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Meet Stephanie Navarro (Mediterranean Storytelling Visual Artist.)
Stephanie Navarro, a.k.a. Tani Telas, is not just a visual artist – she’s an alchemist of emotions, an explorer of Mediterranean dreams, and a self-taught visionary. Her canvases whisper secrets of the sea, sing the songs of women’s struggles, and pulse with the colours of life. Let’s embark on the mosaic journey of Tani Navarro, born in the spirited coastal city of Oran, Algeria, into a Spanish family deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions.
Mark shared Tani's gallery her work, marvelling at her unique style. In the interview, Tani shared her journey into becoming a full-time artist, which led nicely into playing the fantasy cultural year game. Watch the video or listen to the audio version to find out more.
The Early Tides: From Boats to Brushes
Tani’s childhood unfolded amidst the gentle chaos of boats and the eternal rhythm of the Mediterranean waves. By 1985, her family had anchored in Toulon, where ten-year-old Tani discovered her love for writing, drawing, and music. It was during these formative years that her creative spirit began to sail beyond the ordinary.
As a student, she spent countless hours transforming paper into magical realms. A fateful assignment on Gustav Klimt led young Tani to raid her family’s makeup drawer, using blushes and eyeshadows to craft warm, earthy tones. This unorthodox approach foreshadowed her later experiments, blending materials to birth unique textures.
The Professional Pause: Business Meets Art
Tani graduated in International Trade in 1996 and embarked on a two-decade career with The Coca-Cola Company, climbing the ladder from Business Systems Analyst to Global IT Production Lead. Between 1997 and 2019, she honed her analytical mind, mastering project management and operational coaching. But even amidst corporate rigour, Tani’s heart stayed tethered to creative pursuits.
The Artistic Renaissance: Brushes Picked Anew
In 2003, following a humanitarian journey to India, Tani rediscovered her passion for art. The faces and stories she encountered ignited a desire to pay tribute through ink and pigment. This marked the genesis of her evocative series “Guerreras” (“Warriors”), honouring women’s resilience. Using cosmetics as her medium, she layered eyeshadows and foundations to create canvases imbued with humanity’s raw essence.
From Bubbles to Battles: Themes of Exploration
Tani’s creations are deeply inspired by the victories and struggles of everyday lives. Her series "Burbujas" (“Bubbles”) and "Trozos" (“Pieces of Something”) celebrate the colourful patchwork of human experience. In perpetual exploration, she embraced oil painting, creating her own pigments from natural ochres and delving into the alchemy of art.
A Corsican Canvas: New Beginnings
Relocating to South Corsica in 2021, Tani established a studio overlooking the hypnotic blues of the Mediterranean. Her works, like the "Coral" series, reflect the delicate dance between humanity’s impact and nature’s resilience. From group exhibitions in Propriano to festivals like ARTE VALINCO, her art has resonated across communities.
Tani joined ARTXTERRA in 2022, immersing herself in a network of Francophone artists to exchange ideas and expand her horizons. Her art’s tactile elements often include materials salvaged from the coastline, highlighting her commitment to sustainability.
The Environmental Alchemist
Tani’s passion extends to environmental stewardship. She recycles packaging and solvent residues, incorporating them into her art. Her creations speak to the duality of beauty and destruction in the Mediterranean, weaving a poignant narrative of hope and responsibility.
Key Dates and Achievements
• 1996: Graduated in International Trade.
• 1997-2019: A dynamic career at The Coca-Cola Company.
• 2010: Resumed painting, debuting the “Guerreras” series.
• 2018: Exhibited “Tribute to Women” at Sainte Musse Hospital.
• 2021: Opened a studio in South Corsica, embracing natural pigments.
• 2022: Joined ARTPOVAL and ARTXTERRA, showcasing works at group exhibitions.
• 2023: Featured at the 28th Coti-Chiavari Art Festival and ARTE VALINCO festival.
