Tamiko Stump | Dayton Society of Artists

Dayton-based artist, educator, and community connector Tamiko Stump joins Rodney Veal to talk about her winding journey from pre-med student to figurative artist, professor at Central State University, and interim director of the Dayton Society of Artists.

Learn more about Tamiko online: https://www.tamikostump.com

Follow Tamiko on Instagram: @tamikostump

Transcript

SPEAKERS

Ad, Tamiko Stump, Rodney Veal

Rodney Veal  00:20

Hi, hello, everyone. I'm Rodney Veal, and welcome to Rodney Veal's Inspired By podcast, and today I get to have a wonderful, delightful conversation with one of the most delightful, active, engaged artists, community members, who's just full of sunshine and joy and makes the world a better place. And that is Tamiko Stump, so Tamiko, welcome to the art show.

Tamiko Stump  00:48

Thank you for having me. Rodney, it's a pleasure.

Rodney Veal  00:52

Oh, it's always a pleasure to hang out with you. And then we just at full disclosure audience. Tomiko and I just hung out this weekend at a artist talk talk back at the library, which I'm sure we'll talk about in the podcast. It was a great, great, really great, great, great fun. So I, you know, you know, this podcast, for me is always about celebrating and highlighting people who are just really making an impact in the art scene in our region, and I and you really are. And I was just, I'm just very curious about the I was growing in that Hot Tub Time Machine, back back to the place. Because no one ever goes. People do go and say they're going to be an artist, but I just kind of curious of how the art started with you, was it, and how it kind of filled your body,

Tamiko Stump  01:34

so to speak. Um, I've been an artist my whole life. I don't know, I popped out that way when I was younger. I would draw, and my parents would get mad because I went around the neighborhood and I tried to draw, like, sell my little drawings I would make, did you really? I did. I did. But then they made me stop and said, you should just give them away. And I said, Okay, I can do that.

Rodney Veal  02:01

No. Entrepreneur. Entrepreneurialism is real in the art, yes, yes.

Tamiko Stump  02:06

So yeah, I think it's been with me my whole life. I just have a need and a, you know, desire to create with my whole life. So anything I do, I try to engage creatively.

Rodney Veal  02:21

And you do it, and you always do and it's just like, I'm just kind of that, that is, you're out there hustling it.

Tamiko Stump  02:31

My parents rolled me, and they're like, You shouldn't be doing that.

Rodney Veal  02:34

Okay, what are your freedom tax purposes? I don't know. So So you get this bug, and it's always in you, and it's happening, and I do know, and it was, it was kind of a recent discovery, that you went to Chaminade, and so, yes, yes. I was like, Oh my God, you went to CJ. And I was like, Oh my god. So how was? Because I'm kind of curious, because you, you're, you're Native Daytona, you're from, and I, you know, I'm a lot older, much, not too much, 60, almost 61 so it's like a thing. It's just, I've always had a curiosity, because, you know, I went to Jefferson Township and and went day public schools, no one ever would you said you were I'm an artist and I'm gonna make an art maker. Did people kind of go or did they do the thing that they were like, Okay, that's great.

Tamiko Stump  03:31

It's a mixed bag. It's a mixed bag. My parents weren't that encouraging of it, but my godmother brought it out in me, and she encouraged it, so I had that positive energy from my godmother.

Rodney Veal  03:46

We have your godmother to thank that's yes, yeah, it's interesting, because I it was really weird. But where I went to school, where I don't go assuming it's just Jefferson Township, they were just all in on you're an artist. Oh, well, you you need to get together with the other artists and make murals and hang in our building. In our building. I'm like, okay, sure, it's just, it's a it's, oh, it's interesting. So, but you obviously found people who really like your grandmother

Tamiko Stump  04:12

and, yes, my godmother and I've always hung out with, like, the artsy crew. You know, you know how that goes. You find your people.

Rodney Veal  04:19

You find your tribe, your people, and so the so, so you're CJ, and you're doing all these things. And so where did you end up going, for for training,

Tamiko Stump  04:31

I did, like a long journey. Tell

Rodney Veal  04:35

us about this long okay,

Tamiko Stump  04:37

I don't think you, I don't think I told you about this part, but I did start out at UC as pre med, you know, pre med, yeah, I kind of forgot I have a thing for biology. So, I mean, really, yeah, so I did that. And I didn't like it, and they made me take a test, you know, that test, you know, career path, and it told me, you know, you must be an art. You should be an artist. I was like, I can't get away from it. So I left UC I ended up at Sinclair.

