SurfPaints Interview Series
We hand-select individuals from our community to hear the stories behind their designs.
Hi Tam, Welcome to the SurfPaints Interview Series!
1. Can you provide us with a brief background on your journey as an artist and tell us what you're currently working on in the world of art?
I’m a self-taught artist who has been drawing and creating since I could hold a pencil (I’m 51 now). In 2017, I quit my corporate accounting job to become a full-time artist/instructor. I launched a mobile paint & sip business in 2018 and have been instructing ever since. Currently, I'm searching for a brick-and-mortar studio location to bring my love of art and creation to my community.
2. We'd love to know how you came across SurfPaints. What aspects of SurfPaints do you find most appealing or inspiring for your art?
I stumbled upon an ad in my feed and revisited it a couple of times because I wasn’t sure how I wanted to use the products. I love the vibrant colours! Watching video clips of other people’s creations actually inspires me. The options seem endless!
3.Your painted denim has captured our attention. Could you share with us your most favourite project and how you came up with the idea?
While I've painted on clothing before, I typically used regular acrylic paints to achieve the design. The SurfPaints pens have made the process much easier and cleaner! Working with acrylic paint on fabric presents its own challenges (like fabric buckling and bleeding). I haven’t tried them on cotton tees yet, but they work well on denim!
4. Every artist faces unique challenges in their projects. Could you share specific challenges you've encountered in your art projects and how SurfPaints have been a helpful resource in overcoming these challenges?
The denim project was actually a touch-up. A few years ago, I bought a pair of jeans and accidentally sat on a bench covered in sap. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled to discover a giant sap stain on my newest FAVOURITE pair of jeans! Rather than discarding them, I decided to draw a giant pair of lips to cover the stain. I cut off the legs and turned them into my favourite pair of Southern California cut-offs! They’ve become quite the conversation piece. I used the SurfPaints to refresh the colour, and they didn’t disappoint!
5. As an experienced artist, do you have any valuable tips or techniques that you could share with others interested in creating denim projects with SurfPaints?
Apart from advising fellow artists to simply HAVE FUN with it, let your art represent who you are!
Bonus Question:
To inspire others embarking on their painting journey, what message or piece of advice would you like to impart to individuals who are either enthusiastic about trying painting or have already begun their artistic exploration?
Enjoy the creative process. Don’t worry about who likes your work; as long as YOU like it, that’s what matters. Remember what inspired you to create in the first place—hold onto THAT and continue to feel inspired! I became a full-time artist at 47—it’s never too late to chase your dreams!
If you would like to be part of Surfpaints Interview Series, email us at support@surfpaints.com