Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Schlossberg.
Theresa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
When it came to art, my mom called me the Jack of all trades. I saw something in a museum, magazine or on television and had to learn as much as I could about it. My first full-fledged art class was in high school. The art teacher became an unknowing mentor. I soaked up everything he could toss at me. It changed my collegiate direction.
In college, I majored in Film and Television following in the footsteps of my favorite director at the time, George Lucas. Film school was a dream. Watching classic movies, learning from professionals, and making my first film all still influence my art today.
When I moved to Austin that’s when I truly began my path in the art world by returning to school for an MFA in Painting. From there, my new career as an artist began.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is a good representation of my personality, a complexity of self-expression, and a bit eclectic. I love working in abstracts, but also enjoy losing myself in botanical illustrations.
To create my abstract works, I work primarily in oils using vivid colors and so much texture people often ask to touch them. When creating abstracts, I look to nature for inspiration. Nature has so many great complex patterns and textures to pull from. It also has wonderful movement and dynamic colors. Once an idea forms, I build my textured foundation with layers upon layers of oil paint. Then the colors and movement begin with sweeping or shallow strokes of a palette knife. Due to the foundation, each stroke creates a unique pattern that informs the next. It is like a dance or painting a piece of music. When it ends, I feel as a part of me has been left on the canvas, and it is ready to create new stories for the people who view it.
My botanical illustrations are personal labor of love. Flowers are my favorite creation in nature. They are the perfect metaphor for life, and I enjoy capturing them at the height of their beauty, just before age wilts the leaves. I started the botanicals primarily in ink, as black and white captures their purity. I continued to explore adding watercolor to the ink taking them in a new direction.
However, my absolute favorite works fall into the world of fandom. Growing up watching science fiction and reading comic books, it is not a surprise to find me creating works inspired by these worlds. This began as an experiment for my Master’s. It morphed into its own unique style combining my abstract techniques with visuals from my favorite genre. Last year, I decided to share these works at a local comic convention. The attendees took to my work better than I could ever have hoped. I have brought my work to more conventions since and am looking forward to exhibiting my work at Comicpalooza 2019 in Houston.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Being an independent artist has many challenges, but self-management is key. Learning to properly manage your time can determine your success or failure. This is true with any career. A good business plan, budget and especially a marketing plan are critical. Having a clear and realistic plan helps you get started on the right footing.
I used the first year to work out the kinks, find my niche, and build my fan base. Even with that, I am still learning, working and exploring every day to hone my process. It is hard work, but worth the satisfaction when that sale does come.
Don’t let detractors dissuade you or defeat you. If you like your art, share it with the world. If you do it right, others who like it will find it.
Create ways to earn passive income through your art. This helps fill the gap between shows, festivals and larger sales.
I also suggest finding an active local artist group to join. This helps with networking, finding additional calls for art, and build your confidence.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am highly active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. There you can see my latest projects, find out about coming shows and classes, as well as get a glimpse into my process.
Currently, my abstract works can be seen at the Carver Branch Library in Austin until February 18th. It is a curated exhibit I am sharing with a fellow artist, and it came out beautifully.
My geek culture art will be exhibited at the Hill Country Comic Con in New Braunsfels, TX, March 16-17 and at Comicpalooza in Houston, May 10-12. I plan on participating in three more conventions spanning Austin and San Antonio later in the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tschlossbergfineart.com
- Phone: 512-643-5619
- Email: info@tschlossbergfineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tschlossfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSchlossFineArt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TSchlossFineArt
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tschlossfineart
Image Credit:
Profile photo: Zac Seewald Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
