Interview

Jan 28

Tammi Krzywiecki

Tammi Krzywiecki was born in Montana and raised as a farm girl. She’s no stranger to early mornings, manual labor, or jumping in wherever she’s needed. When she wasn’t hauling alternators, helping her dad fix combines, or cutting wood to stockpile for the long Montana winters, she was drawing on any surface she could find. Like most kids in their small agricultural community, they worked before they played. Life on the farm teaches you about balance; the grace, the grit, and the ever-present rhythm of life and death. Those lessons, and the quiet moments between chores, shaped Tammi deeply and became the root of her inspiration. She met her husband in Montana, where they welcomed their son, and in 2019 the military moved them to Alaska, where their daughter was born. After four years of unforgettable adventures in the snow with their two kids and their dogs, they eventually made their way to Virginia. It’s there, surrounded by new landscapes and fresh stories, that Tammi created Little Chickadee Studios, a place where she continues painting the nature, memories, and everyday moments that have shaped her life from the beginning.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I have long been told I was drawing since I could hold a pencil. It’s something I was always doing growing up, and anyone that knew me will tell you I always had a pen and paper in hand. Sitting next to my dad during church, I would draw things for other church goers as gifts. In school my teachers always embraced my gift and pushed me to keep with it even though I was usually drawing during a lesson. I had some wonderful teachers who helped shape my life for the better in my younger years. But, I don’t think anyone adored my talent more than my dad. He persistently and enthusiastically encouraged my art journey through and through.”

What inspires you?

“Nature. I love nature. I’m sure it’s over-said but nothing makes me happier than finding a hopping critter, getting to smell a freshly bloomed flower, or hearing a creek rushing near by. Nothing beats it. Nature brings me to life.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Life can be so demanding. So complicated and messy. So, I guess in a desperate attempt to balance this in my own life, I try to keep my artwork uncluttered, manageable and simple. I enjoy creating art that inspires smiles and invites joyful feelings in people’s hearts. I want them to look at my art when they are going through anything difficult or messy in their own life, and be able to feel a small piece of happiness.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work is shaped by personal growth. As a teenager, I struggled deeply with belonging, communication, and feeling understood, and my early drawings reflected that darker inner world. Overtime and with the support of my husband, and some wonderful dear friends, I learned how to better communicate, accept love, and express myself more openly. As a result, my art has evolved into brighter and more joyful pieces. Less about pain, and more about healing. Creating now feels like breathing freely, a reflection of moving from survival into genuine joy.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I really love the simple feminine beauty that Czech painter, Alphonse Mucha, creates in his pieces. I like to think that what Mucha’s paintings seem to suggest is while women are often depicted as soft and feminine, those very qualities hold extraordinary strength, revealing women as a powerful and unstoppable force. But my favorite artist isn’t just known for his iconic paintings, but for who he was as a person, Bob Ross. After experiencing hardship and serving in the military, he chose a life, rooted in kindness, gentleness, and creativity. Through his art, he taught others to forgive life’s ‘Happy little accidents,’ to love animals, and to approach the world with grace. I can’t help but love Bob Ross.”

“Life can be so demanding. So complicated and messy. So, I guess in a desperate attempt to balance this in my own life, I try to keep my artwork uncluttered, manageable and simple.”

What is your creative process like?

“Watercolor is a tedious but incredibly satisfying medium. A lot of people tell me they struggle with it - and I understand why. Unlike acrylics or oils, you can’t simply paint over a mistake. Watercolor demands patience, intention, and the willingness to start over when things don’t go as planned. And believe me, I’ve repainted many pieces along the way. For me, the creative process is a balance of control and surrender. I start with a light sketch, a loose plan, and then I paint layer upon layer, adding depth and character one stroke at a time. There’s a kind of magic in watching the watercolors flow and settle in ways you can guide but not fully command. Over time through practice, trial, and plenty of error I’ve learned to embrace that dance. It keeps me grounded, keeps me humble, and keeps the work feeling alive. And to be honest with you, there’s not a single painting I’ve ever done that I haven’t completely hated at at least one point through the process. You just have to keep going and trust the process. But some days that’s much easier said than done. My best advise if you’re frustrated with a painting, walk away. Give it a day. Come back to it fresh and then decide where to go from there. I have saved many paintings this way.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Art plays a huge role in society – it shapes our culture, sparks creativity, and helps us understand one another. But more than that, I think art reveals truth we might otherwise overlook. Throughout history, creative people have spoken up when others could not or would not, using their work to challenge censorship. To me, artists help keep our communities honest. They remind us gently but persistently to pay attention, to think and to do what’s right even when it is not what is easy. I believe that role will only grow more important as our world becomes more complex, challenging people to expand our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the ever changing world around us.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“I haven’t formally been a part of any exhibitions yet, but I have been lucky enough to experience inspiring art in places like the ‘Salvador Dali’ Museum in Florida and the Anchorage Museum which featured stunning Inuit artwork. In my own journey as an artist, I’ve found so much joy building community - connecting with other makers at craft fairs and markets, forming friendships, and sharing my artwork with people locally and online. These experiences have helped me grow by finding my own creative voice and build a supportive network that fuels my passion for creating and pushing my business onward.”

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleChickStudios

Instagram: @little.chickadee.studios