Meet Tasha Strunk | Artist & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tasha Strunk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tasha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When my first child was born, I couldn’t imagine going back to a full time job. I also knew the cost of childcare would hardly be worth the effort. I have always been a creative type, so while I was spending hours (days, weeks, months…) rocking my newborn to sleep, I was doodling on a tablet with my free hand, and researching what I could do with my art. When my son got older, I was able to begin painting and creating, sometimes even with both hands available! Now he is four years old, and so is my business. It has been so good for my soul to be able to have a creative outlet, and I truly can’t imagine ever going back to a “real job.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My main medium is watercolor. I am greatly inspired by both nature and fantasy novels, and immediately connected the two. I never looked back. If something doesn’t have flowers on it, I’ll be sure to add some! My most recent endeavor was creating nursery items like crib sheets and baby clothes that feature fantasy elements with a girly twist. When my daughter was born I was disappointed in the lack of feminine & flowery fantasy art to decorate her room with, so I just made my own! A lot of my creative thinking comes from the thought, if you can’t find it somewhere else, just make it yourself!

I’ve had to balance mom life & creative life for several years now, and it’s not always easy. I’ve been through several creative ruts where I haven’t created a single thing, or where I’ve closed my online shop for months at a time. Being a mom is not easy, and my kids take priority. We’re having an easier phase right now, where I am able to create more. It makes me feel so much more like myself again! But as time has told, there will be natural ups and downs, and I’m sure my creativity will be on the backburner again. I’m just glad to always have something to fall back to in my paintings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I am quite new to the area, we would basically be exploring for the first time together! Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs are two must visit places. I would be on the hunt for local coffee shops, breweries, and mom & pop restaurants. I would also include some kid friendly places, like maybe an indoor play place or a trip to a children’s museum in Denver.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and my mom. They’ve both supported my creative efforts over the years, encouraged growth, given me fresh perspective & new ideas. I wouldn’t have been able to be a stay at home mom without my husband’s support, and probably never would have began doodling during my baby’s naps.

Website: tashadreams.etsy.com

Instagram: instagram.com/tashadreams

Facebook: facebook.com/tashadreams

Image Credits
Justine Johnson Photography (the portrait of my kids & I)