Introduce yourself
I’m Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, a (working to be) brilliant oil painter from Oklahoma City, based in Philadelphia. I am an editorial illustrator, and an exhibiting fine artist. I’m also a Philly 360 Creative Ambassador.
I graduated from the University of the Arts in 2007 and have since had illustration clients such as the Source magazine and Utne Reader and, have exhibited my work in shows and galleries across the country. My paintings are mostly of figures and portraits with social/political commentary.
I’m also a foodie. An amateur photographer. A Prince lover.
Favourite song lyric
“Betcha love can make it better”.
– Bag Lady, Erykah Badu
I’m inspired by
People. By the love, hate, music, prejudices, fears, tears, and laughs that people produce.
My icons past/present
I’ve been inspired by the work and/or lives of: Gordon Parks. Kara Walker. Richard Schmid. Tim O’Brien. Thelma Golden. Brent Stirton. Barkley Hendricks. Basquiat. My mama.
Thenublack philosophy/mantra according to Tatyana Fazlalizadeh
A favorite quote of mine is the possibly trite quote that has been used in unbearably corny movies and such.
Still, it’s touching to me and rings true.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we a powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, ‘who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be?”
I can definitely say that I’ve stifled myself in the past with fear of taking risks, of doing something that may possibly lead me to greatness.
It’s very easy to sit comfortably confined in boxes that have already been established. It’s hard and takes courage to break out of those boxes and be extraordinary.
Check me out (links to website/facebook/twitter)