Rodney Veal  05:18

I love it. Well, the thing is, this really interesting. I think we're a couple of other artists who've done that. They were like, I'm going into law. And like, you went into law, yeah, okay. And then I decided I'm going to be an artist. Okay. I mean, you just can't escape it. It's, yeah,

Tamiko Stump  05:35

I took a test. In it told me you must be an artist

Rodney Veal  05:39

like you will. I think a lot of people don't recognize just how special Sinclair is in the community college as far as training, because it allows you to actually, there's a really strong, robust art program.

Tamiko Stump  05:55

I completely agree that, you know, opened my world up in the arts, top notch professors. Mark eckner is still a dear friend of mine.

Rodney Veal  06:09

Props to mark, total props to Mark. He is an amazing, amazing, kind, gentle. He's a gentleman, he's gentleman, but he's such a phenomenal artist. Yeah.

Tamiko Stump  06:21

So I took a figurative arts from Mark, and that's where I realized my passion for figurative art.

Rodney Veal  06:29

So that's not a bad place to start.

Tamiko Stump  06:37

Yeah, so I credit mark to a lot. He's always encouraged me and pushed me, you know, to push artistic boundaries and stuff. So he's great instructor.

Rodney Veal  06:47

I love that. That's a great job. So, so you went to Sinclair. You went from UC in med school.

Tamiko Stump  06:54

I forgot about that.

Rodney Veal  06:55

That's really funny. And then you went to Sinclair. So what did you were you? And you left

Tamiko Stump  07:00

Sinclair and you went to, yeah, I went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. You know, at that time in my life, I wasn't that confident as an artist. And then Mark kind of nudged me. He said, You should just apply. And so they came to Sinclair and talked, and I talked to an advisor. I remember this so clearly. And I said, okay, yes, I'll apply. And I got in, and then I went,

Rodney Veal  07:23

and you went, and I went, Oh, like, how many, so many years were you in Chicago? I'm on

Tamiko Stump  07:29

and off for like, 10 years. It took me a while. You know how life gets messy. I went through a divorce, blah, blah, blah, blah. So,

Rodney Veal  07:40

yeah, I mean, no, so often,

Tamiko Stump  07:43

yeah, I was in school for about two years because I transferred in as a Sinclair.

Rodney Veal  07:48

Okay, yeah. And life happens.

Tamiko Stump  07:51

Life happens. That's That's life always happens

Rodney Veal  07:55

true, such a true phrase in a statement, and so, but Chicago is such, such a lovely art scene, and they have, it's interesting. I think a lot of people don't understand. I mean, I see it this way, and I don't know how you feel about it, but the Chicago is, like, this third place of great art, yes, exploration, you know, and there's, you know, there's New York, there's Los Angeles, but there's Chicago,

Tamiko Stump  08:20

yeah, I agree.

Rodney Veal  08:22

Yes, Western,

Tamiko Stump  08:25

yes, it was a great place. The highlight of my schooling there, well, one of the highlights was being attached to the museum. So I would go there, yeah, I would walk through the museum just to get to school, because it's attached. They're attached. So some very, very blessed, in that sense, to get to be around all that greatness.

Rodney Veal  08:48

Oh, it's just total immersion. You were just in on it, especially, especially following the pathway of figurative art making. That's the perfect place. I mean, yes, shout out, shout out, shout out. So what got you to come back to Dayton if you're in Chicago?

Tamiko Stump  09:06

Well, well, I came, I went to Chicago, and then I graduated, and then I decided I wanted to go to grad school. This is like, then I came back to regroup. I rented a studio at Front Street, hold myself away for a year, and got a portfolio together. So what

Rodney Veal  09:24

was that like? So was when were you at Front Street? Is this the pre, I call it the pre Carol and Richard lundine days?

Tamiko Stump  09:32

Yes, very pre. Morty was there. Oh, yes, yes. So Morty was there. It was, it was a different, vibe. It was, yeah,

Rodney Veal  09:45

you are so kind with your words, yeah, I would use the word sketch, but

Tamiko Stump  09:54

a little sketch was a little sketch, but it seems like I always. Come back to Dayton during a transition time to regroup, because my roots are here, and then I center myself, get ready, and then I go,

Rodney Veal  10:08

just wondering if it's just like if Dayton is just because people always talk about Dayton having this kind of spiritual it draws you. And kind of seems to really do artists seem to do really well with the spiritual energy of this, yeah, place. And it's just like, I find it very fascinating. I mean,

Tamiko Stump  10:29

there is a big, vibrant, very welcoming artist community here, and it's very encouraging. So that's, that's how I ended up back here. And then I applied to the New York Academy of Art, and then I got in, so I moved to New York. Wow.

