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Artist Spotlight
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Brenda C. Tillit |
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Name: Brenda C. Tillit
City: Hollywood, Florida
Birthplace: Lima, Peru
Artistic Medium: Oil Painting
How did you get started?
I started painting many years ago as a child. My sister bought me a set of
watercolors—I used them all in the same day. Then I started using temperas, a
medium that allowed me to start being very creative. My father used to bring me
pieces of plywood from his work (he was a civil engineer) and I painted on
them. I never used oil paints while I was in Lima because it was a very
expensive material; the same case with canvas. Once here, in the United States,
I started exploring different mediums and I found a lot of enjoyment using and
mixing the oil.
Who or what are your influences?
My influence is life, anything and everything about it. Colors—all colors
that exist and can be mixed or those that can be left virgin and untouched from
the tube of oil, all painted on a canvas. Those influences place me in a
different aura, one which gives me the perfect mood to stand in front of a white
canvas, to get my brushes, my colors and to create a unique piece. One never
seen before, never felt before.
What inspires your work?
My feelings. My experiences. What I see or feel. It stays in my mind and
soul. I get inspiration too from what I don’t see and what I want to see. The
need and urge to create something that I will look at once in a while and
say—this is what I meant to say without words and I was able to accomplish it.
Love for everything that is art. Love for that magnificent feeling of the last
brush on the canvas a second before I place my signature.
How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
I have lived in South Florida for 23 years. Most of these years were spent
in Miami. The Hispanic culture definitely is and has been an influence in my
work: the passion, the bright colors, the rhythm, the people— in every single
stroke and the junction of all the strokes together. But also, the South
Floridians’ love for art. No matter where you came from, if you live in South
Florida, for some strange and wonderful reason you love art: paintings,
photographs, crafts, sculpture. It is a wonderful area to live and share
creations.
How would you describe your work?
My work is pure, unique and authentic. I have never taken an art or painting
class. I have always been the daring kind. Get a brush, any paint and a piece of
plywood, canvas, or cardboard and go ahead. Pour out your feelings. Pour out
your heart. My paintings are a kind of work that are, as my partner says,
“thought-provoking.” My strokes are usually thick. I use a lot of oil because I
like the texture of the finished product. A painting that sometimes can make you
feel like it can touch you if you get too close.
What has been the most unusual reaction to your work
from the public?
At the last exhibition, ArtsUnited’s United and Proud at the Main Library of
Broward County, I was standing with my partner looking at other art pieces but I
was kind of close to the wall where my paintings were. And this young lady came
up close to us in a rush and asks my partner in an excited voice—are you
Brenda? And my partner goes no, she is Brenda. The young lady showed such
happiness at seeing who Brenda was. For a moment, I was confused. Her mother,
who was close to her, had liked my painting “Change of Heart” so much that she
wanted to meet the painter. It was a magic moment that I will never forget.
What would you like to achieve as an artist?
I would like to achieve recognition so that people can see and enjoy my
paintings. I paint because I love to paint. I paint to share that love with
everybody in the world. I would also like to motivate everyone to hold a brush
one day, a color pencil, any medium, any set of colors, and stand in front of a
blank piece of canvas or paper and dare to leave your signature, your heart. Art
is a perfect method of expression. It is a perfect way to connect. It is a
connection between my core and the rest of cores in the world.
Upcoming shows:
ArtsUnited United and Proud
Broward County Main Library, 6th Floor
100 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Through June 27
I will also be submitting my pieces of art to other events.
Where is your work available?
You can reach me on my cell phone at 305-710-0525 or via e-mail at
bcgtn@yahoo.com
If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist
Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano at
StarrWriter2000@aol.com
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