To celebrate UO’s exclusive collaboration with Polaroid, Tia O'Donnell, London based artist created artwork inspired by and using Polaroid Now Instant Camera, Polaroid Lab and Polaroid Hi-Print digital printer. We caught up with Tia to discuss her creative invision, process and up and coming artists to look out for.
Watch our video with Tia on @urbanoutfitterseu as she talks us through her creative process. Plus enter for your chance to win an exclusive @polaroid customised camera and print by @tia4u and start capturing moments you can hold.
Polaroid + UO Ft. @tia4u
Where did your art and design journey begin and how has your creative vision evolved?
I have always had a thing for being artsy fartsy. There is not a particular moment in which I pronounced myself as an artist, I have simply been one my whole life! When I was younger I remember constantly drawing and I had an obsession with paper mâché (which is still one of my favourite methods to this day). My work is autobiographical, so as far as my creative vision goes it changes with each mood swing! My aim in my career is to educate my audience on mental health and inspire others to use art as a form of therapy. In the future I hope to host art therapy workshops for children as we need to love and cherish our future generation.
Tell us what inspired your UO print... I was inspired to create this print from a peculiar British good luck tradition I discovered! On the first day of every month as soon as you wake up say 'RABBIT' and it will give you good luck for the rest of the month. I loved the concept of an animal being a good luck charm, especially during these difficult times we need some luck! I chose an eagle as my lucky charm and named him 'Mr Thunder Man', in a sense he is like a mascot. In a time where everything is so uncertain and mysterious, it's been really difficult to feel safe so I took it upon myself to create a spirit that would protect, watch over and keep you warm. I think we all need a 'Mr Thunder Man'.
What is your creative process?
I explore self-love in my work. I consider my work as extremely personal and somewhat autobiographical, therefore, I treat each piece of work as an extension of myself. I believe it is important to shine light on topics or traits that are difficult to open up about sometimes because they might be considered as a weakness or fault, such as struggles with mental health; feeling jealous or searching for validation. Traditionally my work stems from some form of trauma, memory or experience and I keep a journal containing all my all my inspirations. Each creative process tends to be different, and I work in various forms of media and this is generally determined by what the project is based on. Some projects feel like a starter, main course and a dessert, however, sometimes it might be all desert and no starter. So it is difficult to narrow it down to one method, and figuring out the method and medium is all l part of the process. One thing that I try to consistently maintain with my work is making each piece a tool for raising awareness on issues that might be considered ‘taboo.’ My goal is to break down any stigmas against mental health that equate vulnerability with weakness and create a safe space for conversation whilst ultimately being transparent and unapologetically myself.
Sum up your artistic style in 3 words: Wacky, bright and punchy.
I have always had a thing for being artsy fartsy. There is not a particular moment in which I pronounced myself as an artist, I have simply been one my whole life! When I was younger I remember constantly drawing and I had an obsession with paper mâché (which is still one of my favourite methods to this day). My work is autobiographical, so as far as my creative vision goes it changes with each mood swing! My aim in my career is to educate my audience on mental health and inspire others to use art as a form of therapy. In the future I hope to host art therapy workshops for children as we need to love and cherish our future generation.
Tell us what inspired your UO print... I was inspired to create this print from a peculiar British good luck tradition I discovered! On the first day of every month as soon as you wake up say 'RABBIT' and it will give you good luck for the rest of the month. I loved the concept of an animal being a good luck charm, especially during these difficult times we need some luck! I chose an eagle as my lucky charm and named him 'Mr Thunder Man', in a sense he is like a mascot. In a time where everything is so uncertain and mysterious, it's been really difficult to feel safe so I took it upon myself to create a spirit that would protect, watch over and keep you warm. I think we all need a 'Mr Thunder Man'.
What is your creative process?