Rodney Veal  10:47

So you've had the Chicago experience, in the New York experience, okay, what was New York like? Again, comparison, I mean,

Tamiko Stump  10:53

oh, from, from all the places, yeah, it was definitely, it's very like, bam. It's like, what you think. It's very fast, very vibrant. There's stuff to do all the time, art wise, like and anything. So, I mean, I cherish that experience that I was able to be there for a while.

Rodney Veal  11:18

Oh, wow, super cool. I'm just thinking, like, you like, like, I'm surprised in New York didn't sink its claws into you. Just said,

Tamiko Stump  11:25

Stay Yeah, this is when I came back. I was there for about five years. I went to grad school, got a little bit of roots in New York, and I was doing the best I could, you know, working and, you know, doing art. But then my parents, I'm the only child, so both my parents became ill, and they, they asked for my help, and then I came back.

Rodney Veal  11:50

So yeah, that moment, it's like,

Tamiko Stump  11:54

yeah, I had I said, okay, yes, I'll come back and help. So that's how I ended up back here, back here, yes,

Rodney Veal  12:02

and you're and you're here.

Tamiko Stump  12:03

I am here. I am here.

Rodney Veal  12:06

So now you're here. And you know, I know that you know you, you've been teaching. You've been teaching at Central State. And so what I love about you teaching, essentially, because tell the story, because it's really funny that I I just assumed you're just there, and then you tell me that the fact that you were you were brought in because Aaron Smith Glen went on

Tamiko Stump  12:29

sabbatical, right? Yes, yes. So I've known Aaron for quite a while. We've been friends so and she she told me that she was planning to take a sabbatical, and she wanted me to apply. And I said, Oh, Aaron, I don't have any teaching experience. She's like, and then she pushed me to apply, and I did. And then, you know, I got hired, and it was one of the best decisions I've made.

Rodney Veal  12:51

So I love that.

Tamiko Stump  12:54

I truly love my students and the school,

Rodney Veal  12:57

because I know that you and also because what I loved about the fact that you, you, you kind of embrace not just teaching, but kind of engaging the students and teaching in the community, right with exhibiting. And so the last exhibit was at friend Street, right?

Tamiko Stump  13:12

Yes, yeah, that was hugely successful. I wanted to bring the students out of Central stakes is kind of isolated and towards, you know, the Xenia area. And I thought it was, it's important for them to get engaged as artists now, while they're an undergrad at a bigger, you know, community, a bigger space. So, yeah, that was a very, very uplifting experience for everyone involved. You know, Front Street, the students, we had faculty from Central State that came, the provost came, yeah, it was a big deal a lot. It was like, we probably had over 100 people that came to the opening. It was beat all my expectations. So I'm very proud of them.

Rodney Veal  13:59

Oh, that was cool. I'm bummed I miss it because I just feel like, you know, it's like, I can't, it's like, it's like, how do I get everything in my day?

Tamiko Stump  14:08

I understand, I understand there's

Rodney Veal  14:11

a lot of art here, and we just keep going to going. And so, I mean, now that you know you're, you're, kind of doing a lot of things connected to the community. You're teaching. You know, now I which is you're just, that's what I mean about embedding some oneself into the community. You're now the interim director of the State Society of artists, okay.

Tamiko Stump  14:39

Um, yeah. I mean, my whole life, like, I just kind of go with the flow, and I accept some challenges. You know, I was like, Oh, I've never done this, but I'll try, you know, I'll try my best. And I think that's the way you learn, is you just like, dive in. But me being the interim director, I was the board member before. I'm very into exhibition. So. Yeah, and I just want, my thing is, I want people to engage with other people. So it's just

Rodney Veal  15:09

because we go, that's just, seems like your MO and so I just, but I'm just like, Okay, you really want to see, you know, interim. So interim is, eventually, our is interim going to become, eventually, the director.

