Happy Friday, Cowes!
Today, we shine light on the ever so talented Tahsin (Tahsin The Good), read on for how this special artist will always have a place in our hearts and her inspiration remains a constant reminder, physically on our walls.
Give us your “quick n dirty” — tell us a bit about yourself. We want to know what you’re all about.
Ah this is always such a loaded question — is it ever quick with complex beings? Let’s go with this.. I am an artist. A deep thinker, visual maker, designer x creator. A mother — a nurturer x lover. A romantic. Guided by intuition x feeling. Flawed yet whole. Forever learning.
#LocalLove is all about showing love to bad-ass bosses like yourself. Can you share with us what you do for work and how you make an impact?
My primary focus is on raising the humans I have brought into the world. my aims for them are simple — shine in your light, have faith x closeness to your creator, do some good in the world, be considerate, kind and loving. everything intermingles. what I aim to instil in them, I try to practice in my work everyday. Right now that involves making original x accessible artwork, prints objects. the work is currently speaking to a message of personal power, introspection, evolution, societal reflection x growth. It can be blatant and at the same time ambiguous, open for variety of meaning. But one thing I want it to do is hit at the core. In this way the work creates a sort of movement, a stirring, within that drives to those simple yet impactful aims.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have always been creative. it just took me a while to understand that my means of communicating was through visual language. So for many years I was building , producing, x making. It was the medium x messaging that was misaligned. By way of dark days, stillness, questioning, x taking stock of my wants and needs, I landed here. I often wonder if it was serendipity or strategy. I think it’s a beautiful combination of both. I’m very thankful to have been afforded the time, head x heartspace to come into my own like this. That said, there is so much more growing to do, lessons to learn to stay and thrive. But I say this a lot. It’s not just work, its life’s work, so insha’Allah, I’ll have a good x long one to let things unfold in their time along the way.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (career or otherwise)
That your gut instinct is your guardian angel and to follow your passion x purpose with heart.
How about the worst?
Follow the money.
If you could paint your ideal life, what would that look like in 5-10 years from now?
Ideal life would include: Time to read, time to explore, time with my girls, time to make, time to share. The exact details are fuzzy right now. it’s (another) period of transition for me. I know that’s the worst in terms of being productive with manifesting, but sometimes the grey matter is What gets you through the day.
What are your favourite resources that you’ve come across over the years (e.g., email extensions, design apps etc.
I am editing photos on my phone all the time, and my go-to’s are Photoshop Express and Snapseed. I never use stock filters, i just came up with my own and saved it so editing has become a breeze. My local public library app on my phone has been crucial in saving on overdue fees. I get notifications when my books are due two days out, so there are no surprises and i can renew if I need to. I have books still on my shelf that I have finished and just want to hold onto still. Case in point Fatima Farheen Mirza’s “A Place For Us”. Sorry to the next in line, it was just so good. Also the app is key for when I get/or let’s be honest, pick up reccos on the go. I just save them to my bookshelf and put them on hold when i’m good and ready. The Goodreads app would be the more macro version of this. Also, my instant pot is a lifesaver. The end.
Who are 3 of your favourite Canadian entrepreneurs that our readers should absolutely be in the know about?
Rosa Halpern, the beauty and brains behind namesake leather.
Robyn Lamarr, powerhouse behind mindful movement studio goodbodyfeel.
Aurora James, Canadian expat x shoe slinger extraordinaire at brother vellies.
Catch more on our story’s here!
xx
The Cowe