Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to become an artist?
I have always known since I was little that I wanted to be an artist. I started selling my watercolor paintings when I was 12 and got into clay and fiber arts in high school. I had created a jean vest for a friend that gave me a book on batik. I absolutely fell in love with that medium. I started concentrating only on batik, and my work became well known nationally and internationally.
You've lived in Paris and traveled to amazing places, what led you to Little Rock?
I got to Arkansas by accident, really, my husband was offered a job in Little Rock, and we made a visit in December, not really expecting to like it. The recruiters showed me the Art Center and Chenal Country Club. I was enchanted by the beauty and the weather. So, I made the move part-time. About five years later, I decided to make it full-time. That’s when I discovered The Art Group Gallery. This ended up being a good move for me. Little Rock feels like home now that I’ve been here almost 20 years.
What do you love about Little Rock?
What I loved about Little Rock right from the start was her beauty and weather but best of all was the people. I never lived in the South before and found how friendly and welcoming everyone was. I did notice everything is slowed down here. People are not in such a rush as they were in the north. There is so much going on here in Little Rock – it has a lot of big-city vibes but in a small-town way.
Tell us about the Little Rock piece. What inspired the style of it?
My Little Rock piece was an experimental idea I have had for awhile. I wanted to have etched in lines on a wood panel, which I used a cold wax media mixed in with oil paints. I wanted a whimsical look and did a playful sketch on the panel. It was a really fun piece to do.
To see more of Terri's works, visit Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center.