"Neglected yet freely growing”

Dear Diary,

My name is Tierra Butler and I’m from Monroe, Louisiana.

What sparked my love of art was that as a kid I loved fairytales, and I would draw the characters from the shows. I would sit there watching art tutorials every time I was able to get computer time.

What inspires my stories lately are my friends and nostalgia — such as work that surrounds itself around my complicated relationship with my family and the coquette style I was obsessed with as a kid, and the way they entertain themselves in my work.

Credit: Tierra (Instagram @pierceddoll12e)

One of my favorite stories for my pieces is when I had to create a narrative for an illustration that had to be six feet tall. It was about having to twist myself into a role and how I felt like I had to look and act perfect, and how, as someone with bipolar disorder, I had to force myself to be like everyone around me. I felt like I had to be perfect.

My favorite material to work with is paper and pencil. I love using them to start a new project.

I think the most weird or unexpected place I’ve found inspiration is in overgrown fields and gardens. The way the plants are neglected yet freely growing sparks some of my best ideas.

That’s it for now,

Until next time.

Tierra