Meet Tinamarie Cox | Poet and Artist

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

Hi Tinamarie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Being a full-time mom who has always had a creative itch has had its challenges. Putting aside that I am raising special needs children, parenthood in those early years sort of swallowed me up. I didn’t prioritize myself or my need to be artistic. For a while, I felt I had lost part of my identity. And I think many mothers experience this as well. But my creativity came out in little bursts through crafts and activities with my kids to practice their speech and motor skills.
As my kids slowly achieved their milestones and became more independent, I found it easier to make time for things I had enjoyed before becoming a mom. I was once again writing poetry, journaling, painting, and experimenting with new mediums. I found the courage to start publishing my work with my bigger kids as my cheerleaders.
I think, looking back at it now, I probably could have found time in those few and far between quiet moments. And I think that hindsight will help me assist other moms in maintaining their own creativity. I’ve been working on book projects and starting up a writing group in my local town. If you had asked me ten years ago if I’d ever be where I am today, I don’t think I could have imagined what I have accomplished.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born to create. Ever since I could hold a pencil, I have been drawing and writing. In school, I took art classes but didn’t have the courage to pursue what I loved. I struggled through college and with my mental health. I was the type of person who became whoever I needed to be for everyone else. Taking care of and doing things for myself was a challenge for a long time. I only began publishing my art and poetry over the last several years. I got sidetracked by parenthood and a huge lack of confidence. But that call to create never went silent.
I’m not sure I’d be able to write and create the way I do now without the experience I gained through the pain of my younger years, parenthood, addressing my mental health, and embarking on my journey towards self-love. I have grown and learned who I am by allowing myself to take the space and opportunity to stretch my wings. I attended therapy and tuned into myself better. It’s improved my self-image, my parenting, and how I walk through the world. Instead of telling myself “that’s impossible,” I ask myself, “how can I make that happen?” Loving myself shows in my work, as I have gone from playing things “safe” to trying things that are “bold and new,” without listening to that nagging self-doubt. I’m okay when someone doesn’t enjoy my work. I’m doing it for me. My poems and art are small extensions of who I am, and I love that I can leave little bits of me everywhere.
I do my best to channel my emotions and experiences into powerful poetry and artistic expression. Creating is its own kind of therapy. I strive to create pieces that invite reflection and connect the reader/viewer to their own emotions. For me, art and poetry are not just personal, but also communal. There is joy in a community that not only feels safe, but also where you feel seen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a hard question for me… Weather permitting, I would take my friend on as many hikes and day trips as we had energy for. Arizona has such amazing and humbling landscapes, and that’s my favorite thing about this state. There’s so much to see, and the scenery varies greatly. Staying around Prescott, I love to hike around the lakes. Go a little north toward Flagstaff, and you have towering mountains and pines. Sedona is a beautiful and spiritual experience to share with someone. A little south, around Phoenix, and there are saguaro a hundred years old or more! The Indigenous People’s history is written everywhere, and there is so much to explore and learn about. There are caves, volcanic craters, meandering creeks, uniquely adapted flora and fauna… I would hope my friend would fall in love with the natural beauty of Arizona.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out to my husband, Paul. I am one of those lucky few who have been able to marry their best friend. He has always been right next to me, supporting my ideas and loving me through every high and low. Paul continues to encourage me to follow my dreams and be my rock. He is a hard-working dad and makes everything possible for his family.

Website: https://Tinamariethinkstoomuch.weebly.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/tinamariethinkstoomuch

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tinamarie-cox-18a14a32a

Twitter: https://X.com/tinamarie_cox

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/tinamariethinkstoomuch

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tinamariethinkstoomuch?si=LxAH8HTLj5A5eF8D

Other: BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/tinamariecox.bsky.social

Image Credits
Images are property of Tinamarie Cox.