Tamiko Stump  15:22

We will see, we will see what happens. I'm pretty new. It's been like, it's like, second weeks, second weekend, so, oh,

Rodney Veal  15:30

usually two weeks in. That's right, yes,

Tamiko Stump  15:34

but I was doing a lot behind the scenes, and that's why they asked me, is like I was the natural person to do it, because I'm, you know, so so into it, and I kind of know what's going on. So, yeah,

Rodney Veal  15:45

you're really, I mean, you Me personally, I think good call. Very they made it. You made an excellent choice and decision. And so talk to because a lot of people are not going to be from the area who who hear this podcast, talk to me about, talk about what the Dayton Society of artists is, because they're gonna be like, What is this like? But it's really, I mean, folks, it's, it's a pretty amazing place.

Tamiko Stump  16:09

Yeah, it's, we have a super long history. It was founded in 1938 we got our as standalone building in 1967 so we've been around for a while.

Rodney Veal  16:23

Oh, my god, yeah, this is old as me.

Tamiko Stump  16:28

So yeah, we're member base. That's what drives us. Is the membership, you know, member engagement. So we're, we're kind of in a transition phase as me being the interim director, so we'll see where it leads. But, yeah, it's a really great organization. If you're don't know about it, Google it.

Rodney Veal  16:47

It's so worth it. So yeah, yeah, it's one of the what I love is the fact that it's in this beautiful Victorian, oh, gorgeous building in a historic district in the neighborhood. And you just, if you drive by it, you would think, Oh, that's a lovely house, but then you it's filled. I mean, imagine a space, folks, that is not doesn't have any furniture on the first floor, and it's just walls that that are covered in art, and it's rotating so, I mean, that's pretty it's pretty intimate. It's a it's a great way to see art. To me personally,

Tamiko Stump  17:21

yeah, it's very cozy, beautiful light, like we have really, really great light. So and our next show actually is going to be the permanent collection that we have. We house a permanent collection that passed, yeah, that presidents donate a piece of art after their term. So that will be our show in February.

Rodney Veal  17:41

So really, okay, so folks,

Tamiko Stump  17:44

okay, I got one more February 13.

Rodney Veal  17:47

I gotta, I gotta do it. I gotta do add it to my list of things. So, like, that's really super cool. And so what do you, I mean, you know you're interim, and I know it's like two weeks in, it's like asking somebody who just like, became mayor, what's your vision? My vision?

Tamiko Stump  18:05

I don't have a vision per se, but I was the exhibitions board member before I stepped into this. So that's my that's my push. And we just started a partnership with a Dayton Metro libraries downtown, which I'm super excited about. So I worked with Debbie chess, and we're like, let's do it. And we did

Rodney Veal  18:23

it, folks, that was the thing. We just spent the Sunday together because I moderated a conversation art, the artist Brian Mathis, who's on display at the Dayton Metro library main brain branch. And it was just, you know, I just thought it was a such a lovely rethinking, and it just seems to fit with DSA, because it's a non traditional presentation space for art and the same that's the same as DSA. It's not, it doesn't look like a museum. It doesn't, it doesn't look and feel. It has a completely different vibe. And so I just seems like it's just like you're naturally attracted to dad. I'm kind of curious, is that your kind of Mo as I pick your part,

Tamiko Stump  19:09

it could be, I never really thought about it, but I do like to take alternative spaces and, you know, fill them with beautiful art. Like Brian said, like what I was thinking. It's about the architecture of the space, where you fill it up so you think of it as a whole. So, and it's, it's fun for me.

Rodney Veal  19:30

Oh, so how? I mean, are you going to have time for your own art practice? I mean, I kind of, because, because the thing is, you know, you're into figurative work, but you're in printmaking. You you kind of, you kind of go, you kind of go, it seems like you kind of go. Gravitate towards things based on an idea, and then you use whatever tools will execute the idea exactly.

Tamiko Stump  19:54

Yeah, that's what I do. I have some things in the works in my brain, and I will have to get out. Soon, or, you know, I probably won't be healthy, so I want to dive right in. I have a new project in mind, but you're exactly right. I come up with a concept first, and then, you know, I choose the medium from that. So I like to print, make paint, I even garden. I consider that my art. Yeah. So it's just about composition and putting things together to convey your idea. So I'm a little idea based when I work so and yes, I will be doing a lot of work soon.

