Today we’d like to introduce you to Tay Paulson.
Hi Tay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello! I’ve always been deeply into photography since I was a kid in 5th grade. My 5th grade teacher Mr. Swift had given me my first camera when I graduated to middle school and that’s where my art began however I was going through a hard time in my life when I was 20-21 and decided to pick up a paintbrush and canvas one day. It took a few tries but I fell in love with drawing and painting to express the hardest parts of my life. When I turned 24, I realized my art helped my mental health and I wanted to share the importance of taking care of your mental health with others and that’s when TnP.Art was born. After doing some research I jumped deeper into it and learned how to make calming jars as well which are used as a therapy tool. I make photography, art, and calming jars for all ages. I use to make videos discussing the importance of your mental health and taking care of it. I’ve considered doing them again as mental health awareness is really important to me and I don’t feel as though many people touch base on that topic often enough. All of the videos are still up on my Facebook page.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely been bumpy and not very easy to take. I struggle with ADHD and Bipolar so there’s been quite a few times where I took long and extensive breaks from my art and handled my mental health instead. I’ve always valued my mental health peace more than anything but my since I’d take a break from my art it would deeply suffer from neglect and people would then lose interest in it and my message. Along with that there’s always a select few who are quite doubtful of mental health illnesses. I’ve met people who don’t believe in them and therefore don’t support what I do or say which is really hard and can be infuriating. It’s hard to become a known artist but it’s harder to become a known artist and mental health awareness advocate. Also, being a photographer who uses their Iphone to take photos makes people see you as unprofessional and unprepared no matter how great the photos turn out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I’ve mentioned I do photography, art, and calming jars. All of my art can vary from weird to cool depending on the piece. My photography ranges from family and couples to Boudoir. The calming jars can range between ones you shake and ones that are just really cool to look at. People have an equal interest in each one! I’m currently most proud of the drawings I’ve done recently. My favorite one to do, however, is photography and that’s where I thrive the most. I absolutely love catching the littlest moments that can be easily missed or the biggest moments you’d want to remember forever. I might use my Iphone but it’s not necessarily about the tool you use rather than how you use it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that there’s more and more art popping up on every corner. I really dislike the amount of homelessness in Denver.
Contact Info:
- Email: tnp.art2232@gmail.com
- Instagram: TnP.Art
