by Déja Monique | Apr 18, 2018 | FEATURED POST, WOMEN CRUSH WEDSDAY
Tilly Garcia
4/18/18
Whats up you guys! We are back with another interview. This week I have the pleasure of interviewing Photographer/Artist Tilly Garcia who will be telling us about her life story!
How are you!
Doing well! I’ve always done photography and art in since high school. I grew up in the east coast near the pine barrens, and I liked the darker side of things. A lot of my work reveals my spirituality and mythology.
Are you spiritual?
Yes, i’m spiritual with ambiguity.
Interesting, what’s your favorite part about photography?
I like editing, the magic really happens there!
Very true! When it comes to me and modeling, there’s nothing better than a dope edit on my pictures! How’s your relationship with you parents btw? You guys close?
Yes, my Dad is cuban and Mother is italian so we had freedom to choose a religion.
That’s cool, how do you feel it impacted you?
I was always into buddhism and christianity.
Wow I don’t think I’ve met anyone that’s into both Buddhism and Christianity. How do you connect the two together?
Those are just examples. Their all valid and all an expression. I consider myself clairvoyant and psychic.
Ooh so can you read minds?
No, but I can get messages in my dreams and I read tarot cards.
That’s dope, be careful with those things! Lol where do you currently, reside?
Pine barrens of nj
Did you go to school out here in Jersey?
I went to school around there and went to art school in Baltimore.
Oh, so what do you want people to get from your art and paintings?
My goal is to bring beauty to things that are overlooked.
How would you go about that and bringing beauty to the cemetery?
I do it in my photographs. The beauty of the family wanting to memorial on things that their love. I was at the cemetery this morning. I go there a lot. I feel I am more in touch with spirits. It feels timeless.
Now, when you convey this to people… do they perceive it as weird?
Yes, but I am ok with that. In my lighter work I’ve always felt that there is a darkness that comes through. I like it because life is the darkness and the light.
Where do you feel your style comes from?
A combination of dark or gothic things and religious, and more modern things. The state of the environment- but more nature.
Do you consider yourself a nature lover?
Yes, I go near a lot of parks. It’s beautiful, I think it should be appreciated.
What is your nationality by the way?
I’m Hispanic, my father is cuban, and my Mother is Mediterranean Italian.
That’s popping, do you think that Mediterranean sandwiches from Arby’s actually Mediterranean?
Lol, I’m not sure because I’m a vegan.
What made you become vegan?
I made that choice at a young age because of Buddhism. It’s been 15 years now.
Did it require you to become that way?
Not sure, but most Buddhists are that way.
Now quick question, what is your favorite color?
Black.
Would you consider yourself to be gothic or goth-like?
Absolutely!
What’s your favorite music genre?
Gothic music, dark electronica, black metal.
Has anyone ever called you a devil worshipper?
Yes, people in social media have taken things out of context. I don’t identify with anything that involves that. Not that there’s anything wrong with satanism or witchcraft.
Does it get to you?
A couple of articles that I’ve been involved in where I would have comments towards me saying I need Jesus which is weird because I am very spiritual.
How do you deal with it?
I made a couple of posts trying to explain but I’m not sure.
Do you block people?
Only if it gets crazy.
Would you say you have your fair share of stalkers?
My aesthetic scares people and I’m ok with that.
Well, who’s your favorite artist?
I was obsessed with Frida Kahlo and Dali.
Do you have any favorite music artists?
Its such a hard question. Cocteau Twins. They make stereotypical music.
Who is someone that you looked up to?
I’m not sure, I don’t have an answer.
How do you feel about what’s going in the world?
I feel it’s a mess and people have lost touch with nature & spirituality. If people were more in touch in nature they wouldn’t be chopping down trees.
How do you feel about our president?
Its a disaster.
If you had the authority would you change the world or no?
Yes, I would like to see people planting trees insteading cutting rainforests.
Are you big on going green?
Yes, but I don’t think it’s enough.
Will we see you driving a Tesla anytime soon?
Hahaha if only, I drive a nissan altima but if it was my choice it would not be for profit. I feel the problem is corporate using the atmosphere for monetary gain and its stupid. A tree can make food for hundreds of years why cut it?
Where can we see more of you?
I was interviewed yesterday for RVN TV. It should be in my instagram and highlighted.
If you can have any superpower what would it be?
The ability to change people’s thoughts. Telekinesis or being invisible. Any superpower would be amazing.
What does Tilly Garcia look for in a mate?
Someone who is compassionate, spiritual, artistic.
Tell us a particular moment where you were awarded for photography and art?
I was chosen for NJ in Time’s Top 50 for Photography and I was mentioned for NJ.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“All life is suffering.”
Flyleaf’s lead singer says there’s blessing in suffering, do you agree with that?
Yes.
Can you take a second to tell us your life motto?
I always ask myself who do I live for, when I am picking an outfit or choosing a job opportunity. I always say myself. I have to be true to myself.
I agree. What would be a good theme song for your life?
Funeral party by the Cure. Its gothic and partyish. I’ll probably think of a different answer later on today. I wasn’t prepared for all of these good questions!
Do you have any bestfriends?
My sister and I are very close. I am fortunate to have other friends as well.
Did your style scare your Mom?
She hates it. She tried to steer me away from it but it didn’t work. My style still scares her.
Would you consider yourself to be the real life female Twilight?
Hell no!
You’re more of a fan of the classics like Dracula 2000?
Yes, and “Interview of the Vampire”. I saw a movie called “Dark Song” and it would be great if you love horror movies.
Are you huge movie goer?
In the past no, but I’ve been obsessed with horror movies. I did a post asking for suggestions and people gave me a lot.
Have you been able to live off your career?
For the past two years, I’ve been a freelancer. I’ve been doing fine arts and commercial for extra money.
Wow, how does that make you feel?
I prefer to be the boss but commercial is easy.
Do you have pain or go through things?
Yes, and my art is the most effective way of me expressing myself.
If you weren’t in the field that you’re in right now, what do you see yourself doing?
Modeling.
How do you separate yourself from any artist or photographer?
I don’t need to try. I just be myself.
Do you see yourself doing this forever?
Yes.
Ok, so what advice would you have any advice for someone who wants to into the field for photography & art?
Just be true to yourself. I know that’s cliche! But it’s true!
You sound really deep! Are you a poet?
Secretly.
What makes you hold back?
That’s a good question, it’s extremely personal. My art is more mysterious and ambiguous while poetry is raw.
Thanks to RECMETRO, you’ll be making your debut as a slam poet soon right?
Hahahahaha, yes a slam poet!
Who would you say is your celebrity crush?
Neil “DeGrasse” Tyson. An Astrophysicist. He’s from NY.
Be sure to check out Tilly Garcia’s work online via her website www.TillyGarcia.com and on Instagram ( @_spirits ). It was a pleasure speaking with you! Stay tuned for next week’s WCW!