Artist Profile: Terry Grant

Terry Grant
Portland, Oregon

1. What kind of challenges did this theme present to you? To choose a beautiful, appealing subject that I could render using all my favorite, personal marks, symbols, and techniques on. I wanted something that is recognizable and would demonstrate that even a common, universal image becomes personal when it takes on an artist's personal visual language.

2. Describe your studio space? I am fortunate to have a small studio, built just for me, in a wooded area just steps from my house. It is filled with light and I am surrounded by my fabrics and tools. There is a small loft upstairs, with storage and guest space.

3. Where can people see your work in the next six months? I am very excited that one of my pieces is part of the SAQA Concrete and Grasslands exhibit that will be at the 9th Asia Quilt Festival, Shanghai, China: September 22 - 24, 2017. I also hope to have work in the local Beaverton Arts Mix in September and will have my studio open for the Washington County Open Studio tour, October 14-15. 

4. Do you ever work in a series?  If so, what benefits or challenges does this present to you as an artist? I have several series that are ongoing. Each gives me an opportunity to explore a theme or concept in depth and pushes me to continue to see things in new ways. I love it when my "series" suddenly overlap or intersect—always an exciting surprise and evidence that our brains are constantly working behind the scenes, making connections that we aren't even aware of!

5. What other activities do you engage in that “feed” your creative energy? I started knitting a couple years ago, and am learning bookbinding techniques, but I find that travel is the thing that most feeds that creative urge. Creativity is part of every culture and seeing that universal love of color and design is so inspiring. We are currently planning a trip to Morocco and even just looking at photos and reading about it is giving me new ideas!