Born in Camden London, upcoming British Contemporary T. Norman is definitely one to keep an eye on within the art world. Daughter of two Afro-Caribbean parents, T.Norman spent her childhood living in North London. However she is not restricted to seeking inspiration solely from there, she prides herself on finding inspiration in any environment Her main specialty being sculpting and print work, she finds herself creatively a product of her emotions. What she witnesses affects her and what she feels takes shape in her art.

Combining innovative ideas and experiences through environments, culture and sensitivities within her domains and across society, the artist tackles the materialism within those concerns.

Most of the sculptures are assembled using everyday items, which are mostly disposable and executed through wax, latex, plaster and other mixed media. Printmaking is also strongly maintained by T.Norman as she see the two as inseparable.

 

Hello Tichelle, thank you for speaking with me today

Hello Hunii, I’m glad to be here.

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.

Ok, where do I start?! Well, I was born in Camden, London. I love London! North London is my primary base; however this does not limit me when it comes to my art or looking for inspiration. For example, you can find me in Shoreditch high street, Brixton or Euston or sometimes in the East Midlands.

What or who was it that inspired you to become an artist?

Becoming an artist wasn’t a conscious choice. I’ve always been exposed to, and passionate about, the arts- that is Literature sand Performing arts. You could always find me doodling, sketching or assembling something, and the responses from those that witnessed me do these things, were always of a positive nature so I am very aware and grateful for this encouragement.

 So how long would you say your focus has been strictly conceptual and fine art?

I would say the better part of five years, but like I said it has always been a part of me.

What do you specialise in?

I specialise in contemporary sculpture and printmaking-both of which- include installations.

How technical is your work?

The art becomes technical when the exploration ceases up. By that I mean it comes to the point when I need to define why that assembled sculpture of carpet and string needs to be focused on as a dry point in printmaking. It’s talking back to me, to strongly respond. So therefore I would do linoprints, dry points, mono printing refining the ideas and for sculpture move towards plaster resin latex. But this all happens gradually.

 Is keeping up with or surpassing current trends something you tend to keep in mind?

(Her eyebrows rise at this point) I don’t. This is a question I am faced with frequently, and I can wholeheartedly say I DO NOT focus on any other artist, or populist trends. My art is genuine. I don’t lie to it and it doesn’t lie to me. My work is about everyday domains of how we live culturally, I mean how I execute the work is done in a modern style the materials are disposable, throw away items. In addition, I am an avid gallery goer but to consider the presentation or how the artist looks at their subject. Admiring is good for example, David Hammons, Mona Hatoum and Yinka Shonibare and Sonia Boyce. I can relate to and are excellent with what they do..

 What are your aspirations for your work?

For the pieces I’ve created currently, I hope they retain their integrity then as they do now. I would also love for my work to be archived in Gallery’s across Germany, the USA, Switzerland and Africa. It is very important for me to embrace growth as an artist.

 What do you seek to capture when creating your work?

My work tackles the environments we live in culturally, the everyday events we face. It seeks to portray the struggles, poverty, misunderstanding, and the resulting emotions caused by these.

 Is any of your work currently on show?

I will be having a show at The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust in July for a month. (For more info) http://www.stephenlawrence.org.uk

Tell me about the exhibition?

The exhibition is entitled, “Society Within”, the aftermath from the recent riots inspired these pieces. Being able to see and hear the thoughts of so many not just in London but across Europe and the rest of the world, caused me to reflect on the way the government and the systems that should be helping us as a nation, have actually been failing our black communities. “Society Within”, though it doesn’t condone the action of the riots, urges those in power to remember there is no smoke without fire.

 Share with us the processes entailed within the project? What do the resulting pieces symbolise?

The sculpture balls are bodies of community that are forced to see what their lives now hold. The choice of having the two colours, red and black can be represented as anger, lost rebellion and also vulnerability; with the average family and especially a young person living in a deprived area.

The print images are the lines that form the stretch movement of the elastic band I found outside my home in Tottenham. However a figure emerges and pulls back like it’s exploding their thoughts and impulses.

Thank you for your time Tichelle, it’s been more than a pleasure.

For more information on Tichelle and her works of inspiration, check out her website at www.tanorman.co.uk

Hunii x