Tanner Bosma (b. 1997) is an abstract artist residing in Brooklyn NY. Originally from Holland Michigan, he graduated from Western Michigan University with a BFA in Art Education and an emphasis in painting. He has a very active painting process: constantly moving around multiple canvases and splattering down layers of washes.
I owe that one to my grandma who was a painter herself and got me my first art kit, and my parents who realized early on (and fostered) my love for art. I continued to have painting dates with my grandma well into adulthood, and love how art can bring people together.
When you create a new work, how do you go about it? What comes first?
The only thing I pre-plan in my color scheme and size of canvas. I start extremely loose and let one mark inform the next pushing through the inevitable ugly phase.
Unlike the background washes, the finishing linework on top is extremely intentional. I could very easily draft up 50+ versions on procreate before I decide on just the right final mark.
What can you tell us about your studio, what makes it special to you and how does it influence the way you work?
I truly believe our environment is a huge factor in our output. In my first apartment upon my move to New York, I could basically touch every wall of my room while lying in my bed and my creativity suffered. I since have moved, and am fortunate enough to have space for a dedicated studio in my apartment. It’s been a gamechanger.
Is there a work of art in your life that has especially impressed you?
Heather Day’s work inspired me to apply for a grant my junior year of college and pursue non-objective abstract art. I was hooked immediately and that grant completely transformed my practice swinging me from being primarily a realistic cityscape artist to an abstract artist.
Reach to the stars: where will you be in 5 years?
The dream is to be able to support myself with my creative pursuits as a full-time artist. And while we are dreaming big… a studio with natural light.
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