Rodney Veal  20:33

I mean, I just figured, when do you sleep and still be this energetic? I mean, have you always been this? Well, yeah, but you've always been, I mean, that was one of the things that I observed. It's like, she you have this energy that just goes, we can do this. And I'm like, okay,

Tamiko Stump  20:55

yeah, I think that's just in my nature. I am like that. I have, I don't think I would be able to stop until I'm gone. Like, yeah, so it's just, it's just in my nature, I get so excited and, you know, and I come up with these ideas, or people ask for help, and I'm always all in. So no matter what I do, I'm all in. You're all I'm all in

Rodney Veal  21:21

that's the best place for it. And so, I mean, and Dayton, Dayton, you know, we, you know, in the art scene, and you and I are collaborating and working on some things too. And it's like, I just find it very fascinating. Like, you know that, oh, you know, we can have these things, and they can, yeah, we can connect and convene. And so I love the fact that you know, you connected and convened us with with a with an artist friend of yours from New York, yes, Kellie, which is really cool. That's a really cool right?

Tamiko Stump  21:56

Yeah, I got Scott goosebumps just thinking about it.

Ad  21:58

So there's all these things in the world. I'm Bonnie miles, membership coordinator of CET. Thank you for listening to Rodney veal's Inspired by this podcast is a production of CET, and think TV two local PBS stations as PBS stations, the work we do online, on air and in the community is supported by listeners like you. If you're enjoying the show and would like to support our work, please consider becoming a member at CET connect.org or think TV dot O, R G, plus, when you sign up to donate at least $5 a month, you'll get access to special members only streaming videos on the PBS app through passport. Learn more at CET, connect.org or think tv.org If

Rodney Veal  22:42

you're enjoying this conversation, the art show, also hosted by Rodney veal, is available to stream anytime from anywhere on YouTube or the PBS app. I mean, how do you see like, you know, because you you've come and you've been other places, yes. So why do you think it's, you know, right now these ideas, it's you have the capacity to kind of make these ideas happen in the Dayton area. Like, you know, I feel like something's different

Tamiko Stump  23:12

the time. It just feels right, and it's about the people you have to get the right people. Like, it's a synergy between the community and individuals that come together, I think that's the main driving force. Like there's no way that certain things can be done alone, so it's just about finding the right people, like minded people. Obviously, I love Kellie, and we went to CJ together, and he approached me for help on this idea everyone will hear about, hopefully soon, very soon, very soon,

Rodney Veal  23:46

to be secretive people, but

Tamiko Stump  23:50

there's a thing that's gonna happen. Trust us, it's all very like, oh my god, you'll find out.

Rodney Veal  24:00

Well, that's the whole thing is, I think that there's, I think that's something that's kind of interesting for people who are, you know, under to understand, to kind of make these things happen, you just got to have trust, right? You know, it's like, it's really interesting. And when we talk, I talk to other artists that we've interviewed for the podcast, they all just kind of go, well, we just do it. We just,

Tamiko Stump  24:23

that's the theme. You just do it. You just do it and do it together. And, you know, it's just, just do it. You know, don't be scared. Just do it.

Rodney Veal  24:34

I love that. And so one of the things is, there's a, you know, because you talked about it, it's like it was, I always think about when we choose like, you know, you took the test. It

Tamiko Stump  24:51

was actually really funny.

Rodney Veal  24:53

So like, 100% like, was that like, like, it didn't say, maybe an artist and maybe.

Tamiko Stump  25:00

It? No, it was artist, fashion design. It was in the arts realm, like, and I was like, oh. And I knew, I knew.

Rodney Veal  25:09

But what drew what really, other than the love of biology, what drew you to was it just kind of not thinking that you would succeed at being an artist.

Tamiko Stump  25:19

Or, I think it's society, you know, when you're growing up, you just hear you can't, you just can't do that like, you know. So I don't know my mom's Japanese. So there was a different expectations growing up so and trying to meet them, yeah, yeah, so, but that's what I did. I was very passionate about it. They came around to accept it, and they were actually very proud of me, so.

Rodney Veal  25:54

But it is different is it's a real, you know? That's a That's a tough it is not the I was. I was, I always described the being in the arts is not for the faint of heart.

Tamiko Stump  26:04

You have, yes, you just, you have to, you know, really want it to succeed. And it's a lot of work. It's a lot of work.

