Today we’d like to introduce you to Winnifred Tataw.
Winnifred, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my art journey when I was just seven or eight years old. My parents always encouraged and support my artistic dreams and work. I have always had them (and my younger brother) as my personal cheerleaders. Any art show exhibition I’ve had, they’ve been there. I think that’s one reason why my work always feels so loving and personal. Because I have always had loving people around me I and my artwork got to feed off.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part…no. I’m just kidding! It has been a reasonably smooth road for my artwork and artmaking. Most of the time, when I struggle with my craft, it’s always internally. Whether it’s my vision not being realized, or my colors, textures, etc., I’m always my biggest enemy of progress. Lucky, I usually know when to step back and let myself and my work rest. In recent years this has helped me create better work that I love and enjoy making.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love talking about art! Whether it be a mine or not! I specialize in drawing and painting. Ever since I was a high schooler, I have been captivated by the essential unreality of female beauty norms. What started as a desire to create imperfect, beautiful women soon became a cascade of passion for nature and the feminine form. They were leaving me with only a sense of hope and the possibility of a new beginning. My work explores the relationship between one’s spirit and conditions of femininity. With influences as diverse as Alphonse Maria Mucha to Georgia O’Keeffe, I love to find new meanings for the transparent and implicit relations of what we see as beauty. I would say what I am most proud of usually is whatever is my most recently finished art piece. Right not, that would be my senior art thesis I showcased in mid-April. It was called “The G.L.O.R.Y. Goddess.” I won’t dive too far into it, just that it was predominantly a love letter to my mother and all mothers who can genuinely be regarded as goddesses. What sets me from others, well I don’t know! I think that is for others to decide when they meet me in person or at my work. But if I must give an answer, it would be my love for what I do and how I show “me” through my work.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
“It’s okay to make mistakes and start over.” I think more about my craft over everything, and I used to think the “finished” product could stay like that. But it doesn’t, and I can always rework and remake a piece I don’t love or feel is working for me anymore. And that’s okay and a part of growing as an artist. Your work can grow and change just as much as you do.
Contact Info:
- Email: winsartistry@gmail.com
- Website: www.winsartistry.com
- Instagram: @winsartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WinsArtistry
Image Credits
Winnie Tataw
