Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Mulkey
Tamara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always loved art. I can remember the excitement opening a new box of crayons each school year. Art was my favorite subject. I only got serious about it when I entered high school. I then used that work as a springboard to too college. I studied at Salt Lake Community College, then Utah Technical College. Upon graduation with a degree in Graphic Design, I found myself burnt out and unsure of my skill. I didn’t have the desire to try pursuing it. I quickly found myself working in a music store in the mall. I was in heaven, and it was the 80’s. This was the beginning of my glamorous life in retail sales, followed by marriage and motherhood. My daughter is my finest creation and collaboration, just saying. Like many women, I put the artistic part of myself away and focused on my family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life has had its challenges, of course. In my late 20’s I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Over the years it went as far as suicidal ideation and an attempt. I wrote a little about it in The Creative Lifebook Series – Book 2. titled Radical Self-Love.
chapter of ” Radical Self-Love/How to Ignite Your Light Through Creativity” My chapter is called: Embrace the Moment and Move.
They still have a grip on me. It’s been over 30 years now. It has interfered with my life enough that I needed to pursue a disability claim, which I was awarded. Meds and therapy only go so far. It has become a mental rollercoaster ride. The bright side is that I am no longer suicidal. I have learned to weather the storms. A return to art has been a life saver. I only wish my mother had lived to see me return to painting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I ‘m a mixed media artist and love using my skill to tell a visual story. I fell in love with using multiple mediums and the freedom that they offered. If one medium didn’t work, another might. That was a game changer for me.
I am, for the most part, a portrait artist of both people and wildlife. If I can pull you into my subject’s world, create curiosity and connection for you, then I feel my painting is a success.
Right now, I create work for “Artistic Souls Gallery” as a resident artist. They are an art auction group on Facebook and have monthly events. Many of my pieces have found homes throug
hout the country. For this I am grateful.
While I spend much of my time creating collections for each ASG show, the work that touches my heart most are the commission pieces, especially the memorial ones. For example: I have one friend and client whose mother’s memory was failing. I did a series of her son’s life. Upon seeing one, she exclaimed that he was home and hugged it to her. (I’ve included this photo collage)
My most daunting commissions… two portraits of Christ. One was for a friend who wanted me to illustrate a quote of a religious talk that repeated in her mind. The other was a request, from a family friend who was dying. He wanted a smiling and welcoming portrait Christ to gaze upon during his remaining days. It was gifted back to me upon his death.
What matters most to you? Why?
As for what matters most to me, that’s easy… my family. My husband and I have been married 30 years, this year. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. Together, we have a daughter, who is finishing up her Bachelor’s in History. I know together we can face anything.
(This question really tripped me up. I’ve never been asked this.)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammulkart/profilecard/?igsh=MXRndjhob3lnODc1YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamara.mulkey?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tamaramulkey
