Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamina Muhammad.
Hi Tamina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been drawing and painting since I could hold a pen. Art has always been uplifting for me. Throughout high school my artwork was showcased in libraries, galleries, on clothing, and so much more. After graduating high school, I studied at Pratt Institute in Manhattan. In the years that followed, I studied all forms and mediums of art. Acrylic is my favorite medium to work with. My New Jersey background influenced my art in an urban, freestyle form.
The time I spent in Arizona led me to southwestern art. My multicultural heritage has also been a strong influence on my paintings. I use warm, bold, vibrant colors to draw people into the emotion of a piece. My art is inspired by the world around me. I paint what moves me from what I see on a day-to-day basis. I try to capture the experiences I have had in my canvases. There are many accomplishments I have gained throughout my art journey. While in Arizona I was a highlighted artist for “Raw Artist Showcase”. I continued on into jewelry designs as well using precious gems, wood, and metal pieces.
This time period also introduced me to the community of face painting. I participated in the Pima County Fair as well as the Tucson Rodeo, Downtown Second Saturday, and the Reid Park Zoo events. I have spent the last 12 years perfecting this craft and have transitioned into becoming an instructor. Another accomplishment from this time was being a sponsored artist and developing a stencil line for Diva Stencils and Topaz Stencils.
I have also been a featured artist in multiple face-painting magazines. With the exposure, I was invited to give classes at Max Convention, Ace Convention, and various conventions internationally. In 2015, my family and I decided to relocate to Minnesota. I was faced with the challenge of rebuilding the illustrious career I once had in Arizona. That transition began with working for the City of St. Paul recreational centers as an art instructor.
This job lead me to Eastside Arts Council where I became the lead artist for two major programs, Artmobile and Creative Connections for Seniors 55+. Artmobile is a summer youth program for the East St. Paul community. It provides pop-up crafts throughout the summer to keep kids engaged and foster their creativity. The senior programming was developed to enhance seniors’ dexterity and facilitate their social connections.
The amount of exposure I received from these jobs led me to connect with other artists in the community. I participated in the Solidarity Street Art Gallery which led me to having my own showcase with ESAC. During my showcase, I made the Minnesota A-list Artist. In 2022, I competed and won the first “Minnesota Art Battle”. I continue to look for opportunities to connect and share my passion for art with the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an African-American Muslim woman, I have battled stereotypes and biases. There are moments in my career where I have felt I was not considered for a job based on my religion or style of dress. When out in the field, there are times when I’m made to feel uncomfortable or not treated with respect. Often I can change someone’s perspective of me once they interact with me or observe my interactions with others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In the face painting community, I am known for my graffiti/urban style art and stencil designs. I teach that style to other artists. I show them a simplistic way to bring that urban style into their work. Other artists have stated that my style is unique.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
In the 6th grade, I had a mentor by the name of Ms. Hamilton. She always encouraged me to never give up on my artistic dreams. One way she boosted my belief in myself was when she would display my sketches in the classroom. She validated my artistic ability. I always felt that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to because of her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ethnicexpressions14
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taminafunfaces/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaminaDesigns/