Theatre, Teaching, and Beyond
Beyond painting, Tani has contributed to theatre and education, founding the association La Météorite in 1998. She’s led visual arts workshops for hospitalised children and authored colouring books to bring joy to young patients. Her theatrical projects have included adaptations, directing, and costume design.
The Artist’s Vision
Tani Navarro is a woman of contrasts – a dreamer and a doer, a lover of family and nature, and a fierce advocate for art that stirs the soul. Through vivid colours and rich textures, Tani invites us to navigate the tides of life, each painting at a time.
Have a browse at some of Tani's work here.
Tani's fantasy cultural year
In our interviews, we create our full members' fantasy cultural years from the answers to 10 easy questions. We have a time machine and magic wand to help.
Home Base
Tani Navarro, an accomplished painter and creative visionary, resides with her husband in Corsica, where the Mediterranean's azure waves inspire her vibrant, joyful art. On sunny afternoons, you might find Tani sketching or painting in her seaside studio, capturing the beauty and resilience of life through her distinctive blue palettes and evocative scenes.
An intro
Tani’s journey into full-time painting began with a pivotal health event in 2017. Though art had always been her passion, it wasn’t until exhibition requests in 2019 that she decided to dedicate herself to it professionally. Mark, a fellow member of the Arts and Culture Network, interviewed Tani about her transition to life as a full-time artist. Their conversation revealed her deep connection to Mediterranean culture and her commitment to creating works that uplift and inspire.
Iconic Inspirations: Alcazar Palace and Literature
Tani shared her admiration for the Alcazar Palace in Seville, her favourite building, during her conversation with Mark. Imagining her at a café near the palace, Mark asked which book she’d have with her. Tani left the choice open but later discussed The Island by Victoria Hislop, a moving tale set in a fictional Greek-inspired setting that aligns with her love for Mediterranean narratives.
A Cultural Year in Barcelona
Tani is set to embark on an exciting year-long research trip in Spain, supported by a wealthy foundation. Her mission: to document the journeys of emerging artists in Barcelona for a TV series, book tour, and Ted Talk. With her travel expenses covered and a luxurious apartment, car, and even a helicopter provided, Tani will delve into the vibrant Spanish art scene while inspiring global audiences with her findings.
Immersive Experiences in Barcelona
Mark and Tani envisioned a perfect cultural itinerary for Barcelona. Tani’s choices included attending a Martha Graham contemporary dance performance, dining on Japanese cuisine, and exploring a virtual reality gallery featuring Salvador Dalí’s work. She also expressed interest in synchronized swimming and classic musical performances like Cats, adding a layer of diverse inspiration to her artistic repertoire.
Opera, Cinema, and Creative Synergies
Tani and Mark explored their mutual love of opera and film. Mark recommended Puccini’s Tosca, while Tani shared her admiration for Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver, a film that resonates with her passion for painting Mediterranean women and their stories. They planned to experience Volver on a big screen, merging their shared appreciation for storytelling across mediums.
A Diverse Cultural Itinerary
The duo mapped out an eclectic week-long cultural adventure in Barcelona. Their plans included a David Bowie-inspired concert on Monday, a Peter Brook theatre production on Tuesday, a Broadway musical like Cats on Wednesday, an opera on Thursday, and a film screening on Friday. This immersive schedule highlights Tani’s dedication to drawing inspiration from a wide array of art forms.
Artistic Legacy and Future Ventures
As Tani prepares for her cultural year in Spain, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the art world. From exhibitions that celebrate Mediterranean life to a book deal, Ted Talk, and TV series showcasing her research, her work bridges artistic vision with cultural storytelling. Mark suggested creating travel packages for fans to explore Tani’s world, blending art, culture, and experience into an unforgettable journey.
Quick-Fire Creativity
In a playful exchange, Tani revealed her love for contemporary dance, Mediterranean cuisine, and virtual art. When asked to choose a song that defines her journey, she envisioned something as vibrant and uplifting as her paintings—a perfect reflection of her bright, creative spirit.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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