Inner Journey-ART

I like this artist so much because I feel like he was down to earth and open.  Not only was his shop very inviting, but he was very inviting.  He wanted to make sure that you enjoyed the presence of his shop.  He asked if we could smell the lavender diffusing.  He asked if we could feel the comfort of the rug.  He wanted to make sure that we discovered all he had to offer.  He explained that all his inspiration came from New Orleans.  He believes this so much that he thinks if he would have grown up anywhere else he would not be the successful artist that he is today.  His family is also an inspiration to him.  He has used his wife’s face and his daughter’s eyes to come up with the piece of art for his business card.  He has the front door of his own home decorated with his art. 

I think this artist is an example of how New Orleans can be an inspiration to people.  He was forced to move to another state during the evacuation of Hurricane Katrina.  He loved his home town so much that he moved back to it.  After all, that is where all his inspiration comes from!

Terrance’s work is vibrant and pops off the canvas.  It can’t help but catch your eye.  His art depicts the city of New Orleans in a fun vibrant way.  Then again, the city itself is fun and vibrant.  He uses the everyday life of New Orleans to inspire him.  The music, the homes, Mardi Gras, the people are all included in his art. 

I think it was nice to be able to talk to the artist.  He was able to tell us about his work and how he was inspired to create it.  Most of the artist in the shops were not the actual artist but people selling for the artist.  It was nice to hear him speak from his heart. 

He has worked hard to get to the artist he is today.  He went through years of school and earned a Fine Arts degree.  He later then taught Fine Arts in the public school until Hurricane Katrina hit.  It was during that move that he began to paint full time.  I believe that it was a sense of healing for him.  He was helping bring back New Orleans one piece of art at a time.  He has received awards for being able to depict the city in a way that the locals can relate to.  I am not a local and could relate to it from the little bit of the city that I had seen.  I could see how he depicted New Orleans throughout his work.  His pieces were warm and inviting.  Some pieces you could not help but stand and stare at and try to figure it out.  This artists work was the first that I thought was fun and took the time to look at on my own.  I did not feel forced to look at it and find out his story.  It all just happened unexpectedly.  

Terrance business cards featuring Lady Mardi Gras