Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamela Koshiol.
Tamela, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
For as long as I can remember I’ve always been creative and loved to make things. Some form of art has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until I had a major life changer that art became my salvation. In my late thirties I was diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer – it was pretty bad. My options and chance of survival weren’t good – giving up wasn’t an option. I had a husband and an amazing boy at home. So, I fought! I fought harder than I ever had in my whole life, up to this point. After surgery and almost a year of treatment I wasn’t anyone I remembered or knew. I couldn’t do the things I used to do. I had to recreate myself. This quickly was becoming harder than any treatment could have been. I decided to focus on art. I needed to find a new medium that forced me to be loose and relax.
I worked with an amazing mentor, tried several different painting mediums, and then fell completely in love with oils. It was like someone gave me this gift. I loved everything about it – the creamy feeling as I mixed it on my palette, the smooth long stokes as I put my brush to canvas, and the blurred lines that felt somehow comforting to me. I just wanted to keep learning, painting, and finally I was me – not who I was before, but someone I could be at peace with. I decided to dream again, to share my art, and to share some of that joy and peace with others.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am an abstract impressionist painter who works in acrylic and oil. I live on the east coast of Florida and every piece I paint is a reflection of what I see and what I love. Nature is my release, so I paint a lot of florals and landscapes. Everything for me is very connective, how we connect as family, friends, women; so many things. Colors and places are all memories for me. I choose to paint those memories and places that bring me joy and light. I want to face the light. I want to move forward with my life and my art. I want people to feel that same light when they look at my art. I want it to feel simple and uncomplicated. My greatest hope is that when people see my paintings it connects to a memory they have from their own life, a memory that makes them want to breathe in deep and face the sun.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Taking that plunge to devote yourself to your art is crazy scary. Sometimes our art doesn’t get to be front and center, but it’s like all businesses – it takes time to grow and we have to put in a lot of work to nurture and grow it. Make a realistic financial plan – one that means supporting you and your business for growth. Don’t undervalue you or your work. As a creative – talking money is the one thing I don’t really enjoy but is so important! Get comfortable with that.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently my work is only available online. You can see and purchase my art on my website, www.tamelakoshiolart.com and on Instagram @tamelakoshiolart. I love to connect with people – if you want to learn more about who I am and what I’m working on, come join me on those platforms/blog as I work on creating and sharing joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamelakoshiolart.com
- Email: tamela@tamelakoshiolart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamelakoshiolart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamelakoshiolart/
Image Credit:
All images belong to Tamela Koshiol
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
