I started the "Artista Spotlight" (Artist Spotlight) because of my love for all things artistic and creative and there were just so many natural chicas I was running across that have immense talent, that I couldn't help but want to feature them and their work on the blog!
Today's Artista Spotlight is focused on Tamara Natalie Madden and to say she is talented would be an understatement! As always, I'll let the artist's words and work speak for themselves : )
Meet Tamara Natalie Madden
What sparked your interest in art?
I've had an interest in art since childhood. At age 5, I saw some of my first drawings outside of a book, and I was very fascinated. My uncle drew pictures in graphite and would carve sculptures from time to time to sell at the market.
I drew pictures throughout my childhood and when I came to America, I had the pleasure of being able to take art classes in school. I didn't begin my career as a professional until 2001.
HOPE by Tamara Natalie Madden
So we've noticed you're a natural chica too...what's your natural hair story? : )
I rocked natural hair throughout my childhood. None of my family members cared about relaxers when I was growing up on the Jamaican countryside. I got a relaxer during my early teen years while here in the US. By the time I was 19, I was sick of the relaxer. I didn't feel like it enhanced my beauty in any way and I was tired of looking like everyone else. I cut my hair off in 1996, when I was 21. When I rocked a natural, it was not cool, at least not until Lauryn became popular. People associated me with her simply because I was brown and had big hair. Sadly, it was only because they didn't have any other examples of black women with natural hair.
It's nice to see so many sista's accepting their natural hair and conforming less.
How long does it usually take for you to finish one of your pieces (referring to your paintings)?
It varies. It often depends on the size and intricacy of the painting, and sometimes the amount of distraction that I have to deal with. On average I can produce 5 paintings a month, but sometimes I produce less. In general, I'm quite prolific.
DIGNIFIED by Tamara Natalie Madden
Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
I'm inspired by everyday people, particularly those that don't have a voice. Here's a snippet from my art statement. I began my current series on a whim. I had always felt a connection to everyday folk, the working class, the unseen and unheard, the true warriors of our time. I realized, however, that many people, who may have suffered through a similar struggle, did not want to revisit those struggles so I decided to turn my ideas inside out. Inspired, by the golden period of Gustav Klimt and images of royalty from Egypt and West Africa; I decided to turn regular folk into kings and queens. It seemed to be the only way to allow them to be represented and appreciated for who they were intrinsically; kings, queens and warriors who never had a chance to shine, their ragged clothes and despondent appearance setting the tone for others to judge them. -Tamara Natalie Madden
MAJESTIC by Tamara Natalie Madden
What are your overall goals for your work?
Hopefully the work will inspire people, however; I create from my heart and my work affects people in different ways. Once I create the art, the feelings that others get from it is out of my hands.
UNMASKED by Tamara Natalie Madden
Is your work available for sale? If so, where can one purchase your work?
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I guess my mantra says it all. I got it from my best friend when I was 17; she gave it to me on a rock. She was headed to Yale, and I wasn't quite sure where I was headed.
Anyhow, I held on to those words while I followed my dreams. Enjoy!
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Also, please look for my work in the December 09/January 10 issue of Upscale magazine.
I started the "Artista Spotlight" (Artist Spotlight) because of my love for all things artistic and creative and there were just so many natural chicas I was running across that have immense talent, that I couldn't help but want to feature them and their work on the blog!
Today's Artista Spotlight is focused on Tamara Natalie Madden and to say she is talented would be an understatement! As always, I'll let the artist's words and work speak for themselves : )
Meet Tamara Natalie Madden
What sparked your interest in art?
I've had an interest in art since childhood. At age 5, I saw some of my first drawings outside of a book, and I was very fascinated. My uncle drew pictures in graphite and would carve sculptures from time to time to sell at the market.
I drew pictures throughout my childhood and when I came to America, I had the pleasure of being able to take art classes in school. I didn't begin my career as a professional until 2001.
HOPE by Tamara Natalie Madden
So we've noticed you're a natural chica too...what's your natural hair story? : )
I rocked natural hair throughout my childhood. None of my family members cared about relaxers when I was growing up on the Jamaican countryside. I got a relaxer during my early teen years while here in the US. By the time I was 19, I was sick of the relaxer. I didn't feel like it enhanced my beauty in any way and I was tired of looking like everyone else. I cut my hair off in 1996, when I was 21. When I rocked a natural, it was not cool, at least not until Lauryn became popular. People associated me with her simply because I was brown and had big hair. Sadly, it was only because they didn't have any other examples of black women with natural hair.
It's nice to see so many sista's accepting their natural hair and conforming less.
How long does it usually take for you to finish one of your pieces (referring to your paintings)?
It varies. It often depends on the size and intricacy of the painting, and sometimes the amount of distraction that I have to deal with. On average I can produce 5 paintings a month, but sometimes I produce less. In general, I'm quite prolific.
DIGNIFIED by Tamara Natalie Madden
Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
I'm inspired by everyday people, particularly those that don't have a voice. Here's a snippet from my art statement. I began my current series on a whim. I had always felt a connection to everyday folk, the working class, the unseen and unheard, the true warriors of our time. I realized, however, that many people, who may have suffered through a similar struggle, did not want to revisit those struggles so I decided to turn my ideas inside out. Inspired, by the golden period of Gustav Klimt and images of royalty from Egypt and West Africa; I decided to turn regular folk into kings and queens. It seemed to be the only way to allow them to be represented and appreciated for who they were intrinsically; kings, queens and warriors who never had a chance to shine, their ragged clothes and despondent appearance setting the tone for others to judge them. -Tamara Natalie Madden
MAJESTIC by Tamara Natalie Madden
What are your overall goals for your work?
Hopefully the work will inspire people, however; I create from my heart and my work affects people in different ways. Once I create the art, the feelings that others get from it is out of my hands.
UNMASKED by Tamara Natalie Madden
Is your work available for sale? If so, where can one purchase your work?
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I guess my mantra says it all. I got it from my best friend when I was 17; she gave it to me on a rock. She was headed to Yale, and I wasn't quite sure where I was headed.
Anyhow, I held on to those words while I followed my dreams. Enjoy!
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Also, please look for my work in the December 09/January 10 issue of Upscale magazine.
