Interview with the artist
(the following interview appeared on the company website where Tamara works part time)

Tamara Evans' Critters to Be Featured at Arts in the Park
interview by Virginia Slaughter, April 2008

Virginia Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen poses with four of Evans' "Critters," which reside in her office at the Tax Department. From left, the "Critters" are: Blake, Wally, Jody, and Spot (in front).

Data Capture Operator Tamara Evans spends her life surrounded by Critters. No, she's not a veterinarian, an exterminator, or a kindergarten teacher – she's an artist, and a talented one at that. Evans creates papier-mâché "Critters" that she says are "whimsical, happy and full of color," and now a Richmond-based festival will offer a chance to meet Evans and see her artwork in person.

Evans will be participating in "Arts in the Park" again this year, which will be held at Byrd Park on Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"I have been creating papier-mâché sculptures for about 14 years now, when the birth of our child brought me home full-time," said Evans. "Recently, I have been incorporating bits and pieces of found objects into some of my work as well. I like that I can turn what would ordinarily be considered waste into art."

Evans credits the flexibility of her job at the Tax Department with allowing her time to be creative.

"Working for Tax has allowed me to be able to put the time I can into my art. Because I can work from home I don't have the travel time and down time that come with a normal job outside of the home. [It used to be that] when I'd get home there would be dinner to start, the house to straighten and homework to review or help with. I would be emotionally drained, and unable to consider working on the 'Critters.' With the part-time TAX job I don't have the stress of drivers to contend with, and can focus on the sculpture each day."

Even though she can finally find the time, creating her art isn't easy.

"Each piece is unique. The wet paper will shift and fold, often unexpectedly, while being worked. What started out that day as a lizard may decide to change itself into a cat before we're done."

Evans also credits her husband, Tax's intranet webmaster Craig Evans, with keeping her motivated throughout the creative process.

"I do this because of my family and friends," Evans said. "My husband Craig is a constant source of encouragement and help. He has been there to push me when I felt like giving up. He'll see that I'm letting other activities or concerns distract me, realize I'm avoiding working on the sculpture because I feel drained, and so come home with a book about sculpture or new fun paints and brushes.

"He has taken over errands or an activity with our son so I have the time to work. A couple of years back, as a birthday gift, he purchased the [domain] name and created the Critter Hall Web site, which he also maintains. I couldn't do this without him."

The adventure of the artistic process is completely worth it for Evans. "What I hope and strive for in my work is to bring the viewer a smile, a bit of humor, and enjoyment into their day," Evans said.

And what enjoyment and whimsy her spirited pieces bring! So come out to Byrd Park, enjoy the day, and browse through the best art Richmond has to offer. You might even see Commissioner Janie Bowen, a die-hard fan of Evans' work and owner of some of her "Critters" (pictured). And don't avoid coming out because you think quality art is too expensive – Evans' beautiful, original, hand-painted and hand-made pieces are available for as little as $25.