For this edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we had the pleasure of chatting with Gold Coast based Visual Artist Tania Blanchard.
‘I think an art piece should tell a story— there's merit in a whole narrative being told by art that doesn't need to match.’
With a career anchored across multiple creative practices, from graphic designer to DJ, it was only natural to reconnect with her visual arts after a short hiatus to start her family on the Gold Coast. Tania describes taking the leap to becoming an independent artist as one that required sinking into vulnerability and backing oneself. This was a pivotal process in allowing her practice to grow & evolve into a signature style that combines minimalism with deep complexity.
There is a candidness and warmth that shines through this interview as we get insight into Tania’s world, learning of an eclectic approach to interior design at home, with Tania taking us through her affinity with 70’s interiors and most treasured pieces. We also learn of the realities of wearing multiple hats as a mother & creative in addition to exciting plans for her next solo exhibition which will challenge traditional exhibition setting to create a complete viewing experience.
01. In your own words can you tell us what you do?
When people ask what I’m up to, I say ‘Oh, just dropping dots’ — meaning I’m going to go and paint with my palette knife. But in all seriousness, I’m an artist and I feel very grateful to do what I do and be creative every day. And people hang my art on their walls! How lucky am I to be able to do that for a living?
02. What was the journey that got you to where you are today?
I often joke that I have been around the sun a few times... and it means that I have had a few different careers, but it has always been associated with art. I’ve been very connected to art. Even as a young girl I would spend hours drawing so it was no surprise that I went on to pursue a visual art degree.I had great relationships with my teachers and mentors and that has really shaped who I am as an artist today. I started having art exhibitions in the pre-internet days and back then it was really hard for artists to make a living. I went on to do graphic design studies and was a graphics designer for 15 years. I sang in a band and was a DJ while I was doing this job, there were plenty of creative outlets during this time. My life has always been about creativity, writing songs, playing music, designing and learning about art, but I wasn’t sure where it was all going to head. Moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast and starting a family meant becoming a full-time Mum so art took a backseat for a while. I had this longing to get back to my roots as an artist and started to see other people sharing their art on IG and it made me just think — I need to go on and do it. About eight years ago it took off and I haven’t looked back since.
03. Can you speak to the inspiration behind establishing your business and brand?
I think a lot of creative people will agree that sometimes self-doubt can kick in and it makes being vulnerable in your work really scary. But having said that, I just somehow had this moment of ‘I’m really going to do this’. So for the first time ever, I invested in good-quality canvases, a new computer and paints — everything had to be top quality. The feeling of backing myself was quite unusual as I had always worked for someone else — suddenly going out on your own is a big leap. At that time, I needed to bring in an income as the breadwinner but I had been out of the game raising kids so I needed the flexibility. I had a book full of ideas and against all the criticism, I just made it work. I’ve been supporting my family with my artwork ever since and I am very proud of that.
04. How would you describe your own approach to your interior style & what have been key influences on this?
My current interior design ethos is mess! Living with three teenagers is chaotic at times. Constantly picking up after them is a lot. Keeping my house clean is my style. I am a real lover of colour and I feel that the home should reflect people's personalities. I don't believe in matchy-matchy or a sense of traditional style. I love a home that is reflective of the person who lives there. Often, people who commission me to make art for their homes want me to match the paintings to other art or their interior style. I think an art piece should tell a story— there's merit in a whole narrative being told by art that doesn't need to match. Art needs to stand on its own and even with a really modern home, an antique painting can be as amazing as a modern abstract piece. I have a real affinity with retro 70s items.I had a favourite store years back where I collected these items like a bright orange lamp, fun bar stools and other totally kitsch things that I mixed with more modern pieces.
05. What is your most loved object or piece of furniture in your home and why?
I have this piece of furniture made by a friend who is an amazing woodworker and also does my framing. He used offcuts from my canvas frames and made this amazing coffee table in a zigzag parquetry kind of style. It’s related to my art and hand made so it’s an incredibly special and much-loved piece in my home.I have this beautiful ten-seater dining table made by Grason Kira founder of Kira & Kira. It was the first table he made for anyone before they opened up their store. There’s such a special sentiment there as they were the first people to stock and sell my art. I’m proud to have bought their first piece of furniture. It’s artists supporting artists at its best.
06. What does a typical morning look like for you?
Crazy. If I’m lucky I get up early for pilates… then it’s me single-handedly trying to get three teenagers out of bed and up for school while I make their lunches and answer emails and social media DMs. Then I will usually take my dog, Milly, for a walk at the beach and have a swim as it’s super close by. After that I’ll generally walk home in my swimmers, maybe grab a chai and then go home to paint — it’s the epitome of living the Gold Coast life.
07. Your favourite way to unwind at the end of the day, do you have any rituals?
None of my days are planned out, so there are no rituals as such, I just fly by the seat of my pants mostly. It’s different every day and it kind of revolves around the kids. They are home from school at 3:30 pm and I am always still trying to paint in my studio as I work quite late until it's dinner time.Generally, a glass of wine will happen while I am cooking. I would love to say I put my feet up and read the paper but there’s a lot that goes into running a busy household and business. I could run my business 24 hours and still not get everything done. There is always something on the go when it’s a one-person show.
08. Who makes the best coffee?
I don’t drink coffee, I drink Chai and I am obsessed with it. It can't be the syrup or powder, it has to be the proper leaf spicy chai. The Paddock in Burleigh Heads does a great one where they soak the leaves and spices overnight. Making a good chai is an art, just like people who are obsessed with coffee, it’s truly amazing when you get a good one. When I don’t go out for one, I always have it brewing on the stove at home — but it’s always nice to have a good one made for you.
09. If you were to live anywhere else, where would it be and why?
I don't even know! I love it here so much. Having said that, I am drawn to big places like New York City. To live there for a while would be amazing — but maybe not so long term because I would miss the beach and nature too much. If I didn’t have the kids, I would take myself somewhere tropical and shut myself out from the world and paint. No IG, no emails — just painting and listening to music while drinking chai. The romantic notion of being immersed in my art somewhere far away and exotic is such a dream.
10. Is there anything you are currently working on or towards?
Yes, this is exciting! Next year I want to have another solo show and if anyone came to any of the previous exhibitions when I was running the art gallery they would know I do things a little differently. I’m not sure about the location but it will be somewhere that is unusual that you wouldn't associate art with. I like the idea of showing work and juxtaposing my art against an obscure location. It will be the complete experience — the location, the invitation, the viewing itself. It will be a huge event. Also, I’m working on a new style that still uses palette knives, just with a fresh idea and this exhibition will reveal all of that. Stay tuned for updates early next year.
