Meet Jade Tamaski: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jade Tamaski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jade, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
Being a parent is hard. It is the most rewarding, but difficult job you can have. The pressure and responsibility can be overwhelming at times. When they are little you worry about doing everything the “right way”. When they are older you still worry that you have done the best you could to teach them about the world and their place in it.

I have always tried to give my kids everything I had as a child and what I thought I was missing growing up. The biggest impact I have as a parent is to LISTEN. Be there for them no matter when, where or how they need you, be present and always listening. Don’t judge them, just support them. Kids will mess up and do things their own way, and that’s ok. I believe those are the moments where character is created.

Encouragement and understanding can mold kids into amazing individuals. I try to be an example for my kids by working hard and showing them that determination can take you where you want to be in life. Regardless of your past mistakes, set backs or challenges. You can always reset and make new goals for yourself. Failures are just life lessons and God’s way of preparing you for better things to come!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art has become an outlet for my life. I paint what inspires me and try to connect to my audience on a personal level. My story is different because although I grew up with a love for Art there was a period in my life where I did not paint or create.

I always had an interest in art as a kid and after graduating high school decided to pursue a degree in Art. I attended Columbus State University for 3 years majoring in Studio Arts. I fell in love with painting and my work was about capturing beauty in everyday moments. My Senior year in the program I decided to take a much needed break one semester. I was a single working mother all through college and became overwhelmed with things and needed to take a step back.

During that break from school I ended up meeting my husband, having another child and family life became my priority. I found myself unable to return to school until the Spring of 2020 almost 17 years later. As a parent, it becomes so easy to put your dreams and goals on the back burner. Your kids and their needs always come first and time passes so quickly when you are raising kids.

The funny thing was that my dreams and goals to complete my art degree never went away. With the support of my family I met with an advisor and enrolled to finish my degree. It was hard going back especially since the world of art had changed so much since my previous classes. But I had wonderful support from the professors and other students and finally finished in the Spring of 2020.

Now that I have gone through it, I realize what may seem like an unexpected life plan change set me on the path of exactly where I need to be. My professors I had last year opened up various opportunities for me to participate in public art exhibits locally. I am excited and inspired daily to work on my paintings. I never take a moment for granted because of the time I lost, I treat every day as a precious gift.

I truly hope that my story can inspire others to not give up and stay determined!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbus Ga has several hidden spots, but I will definitely give a shout out to Heritage Art Center. This local art gallery and artist co-op has been an amazing outlet for me. They are located in the historic district downtown. So many talented local artists have their work shown there and Heritage hosts pop up events with the support of the owner Karen Outz. Please check it out when you visit Columbus!

Columbus also has several mural paintings in the downtown and midtown area. These are fun to visit and take a pic with the hashtag and post on Instagram. I would love to one day be able to collaborate with other local artists on a mural.

Last I will spotlight Market Days on Broadway. Every Saturday from 9 am to noon you can walk Broadway in downtown Columbus and purchase food, art, crafts, and jewelry all locally made. I am participating this year and love the vibes and connections you make from an outdoor market. Come check it out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family. Without my husband and kids encouraging my artwork I would not be where I am today. They are my biggest supporters and have helped me become a strong, successful woman.

Website: jadetamaskiart.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: jade.tamaski,art

Facebook: Jade Tamaski Art

Other: Etsy.com/shop/jadetamaskiart