This “3 Questions With” comes from a sponsored interview in partnership with Tecovas.
Nashville’s quirkiest festival, the Tomato Art Fest, begins this Friday. The free, two-day event has been a central part of East Nashville since 2003, and you know you’re in the right place when you see the giant tomato mural at the Five Points intersection. For the past 10 years, local graffiti and fine artist Troy Duff has been painting that iconic mural. We sat down to chat with him about being an artist in Nashville and why he loves the Tomato Art Fest so much.
How has living in Nashville inspired your art?
“Living in Nashville has inspired my art in many ways. First, as a native of Nashville, I feel that I have a duty to always bring my A-game to the surface and show this city what my vision is all about. Secondly, we are having such a growth and surge of popularity here, and I want to show my city on a level that competes with other cities with murals and art platforms that deserve to be recognized. Lastly, Nashville has always been a very traditional and conservative city, so with my art mostly displaying graffiti, I’ve consistently tried to get this medium the attention it deserves without prejudice being attached to it, and I think we are heading in the right direction.”
What are some of your favorite memories of attending and participating in the Tomato Arts Fest?
“The first time I painted the street tomato in the middle of the night, as well as getting a chance to see the energy the festival provides as everyone celebrates the arts, and everyone dressed in their red attire.”
What makes this festival so special?
“What makes this special to me is being a part of this for now my 10th year, which is an honor. Also, I love the preparation and coming up with the final design for the street tomato every year. It's always a funny and challenging experience, but I love making the final decision and bringing it to life for the city to enjoy!”
