15 years ago Supersonic Art published its first ever article: An interview with artist Tatiana Suarez. This article lead to Supersonic Art being noticed by a young(er) Ken Harman, founder of Spoke Art and Hashimoto Contemporary, who hired me to write for Hi-Fructose Magazine and then, soon after, to curate the first ever Supersonic Invitational. To say it's an important part of Supersonic Art's history is a vast understatement.

So, with our new website and community now launching, I thought it would be a great idea (and good luck) to catch up with my very dear friend Tati - Miami's absolutely best artist.

Photo by Yuval Ofir.

A style so distinctive and original that it's - of course - copied around the globe, Tatiana Suarez's multicultural visions are delightfully rich with her color, her symbols, and her heritage. The Miami native and its best artist was born in 1983 to a Brazilian mother and El Salvadorian father, experiencing a colorful and culturally rich childhood surrounded by art and imagination that helped her develop into one of the United States's most important contemporary artists.

After attending the University of Miami for graphic design, moving to New York City for several years (Where our original interview took place), and returning to Miami where she now lives with her husband, David, and two young children, Tati has spent the last 15 years producing exquisite paintings and murals that grace collections and walls throughout the world: From Japan to Mexico to Sweden, collaborations with brands like Netflix and L'Oreal, galleries, museums, and Miami's own Wynwood Walls.

Tati was able to answer my questions during a (just slightly) hectic week that included, but was not limited to, errands, hand-making Halloween costumes for her kids, the sudden loss of a friend, illustration deadlines, and beginning a new mural.

Was there any specific experience or experiences that made you want to be an artist?

There wasn’t really a specific experience. I just loved making art as a kid and continued doing so. My dad was an aspiring artist when he was younger, he had paintings hung up that are still burned in my memory. He worked in the corporate world, but I remember one time he was in the bathtub, using the hose, and there was ink everywhere. Making these vibrant, flowy, colorful pieces on paper. Seeing him create and being in that messy state stayed with me.

Can you remember the first time that you felt like art was what you were meant to do?  If so, what was going on?

I’ve been making art in some form for as long as I can remember. The painting slowed down once I was at the University of Miami focusing on their graphic design program. After graduating  I worked in advertising for a bit, and slowly started participating in small local shows. This is when I realized I missed painting and this is what made me happy. I was lucky enough to start working on my art full-time shortly after.

How has your relationship with creating evolved since those early days — what remains the same, and what has changed?

I think my creative process is relatively the same for me.  I do take my own reference photos now instead of pulling everything from Tumblr and Pinterest. I’m still a bit impatient and tend to rush my early sketching  process, which then backfires later and causes stress. I also feel like my ideas flowed easier when I was younger. I’m learning to embrace it all.

What are some of your favorite memories of living and being an artist in Brooklyn?  How does it compare to Miami?

Living in New York was the first time I had to rent a studio space  since I had no room in my apartment. I enjoyed the walks to the studio —  bagels, donuts, and coffee in the mornings. Also having access to all these incredible galleries and being able to attend openings.  I did realize that I need to be surrounded by nature to work. I need greens, warmth, blooms, and wildlife - so in that sense Miami has Brooklyn beat.

I know you like to watch movies while you work -- What are some of your favorite go-to movies to watch while you paint?

I dunno why my go to lately has just been True Detective Season 1. Honestly picking a movie or playlist to have on while painting has felt overwhelming.  Sometimes I need some quiet or I’ll just put on a classical playlist.

Do you have a favorite color?  And what is your current favorite combination of colors to use in your work?

My favorite colors are always changing.  I’m always drawn to the coral-y pinks, always leaning towards earthy tones.

Before you even begin a painting or sketch, where do you think the ideas for your work come from?

It’s honestly been such a long time since I’ve created solely for myself.  In this season of my life,  it’s been mostly commissions or an occasional gallery show which I’m usually given a theme. I also enjoy making pop culture inspired pieces.

