Q&A
What/Who inspires you as an artist in the following categories:
Beauty: Youngblood Cosmetics. They are a cruelty free line of makeup and when I was introduced I fell in love.
Culinary: Chef Eric Greenspan and his grilled cheese, Baco Mercot, Dalia Lounge, Malo in Silver Lake.
Fashion: My current obsession, long white dresses.
Film: I just watched again A Woman Under the Influence – It’s incredible and the performances are so real it’s painful to watch.
Literature: I am reading 2 books now, Jon Krakauer’s Under The Banner of Heaven and Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer.
Music: I’m very partial to my man’s music. He’s a super talent and has the voice of an angel. My favorite is when he is practicing around the house. Check him out Chris Pierce Music on itunes.
Photography: Cindy Sherman is an extraordinary artistic influence on me. I find her work thought provoking and exciting.
Stage: The last play I performed in was Paula Vogel’s “How I learned to Drive”. It is wonderfully honest piece of writing and working on the character of Lil ‘Bit challenged me to stretch way beyond my comfort zone.
Television: I’m obsessed with everything HBO. True Blood of course and I never miss an episode of Game of Thrones or Boardwalk Empire.
Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do:
I think I wanted to be a ballerina first then I decided a circus performer was more my calling. I started creating and performing skits for anyone who would watch and I had a dress up box that brought hours of fantastical entertainment to my childhood.
What are you trying to communicate with your art:
That every person has a story and a voice worth listening to.
Any exciting projects on the horizon:
True Blood season 5 is coming in June. In addition I have two films headed to festivals this year. K-11, a twistedly delicious prison drama directed by Jules Stewart. I play Crystal, a transgender who runs with an eclectic crew. The second film is Boot Tracks with Stephen Dorff, Michelle MonaghanWillem Dafoe. Need I say more? It has everything I love in a film and it’s directed by David Jacobson!
Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet:
Sculpting
What are your greatest accomplishments in the industry:
I’m still here.
What one thing that has happened in your life has made the biggest impact on who you are today:
Wow. My brain just got scrambled. I’m not sure I can think of one specific thing. My Mom has had a pretty big impact on me so maybe it was the moment I decided to reincarnate into this life and I chose her.
What makes you truly happy:
Creating
What keeps you balanced and sane:
Hiking, the beach, working up a really good sweat.
For more information on Tara Buck, visit www.tarabuck.com