Inspired by nature and her ancestors, Brooklyn-born painter Tara, on Sept. 13, showcased an exceptional collection of paintings, she said, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic when she needed an outlet to create and felt the urge to paint.
The novice painter, however, never knew that by picking up a brush and acrylic would ultimately produce such beauty and diversity in her work and the opportunity to bring her master pieces to the Black Art Matters pop-up art space on Waverly Avenue, in Brooklyn.
Tara told Caribbean Life that one day, something told her to paint. “And of course, I didn’t know how to, but I listened, and I went out and purchased textiles and paints and decided to create for myself as an innovative opportunity and outlet, and then people started seeing my art and wanting to purchase it,” she explained.
Her inventive juices continued to flow, inspiring her to purchase expensive paints, which ultimately motivated her to produce more concepts, like the Honoring Our Ancestors series and the Women Series, which showcases the grace, strength, and beauty of women through fashion form.
“I was just giving myself an opportunity to showcase the beauty within all those sectors, said the artist, mindful of giving art lovers an opportunity to purchase a piece of art less costly. She noted that not everyone can afford an original that costs thousands of dollars.
The self-taught artist creates things she loves, as her five original pieces demonstrate. Her vivid colors in mixed media are transferred onto posters for $40.00 and $25. Her colorful creations also decorate fridge magnets for $20, frames for the home, pocketbooks, and miniature pieces to be shared as gifts. The prices are reasonable.
Considering that Tara has been painting for five years, the collection is professionally done and eye-catching. This sums up her talent, which has been inside her waiting for the opportunity to be tapped since she started as a fashion designer.
“I think painting was always inside of me. I started in fashion and created outfits for most of my career.”
As seen in her work, Tara brought that same inspiration to the paintings showcasing women wearing colorful outfits.
“I take inspiration from the fashion world. There are also moments in life from which I take inspiration. It fuels my creativity.”
The muse for most of her pieces remains the same: her mother and family members, as seen in the frames of ladies wearing multi-colored dresses, headscarves, and hair colors.
“I created a series called Essence, and that takes inspiration from nature,” said Tara, who encountered the Black Art Matters Pop-Up tour on Instagram and felt it was an excellent opportunity for her to spotlight her artwork at the marketplace.
She plans to distribute a Christmas gift collection widely. “I will have prints and magnets available on my website for purchase. Creating and honoring women, specifically, and our ancestors through my art is amazing. That motivates me. Everyone is an artist inside, and hopefully, events like Black Art Matters will bring out their creativity.
When art lovers saw her work and wanted to purchase it, she said, “No, it’s just for me to enjoy.” She responded, “You can’t keep it to yourself. It should be shared,” she added.
“I think the first piece probably took me about 10 hours. Like I said initially, it was for myself.”
Tara’s pieces are available at the art store Make Manifest or on her website, https://www.8taraart8.com/. Interested persons can also follow her on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/8tara.art8/.
