TESSA
Tessa creates art that “feels like memories.”
Working in oils and acrylics, Tessa creates expressive and emotional landscapes that feel like they’ve come from a dream. Based in Kyle, Texas, Tessa is inspired by everything around her, but mostly by her love of nature. She captures a certain feeling in each of her paintings with her moody tones and atmospheric brushwork, transporting the viewer to a misty morning, a stormy night, or a bright day.
With different traditional techniques, Tessa is able to set a scene and create an environment for the viewer, giving the painting an introspective quality. These evocative and nostalgic paintings are printed on our handmade Japanese paper, adding natural texture and emphasizing the painterly nature of the artworks. Gentle yet powerful, these prints will add warmth, softness, and whimsy to any space.
Q&A WITH THE ARTIST
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be?
I’m glad the question is phrased “creative person” and not just visual, fine artist because the person that came to mind is Jane Austen! Haha. I’ve always been a huge Austen fan (I think her aesthetic comes across in my work some as well), and I just feel like interviewing her would be so insightful and hilarious. I can just imagine all of her wit and whimsy and amazing commentary on life and art.
What inspires you?
Life. Memories. Ordinary moments that are anything but ordinary. Beauty. I’m a real sentimental type, so I can find beauty in a lot of everyday things. Powerful emotions also play into my work and inspire my paintings.
If you could choose a theme song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“So Will I” by Hillsong United. Gets me every time. My faith is a huge part of my art as well, and this song is endlessly inspirational to me. It’s about God creating, and creation responding.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Oh man! This is tough. I have no idea on the actual location, but somewhere with mild weather, and really beautiful outdoors are a must! Neither me or my husband like cold weather, but also I don’t really do well when its over 85 so I’d really love somewhere that stays in the 70’s. I just want a house on some land, where my babies can grow up and enough room for an art studio. I feel like that would be the dream.
Why are you an artist?
It’s the thing that feels most “me,”; the “occupation” or gifting that feels most natural to how I think and process things. I love being able to pour energy, emotion, and life onto a blank canvas and see something come alive. To see all the pieces fit and the composition flow. It’s like the best kind of puzzle for me. And I love when the work resonates with others in a way that provides more beauty into their lives, brings healing, or helps preserve a sweet memory or emotion.
If you could change one aspect of our society through your work, what would it be?
I would want people to know they are loved. To see a goodness that exists in the world. To choose hope and peace, even when they don’t feel it.
What do you wish to accomplish with your art?
I want someone to be able to walk over to their wall, look at my painting, and feel a sense of peace settle in their hearts. I want them to be moved in their soul in such a way that they can hang on to hope even if the day feels hard.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?
Oh absolutely with my husband and two children. Telling them how much I love them and laughing and hugging and making sure they knew they meant more to me than anything.
What’s your weirdest secret?
In high school I was extremely obsessed with Twilight, as many were in 2008, but I took it to the next level and sometimes would go up behind friends and pretend that I was going to bite their necks. Sound effects included. It was super weird, but also I have no regrets. They still joke about it to this day.
What do you focus on when you create?
The feeling of a piece, I have a general idea I want to come across… But also, audiobooks. Lol. I don’t know if that’s what the question means about what I focus on, but I absolutely love getting deep into stories while I paint. I can often look back at paintings from years ago and remember what I was listening to around that time of painting it. I don’t know… something about getting lost in the story helps me not think too hard about what I’m doing and let the work just flow.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person?
I think when I started taking art classes as an elective in middle school. It was my favorite class. It was like this amazing secret world that most of the rest of the school didn’t understand or know about, but it was where I came alive!
Do you do anything special to get your "creative juices" flowing?
Honestly, when I clean my studio!! Give me a clean space and a clean canvas and I will make a mess again in no time :) hahaha.
