawings, paintings and so forth. around 15 years old my love for art began and I started to take my art more seriously. I would paint landscapes in my spare time and re-create characters from my favourite cartoon shows. During secondary school I was very close with my art teacher, she pushed me to study art in further education, studying digital arts, graphic design and photography, where I found illustrator and photoshop. Now I could zoom into imagery and really go into detail and play around with colour! It was great. Once I found my niche I went onto study illustration and visual media at UAL London, and I’ve kept going ever since!
Q: What does the Artfinder community mean to you?
The Artfinder community challenges me to take my art seriously as a professional artist and to explore new ways to create. I have found other artists to be an inspiration for me, learning about other perspectives and journeys helps me grow as an artist. It’s nice to feel included with like minded people. And to know that pursuing art is not a fairytale dream!
Q: What do you hope to achieve by being part of the Ambassadors Board?
I enjoy learning about my craft and meeting new creatives so I hope to meet all the ambassadors and hopefully learn more about Arfinder and the art community. I hope to make the brand feel more inclusive, whilst also contributing to the community by talking about my experiences and giving a platform to POCs who wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so.
Q: What project/artwork are you currently working on?
I am working on a very special collection titled “Floral,” starting with my newest and largest painting, “I Find My Ground In Earth” which was created and featured in Goya designs Studios London, in their "Place" exhibition.
This year I'm starting to explore my style in different mediums, beginning with a new series of paintings. (I haven't painted since 2018 and this series brought my love for painting back!) The Floral collection is all about nature, femininity and womanhood. This particular piece is a metaphorical interpretation of my personal connection to nature. As I grow, my idea of womanhood slowly shifts and turns, and I wanted to explore my thoughts through visual artistry. As you look into the painting your eyes may be drawn to the flowers, branches and leaves. As you begin to wonder you start to notice other elements such as the figure in the foreground and her reflection. This piece is designed to allow you to see the world through my eyes and take you through a journey of self-exploration from a black woman's perspective.
Q: If you could only use one art supply for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would stick to my traditional medium, painting. I have found painting to be therapeutic, but also challenging the ways I can create as there are so many ways to use paint brushes and paint such as watercolour, oil, acrylic, layering etc. I have found a love for digital arts, however my heart would feel more content painting for the rest of my life.
Q: Do you have a final message for our community?
Firstly, I would like to give a big thank you to the Artfinder staff and community for supporting my craft as an artist and allowing me to explore new ideas and experiences through art. I would also like to say a big hello to the ambassadors. And to the Artfinder community, please allow me to introduce you to my world of imagination through my artistic practice and I hope to meet/chat with you at my exhibition shows one day!
