Bridging Cultures through Art and Literature: In Conversation with Honourable Tamikio L. Dooley/ By: Dr. Sweta Kumari

 

Bridging Cultures through Art and Literature: In Conversation with

Honourable Tamikio L. Dooley/ By: Dr. Sweta Kumari

 

 

Tamikio L. Dooley (United States)

Tamikio L. Dooley is a multi-award-winning author. She is the author of 150 titles and 100 published books. The author writes fiction and nonfiction of crime, thriller, mystery, fantasy, historical, western, romance, zombie apocalypse, and paranormal. In her spare time, she writes short stories, poetry, articles, essays, health books, and children’s books, diaries, journals, inspiring books, culture, African American, and history books. She is also a blogger. Her research and studies areas are health and history.

 

 

Dr. Sweta: Honourable Tamikio, your contributions to art and literature span continents and cultures. Thank you for joining us for this meaningful conversation.

Tamikio: My pleasure. It is my great pleasure to expand my talents and ideas collaborating with International distinguished authors, poets, and artists. I love what I do for those who appreciate my dedication without cost.

Dr. Sweta: Tamikio, beyond your titles and recognitions, how would you describe your personal journey as an artist and cultural advocate? What experiences, cultural roots, or turning points have shaped your artistic philosophy and vision?

Tamikio: My personal journal as a cultural advocate for literature started in January 2015. At the start of this year, my artistic journey began at the spur of a moment. For art it was encouragement and inspiration from fellow artists who helped me start my journey. I started creating artwork in May 2024. I had become engrossed in learning how to paint. I painted at least five pieces of artwork a day for the entire month of May. I will admit that I struggled learning how to paint as a beginner and I still struggle. But I learned that creating artwork is a struggle only if I try to paint like someone else. Being myself drowning in my own creativity is not a struggle. All artists use their own creative imaginations to produce their artworks. In other words, all artists do not see through the eyes of all artists. That is what makes each one of us unique. As far as my literary journey, it does not stop with what everyone sees. A literary journey is a never ending journey.

Dr. Sweta: How important is it for a poet to develop a unique style, and what elements help in shaping it? Can style evolve without losing its authenticity? How do you balance innovation with tradition in poetic form?

Tamikio: A poet’s unique style is very important. As I stated in the previous question. The same with artists, poets have their own unique style of writing. Yes, developing a unique style to compose any sort of literature is very important. How else are we to compose if we do not create our own unique style? Again, referring back to the artists, no two poets write the same. Writers do not see through the eyes of other writers. Only the readers see through the eyes of the words which are another reason unique style in writing is important. Shaping it is creating the final touches.

A style can transform without sacrificing its original. A style’s authenticity grows through evolution. The central problem is recognizing values-based evolution from shifts caused by outside forces, such as temporary trends or market demands. Authenticity in style endures when people's changes reflect its first intent, core values, and the creator’s or tradition’s self.

I am using a dynamic process to balance innovation and tradition in a poetic form. I use established structures as a base to make fresh meanings. This challenges creative limitations. Tradition and innovation coexist rather than contradict one another, though tradition fosters creative development.

Dr. Sweta: How can art and literature act as bridges between nations with cultural or historical differences? Can your work inspire peace, understanding, or social change on an international scale?

Tamikio: Yes, my work inspires peace, understanding, and social change on an international scale. I say this not because it is my work. I say this because I have seen my works inspire social changes on an international scale. My works, such as poetry, prose, and art displays positivity and education. People love my poetry. My poetry is not just a few words thrown together and called “poetry”. My poetic words mean something. I believe readers can feel the contours and the shaping of my words when they read my poetry, as well as my prose.

Dr. Sweta: Do you believe poetry can ever be truly “universal,” or is it always tied to a specific cultural, social, or historical context? Can a poem lose meaning when detached from its original context?

Tamikio: Yes, of course. poetry is universal. There are no such things as a specific culture, social, or historical context that changes the shaping of poetry. Poetry is international and free to any race who accepts it. I find more people who love poetry rather than prose. Poetry certainly does not lose original context. The only way poetry loses original context is if someone steals and rewords it. But the original context cannot be taken away from the original creator.

Dr. Sweta: As Chief Coordinator and Director for international festivals, how do you balance promoting local art and literature traditions while engaging global audiences? How do festivals influence artistic dialogue across borders?

Tamikio: For me the balance is quite simple. Literature and art are often compressed in the festivals I take part in. Literature and art are joined together at the hip of the world’s creative structure. Sometimes when thinking of literature, one cannot help but think of art, too. Works and color are both to be shaped, composed, molded, and constructed. There is no right or wrong way for a writer or artist to compose their literary works and art.

