Interview
Tanja Liedert
Tanja Liedert, known artistically as T.Leedirt, embarked on a creative journey blending photography, painting, and mixed media design. Her journey traces back to studying Design Communications in England in 1994, which sparked her passion for art. Transitioning from a background in advertising, she ventured into painting with acrylics and oils in 1998, exploring larger canvases and diversifying her artistic horizons. Tanja's art beautifully intertwines vibrant colors, gold leaf accents, and layered compositions, capturing the human experience's emotional depth. Through resilience, a celebration of shadows, and a contemporary figurative style, her work resonates as a testament to life's vibrancy and complexities.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic journey ignited during my time studying Design Communications in England, back in 1994. While immersed in that world, I delved into painting, initially experimenting with acrylics and oils. By 1998, I transitioned from smaller to larger canvases, expanding my artistic horizons. An important moment arrived in 1999, when I secured my first photography competition win, catalyzing my exploration into mixed media. Then balancing commissioned works and the responsibilities of raising a family, I continued to evolve artistically. Alongside my roles as a photographer and Media Designer, I traversed the realms of mixed media, steadily weaving together various artistic elements to create a tapestry of expression.”
What inspires you?
“I get inspired by the healing journey of myself and viewing the world with my eyes and my heart, combined with listening to music and sounds. The spiritual path of my self, the lessons I have learned and not to forget the emotions within me and around me. The inspiration of my art is deeply connected within me.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Themes, well its humanity, the world, love and live. People in my live and people who are just passing by. It's always a package. Even when you meet someone just for a short moment, the first layer is what you see. But for me the second and third layers are interesting. And what effect it has within me! I try to dive into the body, mind and soul carousel. My pursuit is to inspire. To infuse the world with color, to seek beauty even in the shadows, and to constantly evolve and grow. To reflect a profound perspective on life. That's probably the message, too. A message of resilience, hope, and the celebration of life's diverse emotions and beauty.”
“I try to dive into the body, mind and soul carousel. My pursuit is to inspire. To infuse the world with color, to seek beauty even in the shadows, and to constantly evolve and grow.”
How would you describe your work?
“As I am starting over, I am 51 now, it's challenging. My work shows me and it show you. We all sit in the same boot. Colorful, diverse, reflecting, storytelling, deep, photographic inspired, passionate. I have just started at the tip of my iceberg, my work is revealing, positive, and a little spiritual, I want to put some good energy out there. Inspire Communication. Inspire change. Initiate growth.”
Which artists influence you most?
“David Bowie. Number one Artist. He changed his skin and his way so many times, potentially growing, trying to invent new. Intellectual. Questioning. Constantly moving. Not giving up. As a painter he was quiet.
Influential painters are Gustav Klimt and Hundertwasser. Gerhard Richter. Toulouse-Lautrec for his Poster Art.”
What is your creative process like?
“It's a motion. I go out with my camera and take pictures. I experiment with it. long and short exposures. I watch people and life around me. These days I go with intention. After I write down what moved me, what I have seen, what I have smelled and what I heard. From the writing, it's a transition to start drawing or strait to the canvas. I don't have a timetable. It's a flow. I love that flow.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think an artist acts as a storyteller, capturing the essence of the human experience and fostering connections between diverse perspectives. Moreover, they have the power to evoke emotions, shape discourse, and offer a lens through which society can introspect, evolve, and envision new possibilities. On the other side an artist serves as a cultural mirror, reflecting society's narratives, aspirations, and struggles. They provoke thought, challenge norms, and inspire change through their creative expressions. It's individually inspired.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent exhibitions include Artbox.Project 3.0 digital showcase Swissartexpo, Zürich, Switzerland (2021) and ArtExpo Barcelona (2023). I haven't had a physical exhibitions since 2020. Currently, I am working on a POP-UP Show in 2024.”
