Tyra Dios

Lives and works in Los Angeles, CA

Artist statement

Tyra Dios Artist Statement The first epiphany I ever had was in my 6th grade drawing class. The class was taught by Mrs. Wrangler. She was very strict and made everyone in class feel on edge. Our first assignment was to draw an apple. I remember my mom had just bought me a brand-new set of colored pencils. I couldn't wait to try out the colors. I remember sketching out my apple and immediately grabbing my colored pencils. My apple was pink, purple, red, blue, green, and yellow. I remember staring at my apple and feeling proud. After 30 minutes of focus and determination, I saw my teacher lurking over me. She had the most concerned look on her face. She told me my drawing was incorrect and that my apple was supposed to be black and white. She said that it was supposed to be drawn with the black charcoal she had provided us. And she explained that apples can't be rainbow colored. I received a D. In what world was an apple supposed to be black and white? And in what world was that “correct?” And in what world was my rainbow apple “incorrect?” This moment completely changed my idea of art. I realized at this moment that my idea of art, and her idea of art, were completely different. She mentioned to my parents during an open house that I was “too creative”. I will never forget this art class. But I am grateful for it because it made me the artist I am today. My approach to my artwork now is filled with color and imagination, and everything is drawn in Tyra's world, not through...

Artwork