Artist Spotlight: Tara McPherson

Who is this incredibly strange and adorable creator of such incredibly strange and adorable art? As described on her website, Tara McPherson creates “art about people and their odd ways, her characters seem to exude an idealized innocence with a glimpse of hard earned wisdom in their eyes. Recalling myths and legends, issues from childhood and good old life experience, she creates images that are thought provoking and seductive. People and their relationships are a central theme throughout her work. ”

Her art can be found in galleries and stores world wide. Referred to as the “crown princess of poster art” by ELLE magazine, McPherson’s work also spans to such items as comics, journal covers and laptop sleeves. She has even done gig posters for bands such as Beck, Modest Mouse and Melvins.

A lady after my own heart, McPherson’s work does not stop in the 2D realm but expands to toys! She has worked with various companies such as Kidrobot, Dark Horse and Toy2R to bring some of her most adorable creations to a 3D life. She has such clients as DC Comics and Dark Horse (as I mentioned before) and has been herself featured in many goth, punk, metal and tattoo enthusiast magazines.

So what is it about the monochromatic, innocent yet twisted, child-like subjects in McPherson’s art that makes her such a widely recognized and highly sought after artist? My guess is her embracement of the strange and unusual set in a scene that is (often) appropriate for all ages. It isn’t often that an artist can, or even chooses to, represent a dark and sinister idea in a way that just makes the audience say “aww!”

Although she has just finished her solo exhibition in the Philippines and her group exhibition in Los Angeles, you can expect to see this young lady in future expos worldwide.

Stop by her website at www.taramcpherson.com to check out her work and let us know what you think!

Written by Myranda Harnage