Interview: Tarnya Hook
Luca Curci talks with Tarnya Hook, one of the winners of ARTIST OF THE MONTH – MAY 2021.

Tarn is an Australian Artist with a home studio based in Melbourne Victoria. She shares the studio with her Husband, a designer, and her energetic and creative children. With a BA in Fashion Design, Tarn worked in the fashion industry for many years however returned to her love of painting in 2019. There is freedom found within our world through Art. Either by Creating and being a part of the journey or by looking and reflecting on one’s own emotional reaction to it. It is an individual and completely internal response which makes the interaction so beautiful… There is no language art does not speak – Tarn Hook

LUCA CURCI – What is art for you?
TARNYA HOOK – Art is the expression of emotions, experiences and life. It is creating a world to express that even for just a moment. Each of my pieces has it’s own story. My Abstract work helps me create a connection to each particular story or experience.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
TH – My Dad was an amazing designer and highly skilled sign writer. As a result, I grew up surrounded by paint, color and the freedom of expression. I went on to study BA Fashion Design and worked in the fashion industry for years. As rewarding as that was, my love of painting was too strong and I returned to it with commitment. I love it!

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
TH – I draw on life’s experiences, my feelings and emotions. Painting is Therapy. I play loud music in my studio and simply begin. I know what is held within each of my pieces and I love them all because of it.

LC- How is being an artist nowadays?
TH – Today’s technology has made connecting to the international community not only possible but uncomplicated. It is a really supportive community. The events of the past year has emphasized peoples need to be connected to people, beauty and to art and to appreciate the amazing planet we share.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
TH – I have always had a connection to abstract art and the use of color. I love the pure freedom and expression of emotion. My primary love of abstract has never changed, it’s life experiences that cause my style to change and evolve.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
TH – I immediately see the story and understand the emotion within each of my works. I hope the viewer can make their own emotional connection to each painting also. ‘There is no language that art does not speak’.