Rodney Veal  26:13

And that's what I mean. I'm like, why? I'm like, How do you do all these things and stay other than the caffeine? I mean, because it's not pure caffeine, it is really genuine. This love, yeah, I

Tamiko Stump  26:24

love it, yeah. I love to make art. I mean, I have to make art. So it's just, I don't know, I just, I do it, like, I just do it. And right now, my work, art, making balance, is a little off, and I've been thinking about it, that I need to, you know, schedule some time to, you know, actual time to make art. So which I'm going to do? Oh, that's good.

Rodney Veal  26:49

I'm glad you said to like this, because it is, that is a tricky proposition. Yes, the work life balance is not a there's no and there's no one way. Like, I think a lot of people think being an artist, we all have to do it in a uniform pattern. And like, No, we all have a different way and a different approach. And I mean, because I always think about being Davis, I always think

Tamiko Stump  27:18

I do amazing.

Rodney Veal  27:21

How does he keep going at 87

Tamiko Stump  27:23

He's amazing. I don't know. He just has that spark. He still has that spark.

Rodney Veal  27:28

Like, I'm, like, inspiring. I mean, the fact that he's still throwing clay, yeah, I'm like, Dude, I could barely get up off the couch. It's a struggle bus. And here he is throwing clay at 87 and I'm like, Oh, well, okay, well, guess I better get on with it.

Tamiko Stump  27:50

Yeah, he is one of my mentors. Like, I look up to him so much, like everything he does for the community, like, he's just very inspiring to me. So, yeah, love bang,

Rodney Veal  28:02

and the fact that you get to kind of hang out with all the artists in the community. I mean, how do you I mean, what's your observation of our art scene, like the artists and, you know, just, you just seem to, like, you know, there's a knowing, there's a there's a kind of awareness that you have in a presence. And I'm just kind of curious about

Tamiko Stump  28:23

overall, I want people to work together more different organizations. I want people to come together more, and I think it's happening, but the art scene in Dayton is very vibrant, and there are like little pockets of greatness. But I want them all to come together, and I just want people to see the talent here. I mean, it's just, there's so much talent in Dayton, and I just want people to see it and experience it. So that's one of my goals.

Rodney Veal  28:52

Oh, yeah, as the interim,

Tamiko Stump  28:57

maybe, maybe that's it, bring people together. I always think things are stronger as a group, like,

Rodney Veal  29:06

well, that's, that's the reason why I think you're doing this group. We're doing a secret project. I love the fact that we secret project. It feels like project.

Tamiko Stump  29:16

Like, I can't really talk about it,

Rodney Veal  29:19

which was really, which is really interesting. It's but I think it's one of the things that I think the reason why I think you're involved, and I think Kellie is involved in the people at the table, is how quickly we all just went, Okay, yeah, this will work.

Tamiko Stump  29:33

Let's do it. That's the theme. Like, let's just try to do it. Like, let's

Rodney Veal  29:38

try to, let's try to bring the coolest thing ever to Dayton, Ohio and see what happens. And so, I mean, when you it's like, you're, you know, because you like, you've had this journey. I love it because you did a motion, movement of like, Oh, my journey is, how do you I mean, do you think that most artists, I mean. Or it's not a linear shot.

Tamiko Stump  30:01

Yeah, I think so. I think so. I mean, life, everyone has a different life and path, and it's good to experience other things. You know, to veer off and, you know, you always, there's always a center, you know, you come back. Like, I've always considered Dayton my center, like, I go off and do things, but I come back here and I go off and I come back, so it's just, and I think that's pretty common. So I've talked to artists, and we all have, like, these windy paths. So it seems, I know you have a windy path too.

Rodney Veal  30:36

I feel like, oh, it's like it was one of those moments. And there's a question I feel like that, that we've been asking this season. You know, it's because, it just because it's, and this is for audience members, so they understand, because a lot of times they think imposter syndrome seems to be a really like an underlying current to the creative process that you don't think you belong. Yes, I just find it just really, I don't know if it's because of a, you know, and I've had it. I mean, I know I've been in spaces where I'm like, I don't know, why am I here shrink run? But if you I mean, what would you say to to folks who, because a lot of people are not artists, who are listening to this and have it and so what would you what would be your advice? I'm always asking that question.

Tamiko Stump  31:31

I know this is a hard one. Rodney, well, um, yeah, cuz I going into, you know, being a professor teaching at Central State, I walked in there with the hugest imposter syndrome, because I've never done it. So you just like, you do it, and then the more you do it, the more comfortable you become like. So no one starts out as an expert. So I guess that's my advice. Everyone feels that way at some point, so you just do it, and you'll get more comfortable.

