Check out Tiare Smith’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiare Smith.

Tiare, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have been “artsy” every since I could hold a pencil. At the tender age of only three years old, I experienced one of my greatest and probably most painful works of art. I decided to redecorate our brand new yellow, leather sofa with beautiful black ink! The experience did not discourage me, it just taught me to enjoy my art on smaller, more porous surfaces! LOL!

I made journals and mixed media as a teen but did not know anything about the genre, at that time. I enjoyed drawing daily and it came to me naturally. Trying to take the easy way out as a senior in college…I took a drawing class to get an easy A. I got that A but the experience of being made to draw things I had no interest in, spoiled the desire and I put my pencil down for approximately 18 years. Today, I understand the lessons that I failed to realize at a young age. Today, I enJOY honoring my history, my life and the future in my art.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Born with art in my heart I lost my way from my art for about 18 years. It came back to my life in a burst of emotion and anxiety. By practicing techniques of self-love, positive self-talk, and action which also helped me to overcome other areas of struggle, I now enjoy my art in a free and inspiring way.

My art reflects the wonderful women (and sometimes men) who informed and continue to inform my life…my mom, neighbors, teachers, friends, 2nd and 3rd mom. Black women. Strong women. Smart women. Beautiful women. Loving women. Do you women. My art is inspired by positivity, peace, determination, growth, courage, happiness, love and fight. It lies in happiness and hope. It breathes color and love.

I most often use acrylics, inks, pastels, and textured mediums to bring my stories to the canvas.

I hope my art creates and reflects a space where happiness, love, and courage dwell.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
No. I have always thought that artists have a role in sharing truth, struggle, love, and light. They have a role in bringing forth conversation and healing. I think it is needed more than ever…in recent years.

Since my art features black women…my ancestors, my family, my friends, strong women, courageous women, wounded women, loving women, it surely affects me and what I create. Freedom. Love, strength, courage are often themes in my art. There are many struggles that we need to overcome, yet so often people may feel stifled. My art helps to release and reveal some of that emotion.  Therefore, I don’t think it affects what I am focused on. However, I do think it gives me opportunity to always process my emotions surrounding daily life, local or global current events.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I do the majority of my business online at
Website: www.tiaresmith.com
Etsy: http://tiaresmithdesigns.etsy.com 
Instagram: @iamclassygirl https://www.instagram.com/iamclassygirl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiaresmithdesigns/
Society 6: https://society6.com/tiaresmithdesigns

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tiaresmith.com
• Email: classygirl@mac.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamclassygirl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiaresmithdesigns/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamclassygirl/
• Other: http://tiaresmithdesigns.etsy.com

Image Credit:
Tony Mitchell
Photo of Tiare

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