Your work is heavily influenced by your South American heritage and Miami culture - Could you tell us a bit about how the two play into forming your artwork?

As mentioned above, I love the colors, textures, and lights of the city. I haven’t been to Brazil in the longest time, but I live vicariously through my mother.  It’s a way to stay connected with my culture.

Is there any particular story or symbol from these influences that you've been focusing on recently?

There’s a traditional Brazilian fabric called Chita. My mom has lots of them. Known for its bright, extravagant, contrasting floral patterns — I’ve been including some of these elements into my work.

What do you think gets overlooked when creating your work?

I want to spend more time exploring and doing research before diving into a piece. I feel like they lack narrative or storytelling.

When something isn't working in your painting, what is your process to resolve it?

I usually take a photo to see it through the lens, then make some small edits using procreate. Then I make those adjustments on said painting until I’m finally happy with the results.  But lately I rather just start over completely since trying to fix something ends up taking even more time and energy, which is super limited these days.

Are the subjects in your paintings connected?

They’re all existing in the same universe.

Compared to works on canvas, how different is painting a large scale mural?

So different. Aside from the obvious difference in scale, it’s just so much more demanding on my body.  I have limited materials and time. And I often have to paint in front of people instead of working in the privacy of my home which sometimes makes me anxious. But I can’t do either one for long stretches of time, I need the back and forth to keep me on my toes.

Which do you prefer: Paint brushes or cans?

I still feel more in control with a brush. But when it comes to large scale works, the blends and colors from aerosol save the day. A can is also way quicker.

Tell me a bit about what it's like to live and work in Miami?

I love it here, but it’s getting crazy expensive. Growing up here and experiencing life in various neighborhoods was great, I’m grateful for that. The landscapes, colors, mix of cultures, are all inspiring. I need that. I also love the art community here and having access to so many openings and museums.

What do you think about when you see old works of yours that you haven't thought about in years?

Always a nice surprise when I see an old piece I hadn’t seen in years because it was done before social media or iPhones.  It feels a bit cringe, but I also feel accomplishment for the progress I’ve made. A little jealous that I was less hesitant to sharing these to the world. Now there’s so much self doubt, comparison, and imposter syndrome. I blame IG.

Do you have a favorite brand of brushes or paints?

Don’t really have a favorite. For brushes I like a flat and I like a filbert, doesn’t matter the brand as long as the bristles aren’t shedding off.  I love the color Montserrat Orange from Williamsburg Oils, and love me some Gamblins.  I don’t stick to one specific brand of paint, not sure if you’re supposed to mix them up, but I do. [Laughs]

What are some of your favorite memories from some of the mural festivals you've participated in over the last decade?

There have been so many, amazing, special, unforgettable memories. Overall just being able to connect with friends in different parts of the world and laugh. Beach nights in Del Mar, in Hawaii… Grateful to have been able to be a part of that moment.

Movie of the year?

Watching new movies is rare these days. By the time the kids go to sleep, I try squeezing in some work  which is difficult because I’m so exhausted. I did watch Weapons recently and loved it.  I’ve had it on twice already while working on some illustrations.

Album of the year?

DtMF.

Who are a few contemporary artists who currently inspire you?

I come across so much inspiring art on the daily. Aryz, Eugene Shadko, Colleen Barry, Tarntara, Nicolas Uribe are some I have saved.

Have your kids taught you anything about creating?  How have they inspired you?

I LOVE all the mark-making and color combos I see in my kids doodles. During the beginning of the pandemic, I collaborated with [my daughter] Luna on a few pieces, it was pretty liberating. I've been wanting to be looser and more expressionistic with my work, so seeing the raw freedom in doodles is inspiring. As mentioned previously, I feel like the older I’ve become, the more confined my mind feels creatively. That sense of freedom and proof of humanity - especially with all AI slop, is something I’d like to reclaim.

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Find Tati's limited edition print, "Uvivera," in the Supersonic Art Shop.