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by aman mahmood
From pointer dogs, race horses and everything in between, British contemporary equine and animal artist Tammy Walters gives an insight into her life on and off the canvas.
What were you like as a person growing up?
I was a sensitive girl, with art always being the focus. I was always colouring, painting and looking for things to practice on in school, and this went on through my teenage years. I was happy in my bedroom and I didn’t want to go out. I’d listen to my record player and I was drawn to icons on cinema posters. My mum thought there was something wrong with me, she used to say I was ‘like a hermit’ as I had to come home from school and get my pencils out. That was my life. We were given a book in school and asked to find a topic which you want do, and I started drawing, as I just knew how to draw horses at 9. I’m 56, and I still go to bed excited about getting up in the morning and figuring out what I’m going to draw the next day.
Can you tell me about your childhood/upbringing and did this influence your career choice?
I wasn’t very good at communicating. If I’m stressed, no one knows about it. Art is my little sanctuary, when I can’t get my emotions out, I express it on a canvas. I didn’t go to university to study, it’s how I was brought up it wasn’t the natural path to go down. My family were not poor but not rich either. We lived in a village called Kirby just outside of Liverpool and all I wanted to be was an artist, but the careers department wanted me to be something else. They asked me what my plan B was. It’s quite common to feel that because you’re from Liverpool, you’re not as talented as Londoners. Sometimes thicker accents are frowned upon, but Northern people have a uniqueness and honesty about them, and I’m not looking to be famous, I just love what I do. Once I put a price tag on my work, it started to feel uncomfortable, but that’s something that changed as I gained experience.
What is your proudest life achievement?
My art journey. A family friend’s brother died of a heart attack, and he was a horse racing fan, and an annual memorial race of this man was set up at Haydock. The winner of the race was presented with my racing art instead of a trophy. Being able to present my work on a yearly basis when his whole family are there is something I’m very proud of.
Why is animal welfare so important to you?
I’m a very nurturing person. I don’t know why, but my children still like spending time with me on Friday nights rather than being out with their friends. They’re my world, and I made them feel they’re important. I do the same with dogs, I love everything about them, a cuddle from a dog is. something that you don’t get with anything else. I also used to stay with my grandma, who had an Alsatian which was like my protector, but dogs are also vulnerable. I find it very sad that lots of dogs and animals get neglected.
What is true art to you?
Something that I can feel and gives me an emotional reaction. I don’t look at things anymore and think ‘wow, that looks realistic’, if it doesn’t give me tears, it doesn’t mean as much. It isn’t about whether the horse is the right length or shape, the history and culture are more important. I’m not impressed by big names.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being an artist?
I can do it in my own home, there’s no 9-5. I get the freedom, and can go outside for a walk, see a pheasant and start drawing it. I get to see my work bring joy to collectors, whatever I’ve painted, they see something beautiful and they’re reminded every time they look at it when it’s hanging in their home. It’s the biggest compliment when someone is willing to pay money for something that you’ve produced because they’ve fallen in love with it.
What is your favourite piece of artwork you’ve ever done?
I’m working on dog pieces at the moment. I find pointer dogs incredible, especially when you see the dog doing its job and pointing to tell you where the game is. I just love everything about them, they’re slim, sleek and athletic. I like to capture them in that movement where they’re ready to chase the bird, there’s an excitement about it.
What do you want people to get out of your work?
I want them to be ‘wowed’ and really look deep into it. I want them to ask me why I’ve done the work. It’s important that people see the history.
What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve had from someone who has seen their pet painted by you for the first time?
I had a lady in a wheelchair at the Royal Cheshire Show stand where I did paintings of horses. She was clearly distressed, and she said she had lost horses in the past, but she could feel her horse by looking at this painting (a painting of a headshot of a stallion with the wind blowing). I don’t know how she can feel an emotion from that, but you don’t know what people’s journeys are and how they connect with your work.
Has being an artist altered your perspective on life?
100 per cent, your eyes are open and you see things others don’t see. I’m more open to spending time with people because of it. My eyes are scanning for every single detail, from the sky colour to someone’s coat. Given the gist of art, I’ve always noticed people’s feelings and I’m more appreciative of other people’s art. Everyone has their unique thing, it is their expression.
What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?
Work hard on yourself, it’s your confidence that holds you back. You have to be confident in who you are, paint what you feel and let your art do the talking. You don’t have to have a degree or be an eloquent speaker, if you’re passionate and love what you do, it shows in your work. I wouldn’t try to be like anyone else, everyone has their own story. Join likeminded people, too. It’s quite lonely being an artist, being in your own headspace all the time. People will inspire you.
What are your plans/goals for the future?
I would love to license my products. I love Quentin Blake, little dog illustrations and life quotes. One quote I love is: “Big things often have small beginnings” over a painting of a small dog looking up at a big dog. I’d love these illustrations to be in greeting cards. I am also helping curate the Forge Art Fair in London, which is hosted at the London lighthouse gallery. I met the founder and curator, Carolina Kollmann, and she has a passion to find a place where artists could exhibit without third party costs, so people like me could have a platform.