Rodney Veal  32:06

So just do it.

Tamiko Stump  32:09

Okay, just do it. I think it's common. I have imposter syndrome still, really, yes, yes.

Rodney Veal  32:19

You should not have as I wag my finger, actually,

Tamiko Stump  32:23

yes. Rodney,

Rodney Veal  32:26

well, I mean, because the thing is, I think it's, well, you know, I but I understand it. I mean, I understand it. It's like, it's a big, you know, you take on a artist as a title. Is a, it's a, it's a three letter word, like, it's a small word, yes, it's not a big word, but

Tamiko Stump  32:44

it is loaded. Yes,

Rodney Veal  32:47

is, do you think it's because the word is so loaded?

Tamiko Stump  32:51

Yeah, artist, it's a very abstract term. And I think, like, like, everyday people might not even understand what it means. I maybe that's it. It's just so an abstract of a term, and then it's hard to claim yourself as an artist, as such an abstract idea, you're like, Oh, I'm an artist, yeah. What does that mean? Exactly like, well, this, this and this, and this and this,

Rodney Veal  33:21

or or so and so, it's just such a heavy word, and I think that yes, and I just wonder if people you know have a mistaken notion of of of the process of being an artist, because It is work

Tamiko Stump  33:39

people, it's a lot of work, torture mistakes. Oh, that's

Rodney Veal  33:45

interesting, because it was interesting in the conversation with with Brian, I had what we had at the it's a part of the collaboration of the library. And I asked him a question about, what do you do with the mistakes? Oh, yes, what do you do with your like? Because he talked about, he paints over them. And I was like, Oh, that. Thought about that. I mean, do you paint over your mistakes? So you just are,

Tamiko Stump  34:08

it depends on the media. Some, you know, I have a lot of mistakes on paper, Canvas, you know, I stash them away. I do reuse, like, oh, oh, yes, yeah. So it's some I throw away. You get so mad, you throw them away.

Rodney Veal  34:25

Oh, I done that. I have, like, no, like, it doesn't work. I mean, have you ever gone back? I mean, just something. I'm kind of curious, because, as an art maker, so you've made something, and it doesn't quite feel right, and he just sits. And then you come back to it years later, and you go, but if I did this to

Tamiko Stump  34:47

it, yes, it works, yes, a lot of times I'll even restart like, like, you know, there's something about it that deserves your attention. So you keep it you hang it up, you look at it. Years you ponder, and you might consciously not know what needs to be done, but then it just like, like it just appears. And I work in themes a lot with my concept, and then I'll completely have to redo the idea, but I wouldn't have gotten to that point if I didn't have the other previous piece that didn't work, but the idea was strong, so you just look at it, and you just, oh, I think I know what will make this work. And then you just do it. So it's not like a mistake, mistake. It's just in the process. It's in the process.

Rodney Veal  35:37

And, yeah, journey, okay, because I've because I and I just feel like, sometimes I go, am I doing this right? Because I don't, because I, you know, you know, I don't talk to artists who you know when they're making it or in the process. But I just That's why I asked the question, because, to me, could do with that. Because when Brian said it, I was like, huh, I do. Really did go home and think about it. Yes, you know, you can fix that. And so, okay, good. Doesn't have to live in that state, right? Yeah.

Tamiko Stump  36:05

So there's there's hope, there's hope, and it's kind of nice sometimes. And when you share your work, like you see something that you personally didn't see, see because you were so attached to it, and then you can like, Oh, I didn't think of it that way. And then it kind of opens the door. So I like to have dialog with other artists, you know, about work, my work, and their work. So it's nice.

Rodney Veal  36:31

And that's and I think that's one of the nice things about the easy accessibility. It's a very Midwestern thing. And I don't know if it was that way in New York, but here just you can have these dialogs and conversations, right about process,

Tamiko Stump  36:46

yeah, that is wonderful. So like, being a part of the Dayton Society of artists. I'm around artists constantly and like, hey, I need help. Well, you can look at this, I'm stuck and and then you'll get some advice, some good advice, some bad advice. You'll get advice.

Rodney Veal  37:04

And you have to pick and choose it. And I mean, you know, I find it really fascinating, because it was like, because I had stepped away from visual art making when I started dancing, and it was kind of, it kind of took a back burner. It never fully went away, but it took a back burner, and it was so early on, after the training that I did sort of some things I did not understand or know that I I'm discovering, like, I'm discovering the perfect adhesive,

Tamiko Stump  37:34

Oh yes, oh yes, yes, I know Exactly yeah.

