artiste d'mon >>> tiffany beasi

The ZING is in:
all the bzzz about Orlando artist Tiffany Beasi
Interview by: silverio pantalla

"Untitled"

Who is Tiffany Beasi and what makes her zing?
I am a college student studying graphic design at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I'm from south Florida and I'm an artist, I mostly paint in acrylic. And I have just started designing my own T-shirts.

How would you describe your typical day?
My typical day would be either to go to school or work and then hang with my best friend, who is also an artist. We watch Comedy Central, eat burritos and smoothies, and talk about anything and everything. Maybe, hit the book or art store. Exercise at the gym or roller-blade. And then work on some art, whether it's my designs, paintings, or ideas.

"Untitled"

Do you choose your subjects or do they choose you?
I choose my subjects. Either I see a photograph that strikes me, someone's artwork, that sparks an idea or just daydreaming in class that is how I think of what I'm going to paint.

Exploration is the stage I'm submerged in as of now. It is a phase where I am finding myself and things that are deep inside and only my passion can bring to the surface.

My work is diverse in theme and style, daring, and nontraditional. I am attracted to expressive faces and movements, vibrant dripping colors, the challenge of sensitivity of painting and problem solving. My painting is an escape from the superficial worries and frivolous problems of the world.

Why acrylic paints?
I love acrylic paint. Especially bright, exciting, and powerful color combinations, I think I'm addicted to color. Sometimes I try and just use normal boring colors. It just doesn't work for me. I try using oils but they take to long to dry. Once I start a painting and if I get into it, I just don't have the time or patience to wait for it to dry.

"Lips"

How was your show at Zinc Bar, Orlando?
My show at Zinc Bar was excellent. I sold couple paintings and meet a lot of people. At Zinc its fun to sit at the bar and talk to random people about my work.

What is your most important goal in life as a person and as an artist?
My most important goal in life is to be a well-rounded successful artist. I don't ever want to limit myself to one style or medium. I'm open to trying anything in art. I have range on my work and that's what I like. Society wants an artist to have a distinct style and to stick with it. I'm just not like that. I want to be a successful artist in my mind, that's all that really counts.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet and why?
Salvador Dali: just because his mind is so wild and he was so intriguing. Steven Speilberg: because he is an artistic genius. Jim Morrison: because he was an intoxicating person and rock legend.

What is the biggest misunderstanding about yourself?
The biggest misunderstanding about me may be that people always think I'm upset, mad or negative. I'm not, that's just how may face looks; I get the intense look from my dad.

People always say why are you so mad? I'm not. I just don't walk around with a smile on my face; I don't think anyone really does. I' m not negative I just am always thinking or in deep thought about something.

"Secret Identity "

Who have been some of your main influences as an artist and a person?
Among my influences as an artist and a person is Salvador Dali, who was never limited to one style even though people thought he was just a surrealist, he was more. His work is puzzling, captivating, and disturbing, it is inspiration. He was an artist who always was exploring his darkest corners, and doorways of his mind.

Music influences me as well. Sometimes I will hear a song and get a visual. Hybrid, the Doors, Radiohead, and Madonna are all influential music to me.

My Best friend has given me so much inspiration and confidence in my art. Without him believing in me and giving me assurance, I couldn't have had that guts to express myself thorough my art the way I do today.

My painting teacher Professor Gaudnek, has influenced me a lot too. He gave us a lot of freedom in my painting class and that allowed me to investigate myself.

My family influences me, they have always believed in my art. They have given me the confidence and support that I need. I want to grow up to be like them and be as successful as they are today.

"Swimming Earth "

What are your immediate plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to graduate college and get a job. But before I gradate In August, I'm going to the Edinburgh School of Art to study in Scotland.

December is when graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design at UCF. It has been a long journey. Hopefully someone will see the determination and creativity in me and hire me for a creative job.

I will continue showing and selling my work. My work is displayed throughout the summer at The Galleria, 2120 Edgewater drive, Orlando, Fl 32804. There website is www.dgmphoto.com.

You can email me or call me at 407-384-5892 and see my artwork at my website.