Tanja Butler

While regularly blogging from 2013-2015 I had a series where I interviewed artists about the colors in their palettes and their working methods. I got really sick and stopped blogging so this interview from that time was not published. I recently discovered it from my drafts. Tanja was my printmaking professor in college and someone distinctly responsible for my working methods. In her responses I think you can see how so much of what I reflect on is present in her words too. So thankful for her influence on my practice. 

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I have admired the work of Tanja Butler for 20 years now. Her striking bold colors combine with subtle neutrals, geometric forms with realistic representations, & meaning drenched imagery. These handcrafted collages layer themselves with the intrigue of palimpsests & contain as much information. 

Color you wish weren't there? Fluorescents. The buzz is way too loud.
 
Favorite brush?  I used to paint only with Winsor Newton Kolinsky sable watercolor brushes, but now feel fine about using tiny nylon rounds. 
 
Favorite paper/surface? I love covering Hosho paper with acrylic paint and cutting shapes out of it with an X-acto knife. The contrast between the precise knife edge and the creamy brushstrokes is really exciting.
 
Favorite color? It's not so much the color as the relationship—complements and temperature contrasts are fun to work with. It's all about the conversation.