Tanja Playner’s love for Pop Art started during her childhood in Russia where she began to develop her own style, although looking back, she wasn’t aware this was her development period. “In Russia, where I lived as a kid, more classical art was pushed, but I wanted my own style,” she recalls. “I painted portraits of the then superstars and models in pencil in black and white and tried to make it cool.” The style she has mastered and creates today—black and white bodies with fairytale faces—is attributed to her time in Europe where she created still lifes of what she saw all around.
Although Tanja did not attend formal art school, she started painting at an early age. “At school, the teacher told us all the tricks on how to paint.” By the age of 12, everyone in her class wanted her to paint their black and white portraits. Then at 14, she met a painter that gave her tips on oil painting, motivating her to use oils. Although influenced by others early, Tanja’s work remains distinctively hers. “Authenticity in art is the most important thing, and you cannot learn that; you have to be that,” she says. “If you have no inner feeling for the colors and no sense of implementation, then you cannot become an artist because art comes from within. In art, the heart and soul of the artist speaks through his brush.”
Tanja’s creativity is inspired by life with all its experiences and great moments. “I enjoy every magical moment of my life and let myself be inspired by it. Often, when I’m driving in the car, ideas come to mind. Then I do a quick sketch, so I do not lose them.” Tanja also finds inspiration in her travels, meeting people and experiencing different environments. “I see the different characters and faces as well as situations very philosophically and let myself be inspired by these encounters. I have a lot of great friends and acquaintances on the net that inspire me too.” Tanja also credits her children and husband as key to her creativity.
Tanja’s work can often be recognized by her choice in colors—vibrant yellow and bold turquoise. “These are the colors that are close to my heart. When you see my yellow colors, you feel the warmth of the sun.” Tanja says she uses turquoise and blues because they are relaxing and hopeful. “I also like to play with contrasts. I also used real gold in my artworks. That gives the artwork magic. My artworks have to be me—radiant, cheerful and positive,” she adds.
Tanja creates her art with a purpose in mind. “Through my works of art, I want to create the feeling of joy in life for everyone. That’s why the emotions and the gaze of the person are especially important to me. I want each one of my pictures to tell the viewer, ‘Come, let us travel together for a short moment through the beautiful world. And do not forget to tell your loved ones that you love them and how beautiful life is!’”
Tanja’s ultimate goal is to infect the world with love through her art. “Some may see me as naive, but I do not care. Only if we spread the love together can we improve the world.” she affirms. “I have that vision, and with this vision, I go through the world.”
Tanja’s work can be seen at www.tanjaplayner.com or www.paks-gallery.com.