I explore self-love in my work. I consider my work as extremely personal and somewhat autobiographical, therefore, I treat each piece of work as an extension of myself. I believe it is important to shine light on topics or traits that are difficult to open up about sometimes because they might be considered as a weakness or fault, such as struggles with mental health; feeling jealous or searching for validation. Traditionally my work stems from some form of trauma, memory or experience and I keep a journal containing all my all my inspirations. Each creative process tends to be different, and I work in various forms of media and this is generally determined by what the project is based on. Some projects feel like a starter, main course and a dessert, however, sometimes it might be all desert and no starter. So it is difficult to narrow it down to one method, and figuring out the method and medium is all l part of the process. One thing that I try to consistently maintain with my work is making each piece a tool for raising awareness on issues that might be considered ‘taboo.’ My goal is to break down any stigmas against mental health that equate vulnerability with weakness and create a safe space for conversation whilst ultimately being transparent and unapologetically myself.
Sum up your artistic style in 3 words: Wacky, bright and punchy.
How do you know when a piece is done?
This a question I always ask myself. Since my work is based on personal experiences, for me, each painting or sculpture feels like a part of myself on display - so it’s difficult to say when a piece is ‘done’ because it can feel like I’m almost killing off a part of myself. In a way, my artwork is like a diary that I share with the world, and a diary is open-ended and this is how I think about my pieces especially when I revisit them. I like to revisit old pieces as a tool for self reflection, and in doing this I am able to represent the ways that my life is constantly changing and evolving.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is from my old media teacher called Craig from Hampstead Fine Arts College. He simply said ‘just keep swimming’ and I know it’s a very common saying. However, to me it means even if your arms get tired and you’re struggling to get your breathing pattern right and you can’t see under the water, just keep swimming. There’s plenty of sharks in the sea but if you just keep doing you, you won’t even notice them.
Which emerging artists or artworks should we check out?
Ah! There are SO many talented artists in the world it's hard to choose, but here are my favourites:
1) Shaqúelle Whyte @shaq.whyte. When I first met this incredibly talented man I was hugely inspired, the stories behind his work are so deep and meaningful and they really touched me. His work is unforgettable!
2) Delilah Byrne @delilahbyrne. She is based in South London and the most unique illustrator, her work is unequivocally hers and I am always super excited to see what she does next. The weird and wonderful woman whose work is so enchanting and one of a kind, how could I not mention Bryony Hillmans 'Bizarre Journeys' sculptures! Hillmans paintings are also just as fabulous as herself.
3) Lastly and certainly not least, Emilio Barnes @drinqwater_. I adore his ink illustrations and you can get lost in the amount of detail in his work. Don’t even get me started on his acrylic work!
This a question I always ask myself. Since my work is based on personal experiences, for me, each painting or sculpture feels like a part of myself on display - so it’s difficult to say when a piece is ‘done’ because it can feel like I’m almost killing off a part of myself. In a way, my artwork is like a diary that I share with the world, and a diary is open-ended and this is how I think about my pieces especially when I revisit them. I like to revisit old pieces as a tool for self reflection, and in doing this I am able to represent the ways that my life is constantly changing and evolving.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is from my old media teacher called Craig from Hampstead Fine Arts College. He simply said ‘just keep swimming’ and I know it’s a very common saying. However, to me it means even if your arms get tired and you’re struggling to get your breathing pattern right and you can’t see under the water, just keep swimming. There’s plenty of sharks in the sea but if you just keep doing you, you won’t even notice them.
Which emerging artists or artworks should we check out?
Ah! There are SO many talented artists in the world it's hard to choose, but here are my favourites:
1) Shaqúelle Whyte @shaq.whyte. When I first met this incredibly talented man I was hugely inspired, the stories behind his work are so deep and meaningful and they really touched me. His work is unforgettable!
2) Delilah Byrne @delilahbyrne. She is based in South London and the most unique illustrator, her work is unequivocally hers and I am always super excited to see what she does next. The weird and wonderful woman whose work is so enchanting and one of a kind, how could I not mention Bryony Hillmans 'Bizarre Journeys' sculptures! Hillmans paintings are also just as fabulous as herself.
3) Lastly and certainly not least, Emilio Barnes @drinqwater_. I adore his ink illustrations and you can get lost in the amount of detail in his work. Don’t even get me started on his acrylic work!