1xRUN Thru Interview
Happy Happy, Joy Joy by Tatiana Suarez
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Tatiana Suarez: This piece was inspired by Ren & Stimpy, which I loved so much growing up. The idea for this piece came about after watching some of their most recent Lost Episodes. These are much grosser, risqué and perverse versions of the show, geared towards adults rather than children. They weren’t as great as the past episodes, but it still sparked inspiration for a a piece. Also, the fact that my dog is the embodiment of Ren, it’s an idea that’s been floating around for while now. The original is no longer available, it sold during Art Basel.
1xRUN: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
Tatiana Suarez: It follows an ongoing theme, which is my interpretation of pop culture fictional characters, from both cartoons and cinema.
1xRUN: When was this piece created and with what materials ?
Tatiana Suarez: The piece was started last year. I put it aside to work towards other shows and just never got around to finishing it until late November for Basel 2013. The original was oil on canvas.
1xRUN: Did you encounter any difficulties with painting this piece? If so how did you overcome them, if not why did the piece move so fluidly?
Tatiana Suarez: No difficulties really. The only bother was that I’d keep putting it aside for such long periods of time. I was always looking at it with a fresh eye, and everything seemed off, so I’d keep starting over. That’s not a bad problem to have — it’s growth.
1xRUN: What is unique about this piece compared with some of your other work?
Tatiana Suarez: This was the first piece in a long time that I started for myself, not for any shows. It was meant to be a fun, experimental piece, full of more expressive brush marks and a complex composition.
1xRUN: Why should people buy this print?
Tatiana Suarez: Buy this print if you loved Ren & Stimpy and feel like reminiscing. Also buy this print if you like chihuahuas, cats & ladies.
1xRUN: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Tatiana Suarez: Toasty.
1xRUN: You recently had a two person show with Craww, were there any collaborative works or was it solo from you each? How did the show go?
Tatiana Suarez: Craww and I both exhibited new bodies of work for our show. We did two collaborations in moleskins, which are still available thru Spoke Art ;) The show was fantastic, it’s always a pleasure to exhibit with artist friends. The turn out was great and I got to meet lots of great, talented people!
1xRUN: You made the move back from Brooklyn to Miami, how has that affected your work? Are you glad to be back home?
Tatiana Suarez: Missing New York a bit, but not during these frigid times. I’m so glad to be home, it’s been a great move — a positive one. The most important thing has been the quality of life down here. I’m feeling better, so it definitely affects my work for the best.
1xRUN: You were also down at Art Basel 2013 this year, what were you getting into while you were down there?
Tatiana Suarez: I took this year off from painting any murals so I could enjoy Basel week! That week is complete madness and it seems impossible to check everything out. I was able to attend some awesome local artist’s shows and a fair. Scope and Wynwood Walls were my favorites.
1xRUN: Aside from that, what else have you been up to over the past 2-3 months?
Tatiana Suarez: I was able to attend the opening of our ‘Through the Veil’ show with Spoke Gallery in SF which was a pleasant little vacation. When I got back home, I focused on finishing up my giant mural in Downtown Hollywood, which has been the largest mural I’ve worked on to date. Right now I’m just working on finishing up some commissions as well as some group show pieces.
1xRun: Where can people find you?
Tatiana Suarez: Website – Facebook – Twitter + Tumblr + Instagram @tatunga
-1xRUN