5×5 With The Hook: TJ Lubrano

You know the best thing about being a blogger, folks? Of course, you don’t; that’s why I’m here to enlighten you.

You’re welcome, by the way. Moving onto my point…

WordPress hosts bloggers of every shape and size. You’ll find humorists, activists, mommys on a mission, axe grinders, writers of every genre, the field is endless.

But there’s only one TJ Lubrano.

Otherworldly. Visionary. Gifted. Fun. Fearless. Generous.

Pick any positive word from the dictionary and it’ll stick to this eternally-optimistic young lady.

Although I wouldn’t recommend you use effervescent; it makes her sound gassy. Or erinaceous. But most of the others apply.

St. Catherine of Bologna is the Patron Saint of Artists, but personally, when I cast my eyes on TJ’s work I can’t help but imagine her as a artistic demi-god sent to dwell among us mere mortals as an example of how much we can achieve if we only open our hearts to the artist buried deep in our souls.  They say writers should write the book within them. Well, folks, after being touched by the depth of TJ’s talents I can honestly say that portals to whimsical, magical realms exist within her.

She doesn’t create illustrations; she breathes life into entire universes of endless wonder.

And now, if you haven’t had the pleasure yet, it is time to meet the lady herself. Let’s begin with her work, shall we?

1)  Your artistic energy springs from an adventurous heart. Is there a dream job you explore in your unconscious mind while dancing with Morpheus?

   I’m already living a part of my dream job and that is creating my art and sharing it with all you guys and being paid for it! It’s mind-blowing at times. Because of this it’s also quite difficult to bring it down to just one dreamjob as I can venture into many directions with my artwork.

   But I’d absolutely want a merchandise line so everyone could get whatever they want with my designs on it, because I know that original art pieces can be too pricey for some. You could think of designs on clothing, kids rooms stuff or even make-up packaging designs. Combine this with traveling, meeting artists to learn from and doing meet-ups around the world with fans and friends around the world and I’m one super happy lady.

   Have you seen Morpheus’s dance though? I mean, it’s an interesting sight how he twirls around and shakes his booty with all his might. Oh. He’s gesturing to us, Hook. Do you…do you think he wants us to join? Oh my gosh. He’s shaking his hips while walking towards us…

2)  Favorite guilty pleasure?  (Ladies choice for the category. Choose from songs/books/TV/movies.)

   I love, love cooking shows and I can easily fill my hours just watching Rachel Khoo, Nigella Lawson or one of the many baking and cooking shows you have now, like The Great British Bake-Off, Masterchef Australia, Top Chef. Just to name a few. I don’t really watch TV lately, but the sizzling of a pan lures me to the TV in seconds.

3)  You spend a fair amount of time exploring fantasy realms. Would you rather be a princess or a sorceress, or perhaps even a warrior princess who dabbles in sorcery?
   

   I’d like to be a sorceress. Complete with awesome fighting skills and dark powers. The twist would be that she has a good side and even though her powers are dark, she only uses them to do good.

4)  What does your goofy side consist of?  (Vegging in front of the TV with a big block of cheese, for example?)

   My goofy side. Ehm…it seems I have the tendency to have random bubbly outbursts. This one time I picked up my shoes from the shoefixer dude* and did a “woohoo” followed with a hand clap.

   Seriously though. I was happy to get my shoes back in one piece.

   I am very easily amused and it doesn’t matter if it’s e.g. a chat online or a chat in real life, I always picture scenes in my head. Sometimes the scenes get a life of their own and whilst the person is still talking, I just have to laugh. This isn’t always a good thing…

   *I had no idea what a shoe fixer is called and upon research aka Google, he’s named a “cobbler”? When I think of a cobbler I picture a mythical being, living in the forest. Maybe his skin is made of bark or something. Or, I just think of an apple cobbler.

5)  When life gets you down is there a favorite memory you invoke to chase the doldrums away?

   To be honest, there’s not one memory in specific. It’s more the feeling I get when I remember all happy memories together. This could be memories from my youth or remembering all the happy words I read when people receive packages from me. The support I’ve gotten so far is beyond amazing. Remembering this and just being by myself for a bit, pulls me out of whatever dark cloud that’s surrounding me. Oh. And I watch some movies or anime, preferably something from Studio Ghibli!

   It seems Morpheus started busting out some disco moves now…

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While TJ trips the light fantastic I think the rest of us should take some quiet time to reflect on her creations and allow them to stir our souls.

Be well, kids. See you in the lobby…