A Conversation with Surrealist Artist Tiffany Dae

Miami-based surrealist artist Tiffany Dae has evolved masters’ classical acrylic grisaille and oil paintings techniques into modern surrealist form. Her work balances a wide range of emotions and realizations, each piece manifests a form of inner truth. We recently interviewed Tiffany and asked her about her background, her artistic practice, her influences and interests. 

Q – Tell us something about your early life and experiences? When did you realize that you are an artist? 

A – I didn’t know I wanted to pursue art as something other than a passing hobby until 2011. I thought that it was impossible to be successful as an artist and that to have a stable life, I should pursue a career that is more reliable. I even went so far as to get a degree in mass media communications. I didn’t even take a serious art class until I had finished my communications degree and realized I really hated the idea of getting a job at an office. I studied art for three semesters, and it changed everything.

Q – What are some things or places (or anything really) that truly inspires you to create?

A – I have no prejudice for inspiration. I listen to people’s thoughts, their hopes and dreams. I go and visit the ocean. I watch a lot of bad television. Anything and everything can influence us in some way, and I don’t want to turn myself off to something that could really have a big impact on me.

Q – Where did you study? Did you have any particularly important teachers or mentors? 

A – I studied at Florida State University. I had one professor, Carrie Ann Baade, whose paintings are incredible. She taught me everything I know in just three short semesters. I have never worked so hard in my life, and I continue to look at her work for guidance.

Q – Who are some artists you admire and why? 

A – I really love Mark Ryden, and Marion Peck. The way they can make an image so soft is amazing, also the time that goes into each piece really shows. Swoon’s work is terribly lovely also, because she really has a way to take you to another world with both her drawing and installations. I also love how much she does to help others with her work, I think that’s very important.

Q – What kinds of emotions and experiences do you feel are present in your work? 

A – I want my work to always provide a sense of wonder. The way a new place, or an adventure can leave one feeling in awe. I want the paintings to be representations of another world, in which there are no limits to the imagination.

Q – How do you start a painting? Do you have images, places or feelings in mind?   

A – I generally have an idea in mind, or some theme or concept I’d like to represent. From there I do a lot of image searching. If I find something interesting, I put it in a folder, and from there I take all of the images and put them together into a digital collage. From there I do a lot of reworking until it’s ready, and only then do I even start to paint.

Q – When do you know when a painting is done? 

A – This is a tough question! I think the only answer I have is: when I feel a piece is done, it’s done.

Q – What are your interests outside of art?

A – I have a wonderful husband whom I love to spend all of my free time with, and we enjoy bike riding, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I also work at an art supply store a few days a week in the custom-framing department. I love to travel too.

Q – Is there anything else that those viewing your work should know about you and your art? 

A – I want my art to be for everybody. The idea that art is only meant to be enjoyed by a certain elite class is an unfortunate one. Even people who know little about art should be able to look at my work and appreciate it not only for it’s aesthetic appeal, but also for it’s underlying concepts. And the beautiful part is, there is never a wrong interpretation of one of my paintings. It is what you want it to be, and that’s why it’s for everyone.