Festivals influence artistic dialogue across the borders by giving both writers and artists the opportunity to expand their words internationally. This means people from different cultures and nationalities cannot only vision it but they can learn from what they are looking at.

Dr. Sweta: Many of your works have been featured internationally. What are the biggest challenges in conveying cultural nuances and meaning when presenting art or literature to diverse audiences?

Tamikio: The major challenge would be if readers and artist lovers would not love my work. But after I compose my works, literature and art, I no longer care about the people who are not moved or inspired by my works. I care about the people who are.

Dr. Sweta: You have received multiple prestigious awards, including the Panorama International Special Jury Award. How do such recognitions influence your work, and what responsibilities do they carry for an artist engaging with global audiences?

Tamikio: The Panorama International Special Jury Award represents my dedication to literature and art. The award was a huge surprise to me upon announcement. What gratifies me mostly is that I earned the award, like so many others. This award represents my literature and art, as well as my dedication and hard work serving writers and artists, as well as the foundation.

Dr. Sweta:  In your opinion, how do you view the role of women in shaping artistic and literary movements today? How do female artists challenge or expand traditional canons?

Tamikio:  Women writers and artists have a huge impact on today’s society as well as history. As an example, the American poet, author, activist, and performer, Maya Angelou, gained fame for her seven autobiographies  for most famously I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her work with civil rights and powerful poetry.  People also recognized Frida Kahlo as a Mexican painter. Her self-portraits made her famous. A bus accident at 18-years-old changed her life. The cause was chronic pain and a relationship with Diego Rivera. Also, she was a Communist and a feminist inspiration, one of Mexico’s most celebrated artists. I have discussed topics where these two women are well known. Their marvelous works make them unforgettable and famous from history driven into the modern world.

Dr. Sweta: In the digital age, how have online platforms or digital tools influenced your artistic and literary creation? How can art effectively collaborate with other disciplines, such as music, media, or visual arts, without losing its independent voice?

Tamikio: Online platforms are more popular today, or course, than in historical times. Online platformers were not as advanced as they are today. I find online platforms very useful in my work. I have met an expanding network of authors, poets, businesspeople, or whatever they want to call themselves in my circle. I am very selective of who I choose to gather in my circle. I also noticed while being a part of another foundation, the Chimney Foundation, the founder and chairman, Dr. Chinmaya Dash, incorporates music in his competitions. I am happy to be elected as the International Freelance Ambassador in Awareness of Literary & Culture Development, and the Education Development of the foundation. I work closely with Dr. Chinmaya Dash supports, publishes, and promotes international writers and artists.

Dr. Sweta: From a theoretical standpoint, can poetry therapy replace traditional forms of therapy, or only complement them?

Tamikio: No. Some people do not like poetry or literature. They do not like to read. So they would not comprehend poetry being therapy and certainly not replacing traditional forms with poetry. I would say poetry therapy is not a permanent replacement for poetry and artistic lovers, but it soothes the soul for a short time.

Dr. Sweta: Looking ahead, what do you envision for the global art and literature community? How do you hope your work will continue to influence cross-cultural understanding and inspire emerging artists?

Tamikio: I was thinking about this while answering the question about women's role in literature and art. I look at Maya Angelou and Frida Kahlo and hope to inspire writers and artists the same as they have. I know I would never be equal to them, but I have some fans of my writings and artwork. That is what makes me happy today. I am sure when I am gone I will leave a positive mark for those who cherished my works.

Dr. Sweta: Tamikio, your journey demonstrates how art and literature are not only creative expressions but also powerful instruments for cultural dialogue and global connection. Thank you for sharing your insights, experiences, and vision. We look forward to seeing your continued impact in inspiring audiences across the world.

Tamikio:  Thank you, Dr. Sweta Kumari, for having me. I am thrilled by your invitation to interview me. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you in so many words possible. I hope my shared words and journey will inspire the next uprising writer and artist, who will travel the same journey, but with different trials and triumphs.

 

About the Interviewer

Dr. Sweta Kumari (India)

Dr. Sweta Kumari is a bilingual poet, independent researcher, film scholar, interviewer, editor, and cultural activist from Bihar, India. She has done B.A., M.A. (Gold-Medalist), and Ph.D. in English from Magadh University, Bodh-Gaya, Bihar. She has also qualified for UGC NET in English. Her scholarly and creative work spans over 24+ peer-reviewed research papers, and 15+ edited poetry and research books. Her poetry, widely published and recited at national and international literary festivals. Dr. Kumari serves on the editorial board of some journals including INNSÆI, MatruAkshar, and the Global Literati Insight. She is the head of the Indian Poetry Study Center, operating under the umbrella of Sabuddhi, Sri Lanka and the Regional Director (Bihar) of the Suryodaya Literary Foundation. Through her works, she continues to amplify diverse voices and foster dialogue across creative and scholarly communities.