Tanya Timble

Illustrator Tanya Timble was always inclined towards the field of arts. From books to illustrations and movies, her space was filled with all things art, while she was growing up. Her interest, however, took a serious turn sometime during her late teenage years. She recalls spending hours at a stretch in the school art room. ‘After that, my approach towards illustrations and my art itself has matured and changed as I have a person, and I think that’s the beauty of this process. I don’t have to remember when my romance with art began, because I fall in love with it ever so often,’ asserts Tanya.

For someone who believes inspiration can strike anywhere, she always remains prepared by carrying around her iPad. For instance, while travelling to a rural town in Rajasthan, she observed two women laughing together. That’s all it took for her to realise happiness doesn’t require much and hence her piece, centred around the female bond, was born. Talking about inspiration, she explains, ‘I find inspiration in everyday things, because I believe there is beauty in everyday things. A common theme in my work is women, in their various phases. I have been heavily influenced by the women in my life, so I like to incorporate these superhumans in my art. Overall, I feel that my artistic expression has had a journey of its own over the years, growing and widening with each new experience, resulting in a sense of personal touch and nuanced perspective on life in each creation.’

Tanya’s creative process involves keeping familiar people in mind while creating, usually taking inspiration from old family photos. The one thing that the artist is consistent about is upskilling over a period of time. She believes in progression and isn't ashamed to admit there’s a lot she needs to work on to evolve, even as a person. When it comes to her aesthetic, she wishes for her work to be fluid. Different mediums require a different approach, on an actual canvas she uses broader strokes and lighter colours, whereas for digital, her work is not only brighter but also more unorthodox. She doesn’t believe in the pressure of sticking to a particular aesthetic or limiting oneself.

Tanya’s oeuvre boasts of vivid and detailed artworks, which she wishes spark hope and cheer. The artist consciously shares her work on social media, yearning to infuse happiness in this grim time. She adds, ‘I remember being shut off from the world because all I heard was news of death and loss. I want my art to give people hope, that things always turn out for the better. To just hold onto things a little longer and see the world blossom again. I think that’s one of the reasons I use bright colours and make such abstract designs. If someone somewhere finds a moment of cheer in their lives because of my art, my work is irrevocably done.’

The pandemic at hand has infiltrated into the lives of many, taking away so much and leading to utter chaos. Yet, Tanya is hopeful that the future will be full of life. On a parting note she adds, ‘This time hasn’t been kind to the body or the mind. I think as humans collectively, we’ve realised how precious and wonderful life is and I think people will try to live up to that now. I think post the pandemic, everyone should strive for an inclusive society, a society full of life, hope and cheer, and of course art, in every form. I think we’ll come out stronger and better. We always have and we always will.’

Text Unnati Saini
Date 09-06-2021