Interview
Yana Tammah
Multidisciplinary artist Yana Tammah has taken a variety of artistic journeys in her life so far. Yana has always been passionate about bringing out the inner and outer beauty of others and helping them gain confidence and courage with her advice. Driven by her devotion to sharing her vast knowledge and expertise with others, Yana founded her own lifestyle brand "SSTAGIONI" and authored two books on developing a personal style. Throughout her creative journey, Yana always believed that from suffering there comes strength and that every hardship ultimately reveals a better side of life. This profound belief is what inspired her label "SSTAGIONI", which translates as "Four Seasons" in Italian.
The label perfectly embodies the rhythm of life's constant changes, where warmth only exists because of cold, and light only because of darkness. Later on, with her artistic curiosity still burning bright, Yana discovered a new medium to visually represent her experiences and emotions in a whole new way with her experimentation with abstract painting. She founded her art label "SSTAGIONI Art by Yana Tammah" in 2022 as a body of abstract work, embracing the feminist movement and incorporating masculine inspirations to create an open, relatable, and emerging dialogue of contemporary artwork. Along her journey, Yana has experienced various hardships, which have shaped her art and continue to influence it to this day. So far, her expressive paintings have touched the hearts of their viewers at numerous exhibitions worldwide and have also been featured in well- known television productions. SSTAGIONI Art paintings have been exhibited and collected worldwide, including in United Kindom (London), Italy (Milan, Venice), Germany (Berlin), Spain (Madrid, Palma de Mallorca), Switzerland (Zurih, Zug), Greece (Athenes), Russia (Moscow). In US as well (New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Denver). Her work has been featured in television productions on prominent networks such as 5KTLA and Fox.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“In my childhood years, I was strongly shaped by my Eastern European upbringing and later by my life as an immigrant in the U.S., where I first discovered my creative talents, as well as my interest in the glamorous fashion world. My love and passion for high end fashion, combined with hard work and perseverance, have enabled me to opening my own salon, where celebrities sought out my unique talent for cosmetology, make-up art and image-making.”
What inspires you?
“What inspires me in my art is the profound wellspring of creativity that I draw from my own life experiences and the hardships I've overcome. I aim to showcase that there's a more beautiful side to inner pain and suffering, wanting to inspire people to discover their inner light and confidence to create, live, and savor life. My desire is to encourage others to strive for making the world a better place. This inner fire propels my creative expression as I observe and feel the world. I believe in the unconditional love of the divine, where concepts like good and bad, light and dark, enrich our journey. My role as an artist is akin to a messenger, passing on wisdom and the beauty of our world and personal journeys for future generations. Through my art, I convey that the true beauty of life lies in the multifaceted experiences we accumulate, from the darkest moments to the brightest. My vision is one of hope, reminding people that there are always things to look forward to. As time passes and generations unfold, I believe that the legacy we leave behind is what truly matters, not material wealth but the positive impact on the world. Encouraging the flow of resources, energy, and connections is key to making the Earth a better place for all. I consider art and education as keys to understanding who we are and what we can become. Preserving culture, nurturing creativity, and investing in culture are essential for improving the planet. We must teach our children to care for the Earth, show them its beauty, and remind them of their limitless potential.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The themes I pursue in my art are centered around instilling self-confidence, positivity, and interconnectedness. I am committed to reaching a hand to people's pain and emotions through my art. I understand that art speaks differently to everyone, offering solace and healing in unique ways. I aim for my art to create a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to create a better world. I view my role as an artist as that of a messenger, leaving a legacy of wisdom and love for life and our world for future generations. There is an interconnectedness of all life forms that I find beautiful and believe that it must be preserved and amplified. My art conveys that life's true beauty lies in the diverse experiences we accumulate, from the darkest moments to the brightest, promoting hope and positivity. Ultimately, my work emphasizes the significance of the legacy we leave behind, which is about the positive impact we have on the world, not material wealth.”
“The themes I pursue in my art are centered around instilling self-confidence, positivity, and interconnectedness.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work can be described as abstract expressionist art with a feminine perspective on life's continuous changes and balance. My pieces challenge the stagnant and monochromatic work of early abstract expressionists and are influenced by nature, metaphysics, electronic beats, personal experiences, and encounters with people. I create a contemporary body of work that incorporates both feminine and masculine inspirations, aiming to provide an open, relatable, and emerging dialogue of contemporary artwork.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I appreciate other artists and their unique visions, and I always pay close attention to the meaningful messages they aim to convey through their work. However, I wouldn't say that I am influenced by any specific artist. Instead, I draw my inspiration primarily from my own life experiences and the profound emotions they evoke.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is quite impulsive and dynamic. I rely on expression and whatever inspires me in the moment to guide my work. I often work with a variety of materials, and I choose them based on what speaks to me and what’s available at the time. This approach is akin to cooking in the kitchen for me, where I blend ingredients based on what's on hand to create something unique. When I take on custom projects, I pay special attention to the lighting and colors of the interior design. It's crucial for me to create something that not only aligns with the client's vision but also complements the overall aesthetic of the space. This aspect of my creative process ensures that the final piece will not only be a reflection of my artistic expression but will also please the client and seamlessly integrate into their environment.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is more significant than often credited. We, as artists, have a responsibility to use our diverse styles and backgrounds to create and communicate with various groups of people in our unique ways. Art has the power to unite us, serving as a key to understanding who we are and what we can become. Our role is akin to that of a messenger, passing on information to both present and future generations in the hope of leaving the world in a better state than we found it. It is within our grasp to shape the legacy we leave behind and to shed light on both personal and global issues. Our art can act as a positive force, whether on a physical or emotional level, and this force has the potential to change the world for the better. Looking ahead, the artist's role in society is evolving in response to contemporary challenges and opportunities. As the world becomes more interconnected, artists have the ability to reach broader and more diverse audiences. With the advent of digital media and global communication, artists can engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds, promoting understanding and unity. Moreover, artists are increasingly using their work to advocate for personal, social and environmental causes, bringing attention to critical issues and inspiring positive change. The evolution of an artist's role in society will likely continue to involve a deeper engagement with these challenges, a greater emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, and a commitment to fostering positive transformation through creative expression.”
