Biography

Pedagogue/Art Professor/Author

My name is Hayat Tahmaz Yavuz. I am from New York City, where art and creativity pulsed through the concrete jungle. As a child, I was obsessed with creating. After school, you could find me tucked in the art room corner, molding clay creatures until the janitor kicked me out. Weekends were consumed chasing the perfect landscape to paint while golden light danced through the leaves. My hands looked like a rainbow, but I didn’t care. I was intoxicated by art.

Don’t get me wrong; I was a great student, too. I soaked up knowledge, scoring top grades across subjects. But English and Art were my havens, where stories and paintings lit up my imagination. I didn’t have many close friends back then. But I was kind to everyone, and my teachers adored me. When high school came, it was obvious—Art was my destiny. I started raking in awards for paintings and sculptures. My teachers praised and encouraged my vision. While I excelled in all academics, my true calling was the Arts.

I was that rare creative who was also book smart. After graduating at the top of my class with scholarships, I landed at New York University, one of the country’s premier Art schools. College was a creative whirlwind. Surrounded by brilliant mentors, I honed my skills and artistic eye. I earned my BFA in Fine Arts, specializing in painting and sculpture. But I wanted to give back, so I continued on to get my Master in Arts Education. I spent the next decade molding young minds while developing my own art. My warm but rigorous teaching style earned me the respect of students and faculty. I nurtured talented young creatives while encouraging novices, too. My classroom welcomed all types of artistic spirits.

All the while, I actively exhibited my paintings, combining modernist abstractions with social commentary. I also did artist-in-residence stints at various public schools, leading workshops that unlocked kids’ creativity. On weekends, I taught seniors art to keep their minds spry. My reputation as an artist and arts educator was skyrocketing. In my latest chapter, I’ve been writing and illustrating children’s books starring the character Isobel. Based on my own childhood, Isobel guides young readers to embrace creativity and spread kindness. I donate proceeds to children’s hospitals and animal shelters, causes dear to my heart.

Artistic Mentors

I’m fortunate to have learned from many artistic masters along my journey. They encouraged me to develop my vision and apply to top art colleges. The modern art course changed how I thought about merging conceptual meaning with abstract techniques. She later wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation for graduate school. I pay their wisdom forward by mentoring emerging artists of all ages. My students’ growth inspires me daily. Guiding artistic spirits is a privilege.

Storytelling for Good

My transition from fine artist to children’s book author and illustrator surprised some. But I realized I could make a meaningful impact through uplifting stories and art. Children absorb the media around them like sponges. I aim to nurture creativity, empathy, and self-esteem through relatable characters like Isobel. Kids see themselves in Isobel and learn that art can be a tool for good. My books are mirrors of my own joyful childhood—exploring the woods, making animal friends, and letting my imagination wander. This next chapter of storytelling feels like coming home.