We were lucky to catch up with Tasanee Durrett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tasanee, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
As an only child raised by a single mother, I developed self-discipline and responsibility from an early age. My studious and creative nature was complemented by keen observational skills, allowing me to learn from my mother’s bold, innovative approach to life. Her outlook on self-discipline became a foundation for my growth.
Being an only child taught me to utilize my time efficiently, balancing schoolwork, reading, family time, and household responsibilities. This early sense of duty helped alleviate stress in our home and fostered a mature understanding of accountability. As I grew, my self-discipline evolved and has intertwining with my sense of responsibility and shaped how I treat others.
The lessons learned from watching my mother navigate life and relationships have influenced my approach to business. Today, these principles guide me in cultivating meaningful connections with collectors and organizations which form the cornerstone of my professional success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an African American woman artist, I explore the journey of self-rediscovery and mental/emotional holistic well-being through abstract figurative works. My mixed media works blend Black figures with nature and abstract forms, crafting a visual language that speaks to the convergence of mind, body, and spirit. Central to my practice is a deep commitment to understanding and promoting emotional, mental, spiritual, and psychological health, particularly from a Black perspective. My work is informed by ongoing collaborations with health professionals and neuroscientists, as well as extensive research into the psychology of the Black experience.
Through my art, I delve into the complexities of womanhood, the mystery of lineage, and our collective quest for roots and mental wellness. Vibrant flora, natural elements, and aboriginal patterns pay homage to my Afro-Indigenous heritage, while intricate linework and architectural nuances bridge the gap between human experience, psychological states, and the natural world. I predominantly focus on the neck and head in my figures, viewing these as the sanctuary of our soul and the seat of our psychological and emotional experiences. My choice of materials—ranging from acrylics and oils to textiles and found objects—allows me to build layers of meaning and texture that reflect the multifaceted nature of mental and emotional health. Through techniques like pointillism and detailed narratives, I celebrate the healing journey and the duality within the African diaspora experience, always with an eye toward fostering positive psychological outcomes.
Each piece is an invitation to shed societal masks, embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for growth and mental well-being. By exploring intimate transformations alongside collective Black identity, I create spaces for self-discovery, emotional healing, and connection.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe the most impactful qualities were cultural awareness, interdisciplinary knowledge, and technical versatility. My advice for those early in their artistic path is to explore their cultural heritage through various mediums and engage with diverse perspectives within their community. This fosters a strong sense of identity that enriches artistic expression. Cultivate curiosity beyond your primary field by reading widely, collaborating with professionals from other disciplines, and attending interdisciplinary lectures or workshops. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to go beyond the art field. Practice translating complex ideas from fields like psychology or neuroscience into your artistic language. To develop technical versatility, experiment with various materials and techniques, even those outside your comfort zone. Take workshops to learn new skills, set personal challenges to incorporate new techniques regularly, and study artists who work across multiple mediums. Remember, this is a lifelong journey of growth and learning. Embrace the process, allow your experiences to inform your practice, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries. Stay open to new ideas and perspectives as you develop your unique artistic voice.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am actively seeking collaborations for an ambitious project titled “The Salt is Sweeter Than the Sugar is Salty.” This multifaceted collection will encompass paintings, mixed media works, sculptures, and an art installation, exploring the intricate connections between ancestry, psychological health, and spiritual ties across past, present, and future.
I’m particularly interested in partnering with:
1. Health professionals: Neurologists, psychiatrists, and mental health experts who can provide insights into the psychological aspects of ancestral connections.
2. Public institutions: Organizations interested in promoting awareness about psychological healing and health through art.
3. Art market professionals: Individuals or entities who can help bring this important message to a broader audience.
The project aims to transcend racial and cultural boundaries, encouraging introspection and highlighting how our ancestral ties can impact future generations. If you’re a professional in these fields or represent an institution aligned with these goals, and you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out through my professional channels or website. Let’s explore how we can combine our expertise to create meaningful, impactful art that promotes psychological well-being and ancestral awareness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tasaneeart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasaneeart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tasaneeart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasaneedurrett/
Image Credits
Benny Renee Studios and Allison Stewart Photography
