Meet Tyamica Mabry

Hi Tyamica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello. I am Tyamica, a self taught acrylic paint artist. I found my gift for painting in my late 20’s. I used to watch my daughter draw and one day I got the urge to try it, not knowing I could. I attempted to draw cartoon characters and discovered a hidden gift. Once I learned about my ability, I started drawing all the time. This led to me experimenting with paint and I learned I like painting much more than drawing.

Now, I paint as much as possible and on any surface imaginable, canvas, walls, clothes, earrings, tables, etc. I went from painting for fun to painting for hire but I still have fun. I also lead painting lessons to help others explore their talents.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding my target audience has been a struggle for me. I am an introvert and putting myself out into the spotlight has been a challenge. My fiancé was my biggest supporter and encourager. He pushed me more into art as a business and helped me find collectors. He became my personal spokesperson because he was so outgoing and had a natural way with people.

He passed away in August and I stopped painting for a while. But I know he would want me to continue this journey. So, I’ve poured myself into my art even more so now. Painting is therapeutic and has been helping me through the grieving process.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in acrylic painting and I’m known for flowers and faces. I paint portraits of people I know instead of celebrities. My goal is to honor and celebrate people around me. I am a writer, a poet, and overall creative. I am most proud of being multitalented and seeking new ways to reach people. I may have a message to send that needs to be delivered in a different way to different people.

Someone may need a painting to receive the message and someone else may need a poem or a story. So whatever method I am inspired to use, I am able to deliver as needed. I have found that my vulnerability and telling my story inspires and empowers others. The message in my art is generally to embrace your uniqueness and appreciate your surroundings.

Currently I am preparing new pieces for a solo exhibition at The Mebane Arts Center that runs from Feb 7 through April 2.