Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Deetscreek.
Hi Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been an artist all my life and art has been such a gift to me! I have told people before that art is like a best friend that never leaves you. When I am down it cheers me up, when I am lonely it makes me feel comforted, it is a constant in my life and I find great joy in it.
I graduated college with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Art Studio majoring in drawing and ceramics in 2001. My dream was to be a mother and do my art, thats it. Nothing more, nothing less. My dream became my reality. Although my art career has looked different through every season as I raised 4 boys, I always fought to keep art in my life. For the majority of my life I did commissioned paintings for people because it was the most flexible way to earn income as an artist when my children were small. I also taught art in schools, worked as an interior design assistant, and did a myriad of art related endeavors through the years which truly gave me the title “multimedia artist.” I love trying everything and have a hard time saying “no” to anything I think I could accomplish which is my greatest strength and weakness.
I always felt like being an artist wasn’t good enough. It was something that came easy to me and I compared myself to others feeling inadequate because I didn’t have a “real” job like everyone else. I have finally come to accept and embrace who God created me to be, but it took until my mid 40’s to get to that point! The journey has been so great but so tough at the same time, and now I can honestly say that I feel at peace with where I am.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy being an artist and right now I am struggling with entrepreneur life where you take risks with no guarantees. My husband keeps telling me I am building a house, which takes time, but sometimes it’s hard to be patient and to keep hopeful when you don’t know if all your hard work will pay off.
Rejection is also hard. I have gotten a lot of rejection this year and sometimes it’s hard not to let it get me down. Perseverance and resilience are great traits to have as an artist and you really need to believe in what you are doing and be passionate about sharing your art with the world. A good example to me is J.K.Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Rowling’s manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers before it was finally accepted and Harry Potter became one of the best-selling book series of all time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In 2023 I discovered bas relief that is a form of sculptural art where images are raised from a flat background creating a 3D effect. I have also sculpted in high relief where there is a more pronounced 3D quality. I have been sculpting with plaster on walls and I am literally obsessed with it! It feels like a perfect marriage between my 2D and 3D background and my love for interior design. This art form checks all the boxes for me and I am currently striving to make this my full time art career. I love the subtlety and uniqueness of this art form and the fact that it has been around for centuries but can be done in a contemporary way. My work is known to have coastal and natural influences and I plan to market my work in Florida and other areas where I feel like my work will resinate the most. During this next phase of my career I hope to sculpt in as many homes and businesses that I can!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking with fellow artists and also business professionals has been really helpful for me. I have found that asking questions to people that are different than me can be the best way to learn. Even if you don’t think they would have any advice for you, everyone has a different perspective as they come from different backgrounds and professions but can often give me unexpected insight into my business which is extremely valuable.
Talking to fellow artists is also helpful and comforting to me. I naturally gravitate to artists because we are all going through the same types of things. Going to artist mixers in the area to swap notes and artist mentor events here in Akron have been really helpful to me. I have an art studio here in Akron and I love talking over the wall to my neighbor. We always encourage each other and brainstorm together which has been a fun and easy way to network:)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.taradeetscreek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t_housedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572843764655
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-deetscreek-26b8a97b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@THouseDesigns
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/taradeetscreek?ref=dashboard-header
