Meet Tommyleei Skaggs!
“You Are ART.” The motto that artist Tahlei Skaggs aka Tommyleei lives by and infuses in each vision of her creative masterpieces! Shaking up society and shredding standards; her belief of staying true to herself is the compass that guides her artwork. Hailing from Mcdonugh, Georgia; Tommyleei is an inspiration to be unapologetically bold while spreading the message of standing in your truth without the world’s approval!
Let’s get to know Tommylei a little better…
Your artwork is bold, powerful + beautifully unapologetic! What inspired to start your path of creating art?
What inspired my path to creating art was definitely my father. Although he was murdered when I was 5 I still had memories of him being a very creative person and me being as young as I was I looked up to him. I aspired to be like him but still in my own way. He was more musically talented and had a way with words but he could also draw. I however enjoy my artistic talents more when it comes to drawing and painting but I too have the gift of words as he did with poetry.
You infuse your fresh style and captivating art into wearable materpieces, what does fashion + style mean to you when it comes to expressing your vibe?
Fashion and style to me is a visual representation of your personality. It is a part of who you are and it can also be used to display messages. Like things, you believe in or stand with and again that is also a big part of who you are as a person. To me fashion and style is way deeper than the latest trend or a piece of clothing; it definitely tells a story about who you are personally.
What inspires your art + your creative flow? And how do you get out of a creative rut?
What inspires my creative flow mainly is music or beats. I always listen to music when creating and based off the genre I’m listening to determines how the piece will turn out. It even carves out the vibe the piece will bring out of my targeted audience. It may even determine what that audience is. But also what inspires my creative flow is my want for change in things we currently deal with in society.
Most of my art is about being true to yourself, loving yourself and being comfortable enough to live and speak your truth. A lot of people really struggle with that due to the false teachings of society. I encourage positive things like accepting everything about yourself rather than what society chooses to only accept about you. That is also how I get out of a creative rut. I think about what I may be going through personally or something I want to advocate for that will have a positive change on society.
“You are art” is your motto, which we love! What does that mean to you?
You are art means you are a masterpiece. No matter what you look like, where you come from, what you’ve been through; you are art. Art tells a story and everyone has a story and just like art is appreciated and cherished by many; so are you even if you don’t know that or see it at first.
Currently, so many people chase the ‘same look’ or try to ‘fit into the same box’, how do you stay true to yourself?
Staying true to myself has never been a problem for me. I have always done my own thing. I never really liked to follow trends or beauty standards like most people and because of that I was always considered weird or lame until it became a trend to be yourself. Then everyone around me considered me an “inspiration”. But I stay true to myself by simply being myself and not allowing what other people say affect how I choose to be or live.
A great example of this would be the fact that I just recently shaved all my hair off and it was because I love the skin I’m in I know I am beautiful inside and out and that I don’t need hair in order to be considered beautiful. I’m not scared to try new things and that’s a major part of how I remain true to myself.
What advice would you give others who want to follow their dreams and passions but are nervous or intimidated?
The advice I would give to those who want to follow their dreams is to never give up. It’s easier said than done. Trust me, I swear I know because as I’m giving this advice I am also talking to myself. It’s so easy to get discouraged when you keep trying time after time and it seems like you’re not making any progress or that you’re not going anywhere with it but in reality you really are.
Everything you’re experiencing when you’re at your lowest is preparing you for how to move when you finally reach it to the top so that you can remain at the top. It’s ok to get discouraged, frustrated and cry it out. Take time for yourself but then get back up and keep going because you’re one step closer than you are behind.
Time for faves! Music? Food?
I don’t have a favorite genre of music I’m opened to all music based on how it makes me feel when I hear it really. Favorite food is Food period I love to eat lol.
Follow Tommylei and get your dose of creativity:
facebook comments: