Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 31 ACRYLIC IS YOUR MEDIUM OF CHOICE. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH ACRYLIC IN COMMU- NICATING YOUR ARTISTIC VISION? When I paint, I work very quickly. If I leave for a while and try to come back, it often takes me an hour until I can get back into my "zone" again. erefore, I usually isolate myself in my studio for as long as I possibly can before coming up for air. at is when I produce my very best work. Since I create this way, I need my paints to dry quickly so that I can keep moving. I also paint in many layers of colors, so I love the fast performance and bold pigment of acrylic paints. WE FEEL A GREAT DEAL OF ENERGY WHEN VIEWING YOUR WORK. IS THAT YOUR INTENTION? It is my intention, yes. I aspire to leave my viewers with a renewed concept of life when viewing my paintings. I believe there is much more truth to the world than we can physically see. I try to manifest in my paintings animals' thunderous and power- ful — also noble, peaceful, and timeless — energy. HOW ARE YOUR OWN PERSONALITY AND YOUR PERSONAL INTERESTS REFLECTED IN YOUR ART? I am a visionary type who likes to think outside of the box and push the limits when tested. I also feel that I am a right and left-brain combination type, which is why my paintings reflect a blend of logical realism and whimsical surrealism. I am not satisfied when paint- ing traditionally because it is not vibrant or energetic enough for me. Yet at the same time, to paint a purely abstract piece would feel a bit too crazy. I am at peace when I have achieved the balance between the two, which explains the com- bination of both refined detail and lighthearted looseness in my work. WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE HEADED IN YOUR ARTWORK OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? I have a goal or "vision" board that I follow. I started it years ago and continue to add to it because it has so far proven to be (creepily) accurate. Although I can't disclose too much yet, I have a lot in store. To start, I recently installed a huge 8'x12' mural of a moose on the outside of Grand Teton Gallery in Jackson Hole, WY. In October, I will be this year's Featured Artist at the 24th Montana Cowboy Ball. Moreover, I will be expanding the TeshiaArt brand in some very exciting ways in the near future. Stay tuned! SO, WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORK- ING ON YOUR ART WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TIME? My husband, Dan, and I love to travel. Yet, Glacier and Banff National Parks are still two of our favorite places in the world. When we are home in the sum- mer, we are often wakeboarding on one of our unspoiled Montana mountain lakes. In the winter, when I'm not painting in my studio, we're often away on a ski trip, usually in Whitefish, MT, where I am represented by nearby Wild Eye Artistry in Kalispell; in Jackson Hole, WY, where I am represented by Grand Teton Gal- lery; or in Park City, UT, where I am represented by Park City Fine Art. It is not accidental that my galleries are all in prominent ski towns. I have chosen them wisely. OKAY. DESCRIBE TESHIA IN THREE WORDS. JUST THREE. Adventurous, imaginative, happy. Follow Teshia's videos at Teshia's Place DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL www.distinctlymontana.com/teshia154 Swoop Moose Blues Bear Dreams

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