Rodney Veal  37:40

Thing, isn't it like, it's like, oh, that's what that is. That's why you need to wait this. Oh, yeah. Maybe you know, because there's no May. I think a lot of people think that the manual of training, of art making is so complete, they're just like, some shades of gray, yeah.

Tamiko Stump  37:59

No, you learn. Like, you learn a lot in school, but like, the the most you learn, I believe, is in experiments. And, you know, asking other people is after school. That's why I learned the most. Or you want to, you have an idea, then you have to research, and you're like, Oh, I'll try this. Like, you know, I have a favorite pencil now. Like, it's just weird, like, there's so many different things that you can explore and learn how to use. It's like, never ending. Like, it's never ending. I don't know experiments, I

Rodney Veal  38:31

guess, well, the experiments, yeah, absolutely. And I think that that experimental nature, it's like, I think that scares people a little bit, because if you're as an artist, you have to experimentation. Is what's right? Like you said, right? I think for the average person, that would just, I mean, like, well, we see what happens. Yeah, do you find yourself like, when you because you are so busy, you are like, You're everywhere, like you're worse than me.

Tamiko Stump  39:02

I wouldn't say that

Rodney Veal  39:05

you're gaining momentum and speed. It's like, do you find it like you have this idea, but you're in a meeting event, and you're like, I really just got an idea? Yeah, that's

Tamiko Stump  39:17

when you just write it in your notebook, you know? Because I always have a little notebook, so, oh, you do the same, yeah, I write. I don't actually draw in a sketch, but I'll make a note, like, like, what I had in mind.

Rodney Veal  39:29

So, you know, that's a I think everybody I've talked to does that, yeah, it's all about like, you know, you know, there seems some, some variation of, like, I must write things down. And I found this, I mean, it was really, and is, it's one of the interesting things with comedians. It's like, I found out through Mike Shea, our Podcast Producer, they're voracious writers. Wow, I it's like, oh, so we're all kind of in the writing mode of, like. You kind of get the idea down, like, or stored someplace for future reference, yeah. So do you have stacks of those notebooks?

Tamiko Stump  40:08

I do. They're so disorganized. I have so many notebooks.

Rodney Veal  40:14

You're making me feel good then, because I always feel like, I'm like, right? Get one notebook

Tamiko Stump  40:19

I know, and they're like, everywhere I mean, I probably should organize myself a little better. You

Rodney Veal  40:27

should know it. Don't worry about that. So I one of the things is like, as we come to the close of this conversation, what would you say? Because you know you've like you said, You've done the winding path, the journey, and I know that people don't maybe feel trepidatious about starting over in life, or life like, because life does happen. You, like we talked about, it's like, what would you say to them about what they feel it in their gut, their bones, that they need to be creative and but they think that they can't be or there's no entry on ramp to it. What would you say to them?

Tamiko Stump  41:03

I would say, Just do it. I mean, if you feel it, you know, just do it. No one's here to judge you. Like, just try. Like, you'll live with regret if you don't, at least try. You know, I don't know, just do it. That's the theme of it. Just do it. Just do it. Just do it. Yeah, there's nothing to be scared of. I mean, we only live once, so you might as well experience everything you can. So and then.

Rodney Veal  41:29

So that's such a true that's such a true phrase. I say it all the time, and I don't think people fully under grasp that, because it's like, it's glorious, yeah, it's messy, it is it, it can cause you to, but that's kind of, but that's those, that's the that's the vibrancy of living.

Tamiko Stump  41:48

Yes, exactly. There's highs and lows. You only live once. You need to, to live your life the best you can.

Rodney Veal  41:57

So, yeah, well, you, you certainly do, and that's why I adore you.

Tamiko Stump  42:03

I just love you. Rodney,

Rodney Veal  42:07

there's a lot of love here. People you know, you are just such a positive force. And I just, I'm just, I'm grateful you're my and my and my orbit. I'm just grateful that I get to have conversations with you. I get a great that we get to collaborate. Yes, yes, yes. You know, we have collaborated more in the last year. Yes, realize that then the entire time I've known you, yeah,

Tamiko Stump  42:32

I know we're like, yeah, it's time, Rodney, it was the time this. Yeah, I think so. I think so. So this is great. I'm so glad that we're friends, we're working together, and I love you.