Audio By Carbonatix
When we last put the spotlight on 100 creative forces in Phoenix, it was no secret there were more than 100 individuals who were making waves in the local arts community. So as we count down to our annual Best of Phoenix issue, we’re profiling 100 more. Welcome (back) to 100 Creatives .
Tiffiney Yazzie grew up in Chinle, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation and moved to Phoenix to study photography and art history at Arizona State University.
Yazzie graduated last year and her photographs have since been snatched up by the Berlin Gallery at the Heard Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. She says she’s currently preparing for her first international group show in Mexico City in August.
(Side note: Yazzie also says that she has no relations to fellow Phoenix artist Steven Yazzie, and that “Yazzie is just a common badass name to have.”)
I came to Phoenix with . . . my family, go to school, and to make art.
I make art because . . . it’s a part of my being, without it I feel completely lost.
I’m most productive when . . . I am under pressure. That sounds weird, but it’s true. This is when my creative genius bursts outta me like candy in a piñata! No pressure, no diamonds, right?
My inspiration wall is full of . . . photos, photos, and more photos. All photos inspire me, from boxes full of family pictures to B&W test strips.
I’ve learned the most from . . . my community, fellow pherds (photo + nerds = pherds), friends, and family.
Good work should always . . . have passion. If you don’t love what you do, then why do it?
The Phoenix creative scene could use more . . . funding, opportunities for emerging artists, and definitely more Native Artists!
The Creatives, so far … (And while you’re here, check out 100 Tastemakers on Chow Bella.)
100:Lara Plecas
99. Isaac Caruso
98. Brandon Gore
97. Kelsey Dake
96. Hector Ruiz
95. Caroline Battle
94: Jennifer Campbell
93. Jeff Chabot
