Tiana Traffas

A R T : T I A N A T R A F F A S

In my art, I often paint and draw the female form. I explore the portrait or body to reveal what tender memories and emotions are stored within. Sometimes I even use parts of my body or my daughter's hands to make monoprints. Using our bodies in this way, I can dive deeper into the residual effects of growing up in a patriarchal world and strict Christian church. These institutions shaped how I view my body, and the harmful stories I carried for so long influenced my relationship with menstruation, sex, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. There are many things left to unlearn to empower my young daughter and me. I create work that thematically explores the taboos of motherhood.

Untitled | colored pencil and watercolor on paper | 2020

My artwork's significant sources of inspiration include taboos, the psychology of motherhood, ancient Neolithic and matriarchal goddess cultures, myth, and other sources of esoteric knowledge. The esoteric subjects are wide-ranging but often related, including dreams, animism and biophilia. I've been drawn to symbolism since early childhood, and because of this, personal talismans are often present in my artworks. Menstruation, breastfeeding, birth, life cycles, shame, pain, anxiety, joy, love, death and ancestors are just some of the things explored through a feminist matricentric lens. My goal is to share motherhood's love, pain, and vulnerability, highlight what goes unseen, and weave these personal experiences with collective and arcane symbolism.

I am a self-taught artist, mother, and chronic daydreamer living in the beautiful driftless region of La Crosse, Wisconsin. My ongoing projects include street art, zine-making, painting, drawing, and an occasional small sculpture.

My work has been shown in juried shows and galleries. I enjoy exploring folk herbalism, natural waters, folk art, thrift/vintage shops and good books. I can often be found dancing poorly to great music or making felt toys for my daughter whenever she asks.

Website: Tianatraffasart.bigcartel.com

Animal Vessel | India ink on paper It gets on everything | pencil and watercolor sketch on paper Untitled | colored pencil and watercolor on paper | 2020