Tami Alba’s wildlife t-shirts have been a staple of The Mountain since 2006, showing off everything from wolves to narwhals in a realistic collage style that captures the animals beauty from every angle.

Her passion for environmentalism and protecting our wildlife inspires her artwork, and she hopes her artwork will inspire a passion for environmentalism in others.

We caught up with Tami Alba to talk to her about her travels, inspiration, and how she creates her artwork. Check out her interview below.

Above: Moon Wolves Collage by Tami Alba

Can you tell our #MountainTribe a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? What was your first artistic experience?

Much of my childhood was spent in Italy and Japan because my parents were in the military. When they were later stationed in the US, we lived primarily in California. So, I'll claim California as where I’m from, but I'm currently living in South Carolina.

As most young girls, I wanted a horse. As most young girls, I didn't get one. But, my parents did give me a horse model! Woo-hoo! I had already been drawing since 1st or 2nd grade, but it was sometime around age 12 that I started sketching that horse model and thought, "Hey, that isn't so bad." I suppose it all started from there.

You moved around quite a bit growing up because your parents were both in the military. How has this early exposure to different places/cultures influenced you?

The exposure to different countries at an early age had an enormous impact and definitely shaped the person and artist I am today. Spending so much time hiking the wilderness of each country nurtured my innate love for nature and wildlife, and taught me the regional differences of species. As an example, it was fascinating to discover that the details of the birds and squirrels in Japan were entirely different from those in Italy or here in the US. With first-hand experience like this, I attempted to capture that uniqueness. I believe that early exposure shaped my attention to detail that I strive for in all of my work even today.

In my personal life, the different cultures enriched my global outlook and taught me that though we all have differences, we also have a commonality; we all share the natural world. From the art, architecture, history and passion of the Italians to the polite, detailed-oriented and accomplished society of the Japanese, we all share this beautiful Earth.

Can you tell us a little about some of your favorite places you’ve visited?

Oh, wow, there are so many experiences from which to choose! I've been extremely fortunate to live and/or travel to so many wonderful places. A short list of favorites would include climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan at night during a typhoon, swimming the blue lagoons of Tahiti, exploring the bat caves in Costa Rica, snorkeling with manatees in Crystal River, skydiving in Florida, running through the lava fields on the Big Island of Hawaii, encountering bears in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California, hang gliding over the mountains of Georgia, touring by helicopter the dramatic Swiss Alps, sailing the Gulf of Mexico and seeing the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. I have a lot of favorite places!

What inspires you? When you’re experiencing an artist block, what do you do to recharge your creative batteries?

Deep inspiration comes when spending time collecting my own wildlife reference. Often this will be while visiting a zoo or attending an artist’s workshop during the photoshoot session. On location where wildlife is plentiful, I have the long anticipated chance to get as close to an animal as possible. I feel a magical connection during those times. Photographing wolves in Minnesota was one of my greatest inspirations. I am, however, also very inspired by other artists. I love seeing the talent of others. Actually, inspiration comes from so many things and can surprise me at any time.

I've found that when things just aren't flowing, I get out of the studio and change my focus. Creativity usually returns after simple activities such as rollerblading, visiting an art gallery or taking a trip to the beach. But if the block has a tight hold, it sometimes takes something unimaginable, like a hang gliding flight with a red-tailed hawk flying beneath me!

How do you create your artwork?

Inspiration is the catalyst for each piece of art, so I first have to find that inspiration. Over the course of my career, collages have somehow become my most predominate work. I now love creating them. Whether the subjects are big cats, polar bears, or insects, I search for something to ignite that desired spark of inspiration. Once found, I research every inch of the subject using books, videos, my reference shots, and online images and information. Once all the elements are gathered, I begin drawing and shaping them to fit together. Sometimes it matches the image in my mind, but I’ve learned to keep working it like clay for the design to emerge itself. I’m not locked into my vision, but am delighted when the essence of it appears. The challenge can be quite a struggle or surprisingly smooth. Either way, I love the process of designing.

Above: Big Jungle Cats T-Shirt and Red Fox Collage T-Shirt

What’s the most rewarding part of being an artist? What is the most challenging?

The most rewarding part is when someone reacts with excitement to my work. Excitement in that it resonates with their appreciation and love of the subject. So many of us have such a love for animals, we’re enthralled with them and can’t seem to help it.

Challenge is what gets many artists up in the morning. We seem to enjoy it. If I had to choose, I would say improving an old technique or learning a new one, simply because it takes so much time.

Why do you focus your artwork on wildlife?

Wildlife is where my heart is.

When you’re not creating, what do you like to do?

I love doing so many things. Of course, I love spending time with family and friends, especially if we’re outdoors. When home, I care for and oftentimes assist with the rehabilitation of wild animals such as raccoons, opossums, crows, hawks, wild birds, foxes, and deer. When not caring for animals, I hike, rollerblade, hang glide, head to the beach to fly stunt kites, or travel to a new destination. There’s a whole world out there to explore. 

Are you working on anything currently that you can tell us about? What can we expect to see in the future from Tami Alba?

Currently, I’m working on large format paintings using acrylics and airbrush. Regarding the future, I honestly don’t know what I’ll be inspired to create. Whatever it is, I can only hope it will touch people.

Lastly, we have to know, what is your spirit animal, and why?

Hands down, the tiger. I love their grace, strength, mystery, beauty and pure majesty.

Above: White Tiger Collage t-shirt by Tami Alba