1xRUN Thru Interview
Clutch by Tatiana Suarez
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this original piece, is the original for sale?
Tatiana Saurez: This piece was created in May of 2013 with oil on wood board. It is sold.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Tatiana Saurez: ‘ Clutch ‘ is a portrait created for Lush Natura, a two person show with works by Jason Levesque and myself at MyPlasticHeart in NYC. This piece is simply a continuation of a common theme of mine – an appreciation & exploration of the juxtaposition between doe-eyed beauties and their loathed critters. I was inspired by my model’s pose and features — and adorned her with a natural selection of jewels made up from a clutch of pearly moth eggs, web and water.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece? How long did it take from start to finish?
Tatiana Saurez: A couple of weeks. It was actually one of the first pieces I started for the show, but had put it on hold for a couple of months while I worked on everything else.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Tatiana Saurez: I think it’s a great quality print, and a striking image. I also plan on adding some simple hand embellishments to each print.
1xRun: Describe the print in one gut reaction word.
Tatiana Saurez: Shine.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Tatiana Suarez: I’ve been doodling since I was a kid. I have no memory of my first piece of art. I do remember the first piece I was proud of! I painted a huge flower with my hands. It’s bright, expressive and is still hanging in my aunt’s home. I also remember painting my dog a lot.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?
Tatiana Suarez: My dad was a big inspiration growing up. Salvador Dali, Disney movies in general. I remember writing a report on Bill Peet in the 6th grade. Tim Burton is also responsible for most of my earlier stuff.
1xRun: What artists inspire you now?
Tatiana Suarez: This question’s always a tough one, there’s so many to list. Gil Elvgren, Chris Sander, Joao Ruas, Glenn Arthur, Audrey Kawasaki and Alphonse Mucha are just a few that get me going now…. my list can go on forever.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
Tatiana Suarez: I’ve got a Spotify playlist I listen to while I’m at the studio – it’s a big ol’ mess of stuff. I prefer some sort of dialogue as background company. Lately it’s been a lot of Spaced, The Walking Dead and American Horror Story. I’ve been starting to get into audiobooks.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Tatiana Suarez: Another tough one. I would love to get down on a mural with with Miss Van, and create a painting with Audrey Kawasaki. Both are very inspirational and beautiful, it would be an honor & a dream of mine. I’d love to paint a mural with Miss Van! Her recent collaboration pieces have been amazing & hauntingly beautiful. I like her subject matter: ladies, critters, and flowy hair, hehe.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Tatiana Suarez: Alphonse Mucha would be cool, his ladies are a big inspiration.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last piece?
Tatiana Suarez: The first was Johnny Robles piece. Yep, it’s sitting loverly in my living room. The last was from Oblvn, a piece called ‘ The 3 Ls”.
1xRun: Where can people find you?
Tatiana Suarez: Website – Facebook – Twitter – Tumblr – more Tumblr – Instagram – @tatunga
-1xRun