I am thrilled to continue my Artist Spotlight Series with a talent hailing from the far north I discovered via her Instagram.  

The cold clearly hasn’t stunted her creativity.

Enjoy getting to know

Terry Ekasala

Burke, Vermont

 

What is your training?  

I got an Associates Degree in advertising at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Shortly after graduating and working as a freelance illustrator, I realized that world was not for me. I made a decision to continue to focus on drawing and delve into painting on my own while supporting myself working in the restaurant business in which I was brought up in.

What inspires you and your designs?

I am inspired mostly by color, laying down colors next to, on top of, around, across other colors and the tension/non tension – the feeling it gives, and of course form –  making an image whole, working all the  elements involved so they come together (even in chaos) to create a balanced, pleasing and sometimes emotional piece.  I recognize that I am sort of subliminally or unintentionally inspired by my everyday life and surroundings.  Some bit of news I may have heard, a film I watched, an event I attended… can creep into my work and sometimes it takes me a while, days, weeks to see what it is or was that influenced the piece. 

What is your favorite piece?

My favorite pieces are usually the last ones, I just finish this oil on linen and the lyrics to “Eyes of the World” by the Grateful Dead came to my head!

“Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings.”  49″x 60′ 2019

How has the your area influenced your work?

I live in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont which is pretty remote with extremely beautiful landscapes. For the most part my paintings are abstract but I detect a bit of landscape-ish qualities to them, especially some of my recent work. In any case I hope the peace and beauty of where I live seeps into all that I do! 

What is your favorite restaurant in your area?

Seeing there is really no “City” nearby, there are few restaurants to choose from! My favorite is Cafe Sweet Basil, Lyndonville, Vt, I worked there for 12 years.  A small cafe run by my very good friends Delise and Lars. Delise works magic in the Kitchen! The place is full of heart and soul and good times.

What is your favorite cocktail?

My favorite cocktail right now is the ginger manhattan I had at the Red Inn in Provincetown, Ma on thanksgiving day! Can’t seem to replicate it.

 

How do you balance personal life and work?

Balancing personal life and work is interesting because I am also a self-employed house painter and single mom. I use to feel there was no separation but now I realize, although I may always somehow be collecting data for my creative work, it seems much easier for me to switch hats so to speak. I have a fabulous studio and make sure I spend as much time there as possible and I feel as though once inside, I plug myself in and focus on ART!!

Dream trip?

I can’t think of one particular Dream trip because I am wanting to go to sooooo many places! Egypt for one. Machu Picchu, Easter Island… Ancient civilization sites all over the globe.

Dream commission?

Dream commission would be any painting where I had the complete liberty to do what I want.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Host/hostess gift is something homemade or local artisan cheeses or wine.

Who is your style icon?

I am a bit out of the loop on who’s who as far as style icons! I saw a great documentary on Dries Van Noten that totally inspired me.

I have seen some beautiful work by Missoni. I need to pay more attention 🙂

Your favorite up and coming artist?

I have to say I absolutely love discovering new artists on Instagram! There are way too many to name and I’d hate to leave anyone out! Who knew there were so many?!

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not sure I have a most treasured possession?

What are you reading?

I just finished Patti Smith M Train,

going back and forth between Selected Stories by Alice Munro and poetry.  Love Olena Kalytiak Davis’s collection entitled “And Her Soul Out of Nothing.” 

What are you listening to?

I always go back to Van Morrison

and Bob Dylan. I love Joe Henry, Rickie Lee Jones, the Dead…

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I’m sure if I made more time I would enjoy blogs and publications but I tend to look at art on Instagram or read articles other artists post on FB! Two Coats of Paint and Jennifer Samet’s “A Beer With a Painter comes to mind.

Be sure to follow Terry on Instagram and Facebook.

Take a peek at her portfolio….

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