A forest lit by sunlight. A 21st century expressionist artwork. Painted on a box wooden panel board

Tara Harris

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I’m a contemporary artist most interested in painting and drawing otherworldly landscapes using memories, thoughts and feelings. In my practise I like to create otherworldly images of nature through different mediums like acrylic paint and oil pastels. Having started my career working solely in teaching, championing the importance of creativity in the curriculum , I am now fulfilling my own craving for creativity through my work as a visual artist. I specialised in printmaking as part of my fine art degree in Newcastle, graduating in the early 1990s. Drawing on my printmaking background- in particular cutting away at Lino- I love making intricate patterns through paints and oil pastels. I want the colours to compliment each other so I often use a limited palette -one of each of the primary colours and a black and a white. I take inspiration from fluid lines and mark making of Korean art, which is defined by its quiet inner harmony. I also love Manga and Matisse! Taking a magical realistic approach, I create ephemeral landscapes and seascapes. It’s my way of expressing my longing for lost memories and lost loved ones. I feel close to them during the act of painting. Working late into the evening I reflect back on my day. My paintings and oil pastels often tell me how I’m feeling and answer the question of what type of day it has been. Becoming engrossed in the act of creating is cathartic. I really believe in the therapeutic potential of art for both maker and viewer. I remember reading somewhere that looking at art can extend your life! I take an intuitive approach and the element of surprise makes creating art fulfilling and exciting. Feeling my way through a piece until I am happy with its visual energy fires up my brain. Titles act as the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle.