Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Armstrong.
Tess, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve had a passion for art for as long as I can remember. I come from a family of artists. My dad is a cartoonist, and my mom is a fashion designer. I consider myself very fortunate that they’ve always encouraged my creativity.
In high school, I dabbled in as many art and creative elective as I could, like photography, video production, and graphic design, which I learned I had a knack for. I graduated college with a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design, but I always came back to hand illustration and painting.
One day my fiancé convinced me to start an Instagram page for my artwork. Slowly but surely things started to take off from there.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I paint women of color in a way that’s not usually seen in mainstream contemporary art. My inspiration comes from pin-up models, bright colors, and the beauty of black women. I admire so many contemporary artists, but I’ve noticed a lack of representation when it comes to black women.
I wish I saw more cute and quirky black women in the artwork I admired growing up, so I try to be that change. When I’m at an art show or market, and someone sees herself or a friend in one of my pieces it can be a very powerful moment. I’ve received hugs and even tears of joy from people who finally see someone with their skin tone in a whimsical art style. We’ve come a long way when it comes to representation but based on some of the responses I get I can tell we still have a long ways to go.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
Speaking from my own experience social media has definitely made it easier to have a platform and connect with other artists in our community. So many opportunities for me have opened up simply by connecting with fellow artists.
I think one of the best things cities like ours can do to help artists thrive is listen to their art communities. Learn what’s working and what’s not working when it comes to art events, mural projects, and other resources.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can check out my work on Instagram @tessarmstrongart. I update my Instagram bio anytime I am participating in an art show or market.
You can purchase my work on my Etsy page of the same name, TessArmstrongArt.
If you’re in San Diego, you can find some of my work at Soul Flow Studio or Little Dame Shop.
I’m hosting an event called SPELLBOUND at Soul Flow Studio on October 28th – https://www.facebook.com/events/1823682401043235/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TessArmstrongArt?ref=shop_sugg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessarmstrongart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessarmstrongart/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/events/1823682401043235/
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