Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Hamilton.
Hi Tiffany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been an artist for as long as l can remember. Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve drawn, doodled, and otherwise created. Art is the air I breathe. I never imagined becoming an artist; it’s simply who I am. I am an artist because I need to be. Art was only something I could turn into a career if it were teaching. We’ve all heard at some point that it’s “not a real job.” So, I put it out of my mind for a long time. I created it for myself because I needed to make it. Several years ago, shortly after my son was born, I started experimenting with painting horseshoe crab shells. I would paint these intricate mandala designs on them. I shared them on my Facebook page, and everyone told me I should put them in art fairs. So I did. I applied to a local arts and crafts fair and set up a booth to show off my work. I never imagined that that first fair would turn my passion into something I could do to make a living. But it sparked a desire that has been burning bright ever since, and I don’t think it’s going out anytime soon.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
No, it has not. My greatest challenge has always been my imposter syndrome, the idea that I’m not “enough” to be able to call myself a true artist. It’s sometimes been challenging to come over and continue putting myself out there. I am fortunate and extremely grateful to have people in my corner whose belief in me never wavers.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I gravitate towards the strange, magical, and surreal; my dreams and meditations inspire me with a lot of symbolism in my work. Art is my means of communication. It’s how I connect with myself and the world around me. I often struggle to find the words to express all I see and feel, but through my art, I can process and get it out there and not hold it inside. A few years ago, I was meditating, and a blue figure appeared in my mind’s eye; it was obvious that this figure was my inner self, my soul’s avatar. I continued seeing her during meditations for a while, and eventually, it became clear that I needed to paint her to bring her to life. And so, Peaches was created. She evolved into a little aquamarine alien whose adventures through the cosmos are documented in my art.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m so fortunate to have a whole tribe of people who encourage me to find my path and never give up on my dreams—folks who celebrate every little victory and cheer me on wholeheartedly. I don’t know what I would do without them. They keep me going when I doubt myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ Thirdeyepeach
