How Art Became her Catalyst for Healing | Tara Harris

In this interview with contemporary intuitive artist Tara Harris, we dive into her creative journey and philosophy. Tara, who has a background in printmaking, opens up about her creative journey and how personal experiences, like the loss of a loved one and increased caregiving duties, have inspired her to return to art. She shares how she creates her paintings, starting with simple marks and building layers to form a piece. Tara also talks about how her artwork helps her feel close to loved ones she’s lost and how she hopes viewers will connect with her work on an emotional level. Through this conversation, we gain insight into Tara’s process, her love for experimentation, and her joy when a painting comes together perfectly. Tara also shares her excitement about her upcoming exhibition celebrating the life of surrealist painter Emmy Bridgewater.

Tara Harris studied fine art in Newcastle–Upon–Tyne, graduating in 1991 with a specialism in printmaking. After gaining a PGCE in Education in 1993, she championed the importance of creativity in the curriculum – gaining several Arts Council awards. Her writing appears in the book Teachers and Young Researchers in Action. Since 2023, losing a loved one and increasing caring duties have been catalysts for Tara to create art. She has exhibited her work in group shows since 2024, including at the Royal Cambrian Academy and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. She has received an Emerging Woman Artist award from the Arts to Hearts Project and is published in their book ‘Artists on the Rise’.

1. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

I allow the composition to unfold organically by responding to initial mark-making and then developing the image through layers. Fixing each layer with acrylic gloss medium creates a sense of depth and texture and helps me build the piece up through this process.

I take inspiration from fluid lines and mark making of Korean art, which is defined by its quiet inner harmony.

Tara Harris

2. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

Celebrating creativity through exploration and embracing the unexpected helps me to feel. The joy of discovery through experimentation allows me to be spontaneous and excited in my art-making. This approach aligns with the surrealist spirit of embracing the unknown and letting the subconscious guide the work.

3. How do you know when a piece of art is finished?

Creating artwork is like solving a puzzle. Each piece—whether it’s a colour, mark, or layer—needs to fit just right to satisfy my emotional response for the day. It is incredibly rewarding to reach that moment when I look at the painting and feel a sense of completeness like the puzzle has come together.

4. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

My intention is to use my artwork to convey my emotions and daily experiences, inviting the viewer into a personal and intimate space. I hope that they will connect with the piece on an emotional level. I endeavour to create a dialogue between myself and the viewer, where they can see and feel something that resonates with their experiences or emotions.

I take an intuitive approach and the element of surprise makes creating art fulfilling. Feeling my way through a piece until I am happy with its visual energy, the titles act as the final piece of the puzzle.

Tara Harris

5. Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’re particularly excited about?

I am currently participating in a group exhibition of 30 commissioned artists celebrating the life of the surrealist painter Emmy Bridgewater. The exhibition is outdoor and accessible to the community in Solihull, allowing people to experience art in a more public, outdoor space.

Tara’s creative journey symbolises the power of art as a tool for personal expression and emotional healing. Her work invites viewers into a space of introspection and connection, where the act of creation becomes both a personal reflection and a shared experience. Through her intuitive process, Tara continues to evolve as an artist, offering a glimpse into her world of memory, emotion, and creative discovery. As she prepares for new exhibitions, her work remains a bridge between her inner world and the audience, leaving a lasting impact on those who engage with it. To learn more about Tara, visit the links below.