My Artist;Tatiana Kolaj

So I grew up in small town Monroe New York. I left when i was 11 but kept in touch with all my friends. One person I've known for almost as long as I can remember is Tatiana Kolaj. She has grown up to be an amazing woman and an even more amazing artist. Here is an interview I've done with her and some photos of her art.

Tatiana Kolaj

When did you first realize you were into art?
--I realized as soon as I entered the kindergarten art room and smelled the aroma of art supplies. From there on I knew it was my passion.

Have you taken classes or workshops to enhance the talent?
--No, I have not taken any outside classes, only participated in majoring in art my Senior Year.

What kind of art exactly do you do? Painting, sketching, sculpture?
--Well I love to do it all, but what I do most is sketch with either pen or pencil, only because its the most accessible form of art, you don't really need too many supplies. But when I have the space, time and supplies, I do indulge in painting and maybe some 3d work.

Have you participated in any art shows? If so what was the outcome?
--Yes, I have participated in an art show held by my school, Monroe-Woodbury. It was kind of exhilarating, and to have my bevy of work to be shown on display was a great honor. I also participated in a chair auction for my school, using a found table and painting a famous piece upon it. The outcome was I felt pretty accomplished, my table sold, life was good!

Where do you find inspiration?
--Inspiration! Such an important aspect to creating art, without inspiration I don't know how I'd do it. But I get most of my inspiration from music greats like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Velvet Underground,The Beatles,Janis Joplin and even contemporary artists like Kid Cudi, Radiohead, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Lady Gaga! Also fashion is big inspiration for me, I get my fill magazines, specifically Nylon. Basically, you can get inspiration from anything and when you do you have to quickly get it down.

Can you just start drawing or painting whenever you want, or is it something that has to come to you?
--Yeah, usually I can just feel the vibe of what I want to draw, doesn't always have to be like something obvious, but I just feel it out and let it flow onto the paper. But music does really ignite a part in my mind that kick starts the imagination flow.

Who are some artist that you look up to or have inspired you in your own talent?
--Salvador Dali, is one of my greatest inspirations, he's a surreal artist and I just love all of his works. And everything he does might have been a little crazy but it works and I love that about him. His work is great.

Do you see a correlation between art and fashion?
--Oh yeah, at least for me, I think Fashion and Art go hand in hand. You need art to inspire you to create fashion, both really go well together. I mean I myself use fashion to create art, it inspires me. I love Fashion and Art!

Where would you like to take your art in terms of your future?
--In terms of my future, I'd like to take art with me. I plan on getting into either the fashion industry or doing illustration for magazines, or graphic design. Either way, art is my passion and If I didn't pursue that passion, I think it'd be a big mistake.

Some art for the eyes!







XO Dani M.