About The Artist

​

Born in Portland, Oregon in 2003, I was raised at my grandmother’s home in Northeast Portland, off of MLK Jr. Blvd and Rosa Parks Way. My journey as an artist began in middle school, where I discovered a natural talent and passion for creating. I would often ask my art teacher for large sheets of watercolor paper and supplies to practice after school, subconsciously nurturing my love for art from a young age. In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and as a junior in high school, I launched my own business by making an Instagram account to post my art.

​

 Inspired by my growing interest in unpacking generational trauma, culturally aware counseling and therapy, as well as sociology and Black studies, I sought to use my art as a platform for empowerment and representation. That year, I started my first job working in fast food and invested in higher-quality art supplies from Walmart and Michaels Craft Store—acrylic paints, new brushes, and canvases—and quickly produced over 15 pieces. My art journey also led me to participate in numerous vending opportunities, with the most recent being the 2026 annual “Last Thursday” market hosted by the Alberta Arts District in NE Portland. As well as the “Good Market” hosted by Portland State University’s School of Art & Design. When I first started attending markets, I came across a few vending opportunities on social media geared towards giving minority business owners a platform to showcase their creative passions such as jewelry, food, clothing, various forms of art, etc.… These experiences have given me a platform to showcase my work and connect with community.

​

Crucial to my art is vibrant colors, the loud celebration of self-love for Black women, men, and everyone outside or in between the gender binary, especially amidst the societal pressures and systemic injustices that have impacted marginalized communities for generations. Growing up as a fat African American girl in Portland—where the Black population makes up just over 5% —I often struggled with self-worth. This perception of self was skewed at a very young age because I never saw people that looked like me and was often ostracized. Art became my healing space, transmuting feelings of ingrained self-hatred, harmful beauty standards, discrimination, and misogynoir into a deep appreciation for myself I never thought possible when I was a kid.  Art also helped me open the door to myself love journey by showing me I can do great things and deserve to receive recognition as such. Not only for my ability to paint/create, but for all that I am as a person, and how I can positively impact this world.

Through my work, I aim to elevate visual representation for Pacific Northwest-born Black folks and inspire others to embrace and be outspoken about their traumas and authentic identities. My art is a testament to resilience, self-love, and the belief that we all deserve recognition and celebration for who we are. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my creativity with the world and to contribute positively to a more inclusive, accountable and loving society.

​

portfolio

• Tamia Thirdgill Portfolio 2026(Google Slides)

​