About the Artist

Artist's Statement and Mission

"My mission is to boldly share the results of my artistic journey in a way that is authentic. Through sharing, I want to encourage others (who may be hesitant or fearful) to begin and pursue their unique creative journeys."

I paint in gratitude for the natural beauty of this world and for the gift of visual perception. My painting practice provides quiet moments of focused reflection. I am especially drawn to images with contrast between light and shadow. When painting with oils or gouache, I generally prefer to work on small panels or paper that is later mounted on a panel. I enjoy the challenge of painting landscapes  with a limited number of pastels and have recently begun painting from life. My intent is to continue to learn and grow as an artist through ongoing study and fearless experimentation.

Biography

Teri was born and raised in western Pennsylvania. An only child, she was comfortable engaged in solitary pursuits (coloring, drawing, reading, and “making things”). Her early interest in art and craft was nurtured first by her mother, and later by a beloved art teacher. But fear kept her from pursuing a fine arts education after high school…”what if something happens to my hands and I can’t make art?”. So, instead, Teri obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in occupational therapy, and a doctoral degree in instructional technology and distance education. She dabbled in almost every craft imaginable during those working years, often frequenting the John C. Campbell Folk Art School. As she began to consider her retirement, Teri made a decision. It was time to paint. She began reading, studying with successful painters, and she began to paint. Her love of the landscape and “wide open spaces” influenced the decision to relocate to Wyoming in 2021. Teri’s work is influenced by artists Phil Starke, the late Mary Bentz Gilkerson, Chris Kolupski, and Nicholas Wilton among others.