“The world of blues, jazz, and soul is a poetic history lesson. It is a strong element of our complete picture. Without preserving it, we can not preserve our legacy. And if we forget our history, we lose the fabric of who we are.”

Tami Curtis: Southern Artist Blues

Tami Curtis is a celebrated Southern artist known for her vibrant and expressive style capturing the soul of her subjects, ranging from iconic musicians and nature scenes to portraits and beloved pets. With roots in the rich culture of Louisiana, Tami brings her deep connection to Southern heritage into every piece, blending vivid colors with a sense of movement and energy that draws viewers in. Her art reflects a passion for storytelling, capturing the unique essence of each subject through her dynamic use of paint and brushstrokes. Over the years, Tami has built a reputation for her powerful portrayal of legendary musicians, from jazz greats to rock icons, each brought to life with her signature, bold interpretation. Her work also encompasses serene depictions of Southern wildlife and landscape, as well as custom portraits that connect deeply with her clients, commemorating personal moments and loved ones.

(Photo: Tami Curtis)

Tami’s art is available in various forms, including original paintings, prints, posters, and specialty items like ornaments, stickers, and postcards, allowing art lovers to bring a piece of her unique style into their lives. With a presence in galleries and exhibitions, her work resonates with collectors and fans across the country. Through her creativity, Tami Curtis continues to celebrate the heart of Southern culture, leaving a lasting impact on the art community. In addition to her paintings, she collaborates with her husband Perry Guy to create a Gulf Coast inspired line of family books. The husband-and-wife duo is affectionately known as "The Painter & The Poet". Each book blends Tami’s captivating artwork with Perry’s evocative poetry, creating a unique celebration of coastal life and love.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Art and Music influenced your views of the world? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your art? 

My art is a reflection of the environment I found myself surrounded by in New Orleans. The musicians of the blues world are some of the most true and honest folks you will ever want to meet. When I started capturing their images in paint and brush, they responded with a gratitude that truly humbled me. The music of the blues world is gritty, true, and unvarnished. There are no facades built into it, unlike so many other facets of our society. And when they perform their musical art, you can see it in the expressions of their faces. My hope is my art conveys this genuine heart of their music. We need more of this in our world.

What characterize your artwork’s philosophy? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your art?

I don't know about a "philosophy"... because my earliest memory is drawing a small duck when I was 2 years old. It is as much a part of me as breathing is. God gave me this gift, and I guess if there is a philosophy to point to it is I know that if God gives you a skill set, there is a reason for it. A part of the bigger puzzle. Being a full time visual artist for 20 years has not always been an easy path, but it has woven the tapestry of my life, and so many others are connected to me through that process and visa versa. Our callings, if used for God's bigger picture, keep us connected and stronger together.

”My art is a reflection of the environment I found myself surrounded by in New Orleans. The musicians of the blues world are some of the most true and honest folks you will ever want to meet. When I started capturing their images in paint and brush, they responded with a gratitude that truly humbled me. The music of the blues world is gritty, true, and unvarnished.” (Photo: Tami Curtis with her artworks)

Why do you think that the Southern Heritage/Culture continues to generate such a devoted following?

Once again I will go back to the realness of the Southern culture to answer this. A true Southerner can spot a fake a mile away. We are also "perfectly imperfect" and we know it. We don't expect you to have it all together before we accept you. We work hard and we play hard. I think people, no matter where they are from, sense that and want to ba a part of it.

How does music affect your mood and inspiration? What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past?

For me, music can reset someone. It can  walk with you when you are going through your hardest and deepest valleys. Then it can offer a reminder that "this too shall pass". It can also celebrate life with you. I think the best music of current day artists are influenced by the great music of the past. Be it blues, jazz, rock and roll, or classical music. So in some ways, the music of the past is revisited through them.

You’ve one project with your husband, known as "The Painter & The Poet". How did that idea come about?

Well my husband, Perry Guy, writes songs and poems. So we teamed together to do a children/ family book series called The Painter and Poet book company. And my fine art career meshes with. I also have Tami Curtis Studios and that is where I operate out of to work with so many organizations of the Blues world including The Blues Foundation, The Blues Hall of Fame, French Quarter Festival, and The Legendary Blues Cruise.

”The music of the blues world is gritty, true, and unvarnished. There are no facades built into it, unlike so many other facets of our society. And when they perform their musical art, you can see it in the expressions of their faces.” (Photo: Tami Curtis, a celebrated Southern artist)

What is the role of Art/Artist in today’s society? What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says?

Wow... that is a loaded question. And it also ties into the unique role the Blues world plays into my art career. Most people would think that the world of the arts is embracing to everyone, giving everyone a fair footing. But what I discovered in staying true to my calling as an artist, that's not always the case. In many areas of the fine art world, it seems that women are not given the same Open Doors sometimes. But the world of the blues is completely different. If anything, they came knocking on my door. They offered me opportunities in ways that this interview can never fully express. Simply because it would be too lengthy. All they know is that I portray them in my art in a way that is honoring and truthful. And because of that, different organizations and different musicians gave me multiple opportunities that allowed me a stronger platform to continue my art career. 

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the Blues/Jazz and Soul? 

The world of blues, jazz, and soul is a poetic history lesson. It is a strong element of our complete picture. Without preserving it, we can not preserve our legacy. And if we forget our history, we lose the fabric of who we are.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

My father was a self taught artist, and then when I was in junior high school, he went to college to get his degree as an art teacher. And he actually ended up being my high school, art teacher. One day when I was a little girl, he an I were walking out in our family's cornfield on my grandparents property in Hornbeck Louisiana. Like any other cornfield, there were crows in it, hoping to get a "free meal". I was probably seven or eight years old. My father looked at me and said "T-baby, what color is that crow?” I looked at him fairly puzzled because I thought that was an obvious answer. I replied that the crow was black. Then my father said, "watch the crow when he starts to fly. Watch what the sun does when it reflects on its wing." As I did that, I realized that there were purples and greens and even blues in that "black crow". My father gave me such a gift I that one simple moment. He taught me that we have to see beyond the obvious, even if it's just in the colors  of a cornfield crow.

Tami Curtis - Home

(Photos: Various artworks by Tami Curtis)