Meet Milan Tiff | Artist

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

Hi Milan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Was paralyzed as child. ( Polio ) Did not walk until 10 years old. Years later became an Olympic Track and Field Hall of Fame athlete

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’am a painter that combines the skills of painting and drawing. Studied as a medical illustrator ( UCLA Class of 72 ) that led to painting. I work exclusively in Acrylic paint. At a strict size of of 4x4feet. ( 4x4feet is considered to be 20/20 vision to the human eye- up close or far away. And considered to be the standard dimension for wall space in any living or work place ) my Art is viewed as conceptual and original. Oftentimes commenting socially- science and religion. Example; Exhibited a painting once Titled; “ B.I.B.L.E. “ Explaining, Bible is not a word, or has a meaning. It’s an abbreviation for, Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. Or, “ Global Warming “ Illustrating the Earth’s orbit is drifting closer to the sun. Not pollution of the Earth’s atmosphere. Started Art very young. Receiving an Art scholarship to attend, The Cleveland ( Ohio ) Museum of Art’s figure drawing class. At the age of 5. Disabled as a child. I wore hip to ankle leg braces until I was 10 yrs. old. Born with Polio- paralyzed with Osgood- Schlatter’s disease. I eventually recovered to later become an Olympic Track and Field Hall of Fame World Record Holder in the Triple Jump. Thus accelerating my career as a visual Artist worldwide. Having lived in The Soviet Union for a year. Training and studying. I’ve been on both extreme ends of the physical, with Art being the bridge. Having traveled the world for many years. I’ve encountered many people from the Pope to the Dali Lama. Kings and Queens. Presidents, to heads of States to Billionaires alike. And have shared and heard many stories of which oftentimes translated into paintings. One example. Once I was sitting at the bar in a seven star Hotel, in Kathmandu, Tibet, with a 10 x 80 foot window backdrop, looking at a view of The Himalayas Mountains, and Mt. Everest. He said, the first the Sir Hillary said when he reached the summit was, “ he was walking on “ Seashells” Now that’s a concept to think about.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The best place in all Los Angeles to to take a friend for drinks and or dinner and a good relaxed sit down is, Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica. Used to be a longevity and health care facility for recovering Artist and celebrities of yesterday. The likes of Rod Sterling, Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, etc.

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?

Instagram: Open mind Art Space

Image Credits
Alison Limtavemongkol: Owner and Director; Open Mind Art Space