Tanya Aubut Interview
Tanya Aubut is a mixed media artist from QC, Canada. I came across Tanya through Milan Art Institute and truly fell in love with her very expressive, fun and vibrant art style.
I spoke to Tanya about her art, inspirations, process and more and she gave some valuable advice for those who want to get into art. Check out her interview below!
Nadine: How did you get into art? Do you come from a creative family?
Tanya: My passion for art really came from my grand mother! She comes from a family of artists, from painters to writers! When I was a kid I remember that we spent so much time together coloring, painting and doing all kinds of arts & crafts! I feel so blessed that she shared her talent, passion and knowledge with me! I will always cherish that.
N: You studied at Milan Art Institute. How was that experience and what are some of the things you discovered about yourself through that time that you don’t mind sharing?
T: Milan Art Institute was a life changer for me. Really! I learned so much about myself and what I truly want in life. It made me realize that it was possible to live from my art and just completely changed the mindset I had about being an artist! During the program it was a bit difficult for me to face my fears and really get to know myself better. I have discovered that I am so much more capable than I thought and that my words and ideas have value. This was a big breakthrough for me, in my art and in my life.
N: How would you describe your art style? What would you like viewers/collectors take away from your work?
T: I’m not sure if I can put my art in one category, but I like to think of it as a mix of pop abstract-street art! Haha these are my favorite "styles" of art and I love mixing some of these elements in my own paintings! I relate a lot to art styles that are free and loose, that gives you that feeling of freedom and a lot of energy! So looking at my work I hope you feel that good and vibrant energy; that it makes you feel free and empowered! I want my art to inspire people to be true to themselves and be unique without fears! Thats the best gift you can make to yourself.
N: Walk us through a day in your life.
T: I mostly start my day in the studio with a coffee (so important!) I love doing some sketches and doing admin things (emails, posting on social media etc.) in the morning because it clears my mind for the rest of the day! Then I take a break for lunch and if I don't have any clean up, appointments or things to do I just go back in my studio! In the afternoon is where I get most of the work done on my current work in progress. I love to work on a lot of pieces at the same time, like 5 or 6. It just keeps me super productive and this way I have always something to work on! ☺️ The rest of the day is usually time where I relax, spend time with my boyfriend, and make my sources for future pieces; recharging for the next day!
N: What is your art process? Do you change it up from time to time?
T: My process always changes a little bit depending on the piece I am working on or the surface I use! But mostly I start with acrylic washes, then add a thin layer of modeling paste on top of that and when it's dry I go back in with spray paint and acrylics, adding expressive marks, splashes and vibrant colors! When that is dry this is where I add my collage. For that I use all kind of papers; made by myself or paper I find at the store, wrapping, etc! Anything with a cool pattern or imagery is good to do collage! When that is done I create a reference digitally with an app called "Pixelmator" that allows me to try different composition and subjects and find what's best for this piece! The rest of the process is about sketching in the portrait with graphite, pastels and markers, being really expressive with it. Then I go on top of that with acrylics and oils to render everything really good and make my subject stand out! This is really about layering a lot of materials and techniques ☺️
N: How important are your surroundings when creating? Any tips for creating a perfect creative zone?
T: The most important thing for me I would say is having a table to put my paint on and an easel to put my canvas. Other than that I think if you want to create you will create, no matter what is going on around you! Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes not. I can paint in silence or while having a conversation, it just depends at what stages the painting is. If I'm doing the last details I surely appreciate a calm environment because you need to focus more but if I'm in the first messy layers, then it doesn't matter if there's a party around me 😂
N: Does music play a role in your art? What do you like to listen to when you create?
T: Yes!!! I get so much inspiration from music and lyrics! I really enjoy listening to dance music, which gives me energy and puts me in a good mood instantly! Other styles I like are Rap, hip-hop, pop, anything that is positive and has a good beat is good for me really haha! A few of my favorites are Imanbek, Tupac, Dua Lipa, Fouki, Tiesto, Coldplay... etc!
N: What tips can you give to an aspiring artist?
T: I would say 3 things:
Be patient
Keep pushing
and Don't quit!
Even though some days are going to be hard and you will start doubting yourself, PLEASE keep going! Being an artist is the most beautiful thing in the world, but you will get a lot of "nos", critics and other things you have no control on. And you will doubt yourself and choices more than once. I know it sounds bad but this is just part of the process and that will just make you grow stronger. The difficulties are part of the process and you need to embrace it. The mistakes you will make are normal and you need to make them in order to learn and grow! So even if you feel like it doesn't work some days, I want you to keep doing your thing, focus on what makes you happy and keep giving it your 100%. This is what will make the difference; consistency and hard work is what will make you go far! If you feel like you have something to say, something to share, don't let anything or anyone stop you from doing it! You got this.
Thank you so much Tanya!
Follow Tanya on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tanyaaubut
Visit his website: www.tanyaaubut.com