Meet Tammy Spear | Physician and artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Spear and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Nothing great is ever accomplished through avoiding risk. Those who have succeeded have failed many more times. Taking risks has shaped my careers through taking a chance and pushing past the fear of failure, driving yourself into the uncomfortable zone, first as a physician, and now an artist. Art has permeated my life but not until recently have I pursued art as a career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art has evolved through the years but always incorporates movement and interaction. The world and every element in it constantly affect their surroundings whether deciding to go left or right, help someone or not, work on climate crisis or not. Choosing to not act and not move whatsoever causes a reaction by forcing others to go around you, or find another way without you. This changes their directions and plans. Every action and inaction creates a reaction in our dynamic world. Deciding to be proactive with climate crisis makes a positive change in this world. Deciding to not help causes a reaction also, although not in helping our earth. This inaction leads to worsening of our environment. On a smaller scale, the decision to smile at another human can lead to a reaction of a reciprocal smile and happiness for you both. From tiny changes to global changes, they all matter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Treating my best friend to the best events in my area of Greensboro is an exciting time! We would eat pecan crusted tuna and then have cheesecake for desert as we sip our coffee at Green Valley Grill. We would have to hit the Green hill Gallery, The Artery, and Artmongers. We would definitely need to see and appreciate the outdoor graffiti art too. A show at the Tanger Center (Neil Degrasse Tyson or Wicked) would be a must. Riding bikes on our bike trails and visiting the science center would need to be squeezed in as well as a quick lunch at the Bodega in downtown Greensboro.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many influencers in my artistic career, but one person stands out. This person is a good friend named Ruth. She is always supporting, encouraging, finding opportunities for me, and sharing what she loves about my art. She now introduces me as an artist, as opposed to a physician. Ruth wants to see me succeed and my success brings her joy.

Website: https://www.tammyspearart.com

Instagram: @tammyspearart

Facebook: tammyspearart

Other: TilTok @tammyspearart