I am what you may call an artistic Jack of all
trades, or Jill perhaps is more fitting! I draw, I paint, I write, I speak, I
sing, I sculpt, but most notably, I photograph.
I believe that an artist cannot be made; I
believe you are born that way. I believe that no amount of classes, skills, or
experiences in life can make you an artist. I am one of the lucky ones, I have
always been, and always will be an artist.
As a child my parents were divorced and my
situation was less than a fairytale. I didn't get to see my mom as often as
most little girls should, but when I did, I remember The Beatles and Red Hot
Chili Peppers playing while we had "arts and craft" time. Growing up
I remember always doodling, repainting my room nearly monthly, loving to go out
with a point-and-shoot camera, having my very first poem published at the age
of 12 and writing my first short story very shortly after. But I never thought
that I was an artist.
I believe that nothing in life can be achieved
all on your own; everyone needs guidance and support to achieve their full
potential.
My guidance came to me in at age 15 -- which
also happens to be the year I got my first DSLR camera. I took my first high
school art class "Intro to Art" with by far the greatest teacher I
have ever had. His name is Jason Detert, he made art inspiring and
understandable to even the common farm boys that passed through his class room.
I
remember I had an outburst in his class because I went ahead on a project, which I shouldn't
have done. He took me out to the hall to address the problem, and when I burst
into tears I think he realized what I still was unable to see: every little
piece of art was also a little piece of me.
I remember from that day I never half-assed
another art project, even if it meant that I had to turn it in late. That class
was by far the most important class I had ever taken. It taught me not only the
importance of art, but also how to channel my emotions into art. Even though I
have bonded with my other art teacher to the point that she feels like family,
Mr. Detert will always be my favorite teacher. I think that without even
realizing it, he taught me not just art, but also who I was meant to be.
Fast, fast forward 3 years. I have graduated
from high school as the "most artistic" female in the class, art club
president, an inspiration. Having run my own little photography business for 3
years and accepted to the perfect art school in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I never
would have imagined that I could have gotten to where I am today and without the people who know and love me. I have an
incredible, supportive, sweetheart of a boyfriend and the greatest friends in
the world.
I am in the process of training an intern to
take over my photography in the Rochester area while I'm away at college.
She is 16, just like I was when I interned for
photography. Her name is Marissa and she is such a reflection of myself it's
insane! Being a teacher has been one of the most incredible experiences for me.
At first I assumed I would be jealous if her photos got more publicity than
mine, but when I saw that happen it just warmed my heart.
Marissa
We have been shooting together for nearly 3
months now and it's hard to come to grips with the fact that I won't have her
by my side when I shoot in the cities! I love Marissa with all my heart because
she has the same burning desire that I have for art. She too was born an
artist, nothing else.
I know that a lot of people probably write her
off for being so young, but I was even younger when I started! Art knows no
age. I am so incredibly proud of her, I really couldn't ask for a better
business partner or friend. It's nice because I can't talk art -- namely
photography -- with most of my friends. Luckily Marissa is also a
jill-of-all-trades.
One of the biggest things I have been teaching
her is not technique, but rather, emotion, just as I was first taught. We see a
location and we immediately get the same image, it's like we share a brain!
Whether from the stress of moving, having no
car yet a booming amount of photo-shoots, scheduling, or even family nagging, I
definitely have times for my rainbow to fade.
The very first thing I do when I'm upset is
find some good angry music, a canvas, and paint. I generally finger paint when
I'm upset, I feel much more connected to the canvas without brushes. Sometimes
I even sit down to paint just for fun and end up crying.
A canvas is probably better than a therapist
for me! If that, for some odd reason doesn't work, I'll call my boyfriend and
even when he has no clue what to say, just
hearing his voice makes me feel better.
To sum up my emotion recovery plan: All you
need is love... ...and a canvas!
I have so many hopes and dreams for the
future, which I cannot wait to share with the world! My main goal in life is to
remind the world of the significance of art.
In an educational system where math and
science are being crammed down throats, I want people to remember the
importance of art. I hear so many people say "I'd love to go to art
school, but..."
There should be no buts, if it's your passion
follow it. 
I leave you with only this: Follow your heart,
make art, and be happy.
That's all I ask of you.
Love Tylar
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