Today we’d like to introduce you to Terra Goolsby.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always drawn. Even as a small child I always spent a lot of time drawing. I made a conscious commitment to being an artist when I was 19 though. I became particularly drawn to sculpture and clay at that time as well. It was easy for me to manipulate three-dimensional materials. In a lot of ways, it is easier for me to sculpt than it is for me to draw or paint. My practice has changed a lot over time, but my work has always drawn upon mythologies, mysticism, science fiction, religious lore, and psychology.
I use different materials depending on the ideas that inform my work. I used to sculpt by carving and burning stacks of paper and then recycling the material into carbon for example. That work is very different from my current work on both a visual and conceptual level. I also tend to produce in cycles. I focus on a series of works for four years or so, and then I move on to a new body of work. I think I am about to cycle into a new body of work after the solo exhibition “Black Rainbow” at Dimension Gallery in Austin Texas this August, but we will see how I feel in a couple of months.
In terms of education, I hold an MFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design. I’ve been an artist in residence at several institutions including West Dean College of Sussex University in Chichester, England, Vermont Studio Center, and I-Park Foundation in New Hampshire. My work has been exhibited throughout Texas, nationally, and internationally. I continue to work and live in Austin, Texas.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a multimedia artist. My work is informed by mythologies, mysticism, science fiction, religious lore, and psychology. I connect old narratives and new cultural assessments of female sexuality while I investigate the integration of creation and destruction, interiority and exteriority, collectivity and singularity, as well as strength and vulnerability. My works beauty and politics delve into darker aspects of femininity that lie concealed, dormant or just beneath the surface such as the predatory and the seductive. I focus on the uncompromising, unbridled and primordial nature of characters and settings, and the aesthetic of my work is both dangerous and sensual.
I have been working primarily in porcelain over the past four years. I like it because when I first started sculpting it was with clay, so on a personal level, I always feel as if I am returning to a ‘mother medium.’ I also like that clay is so malleable yet delicate. There is also an element of alchemy when working with clay which I love. Alchemy always feels magical in some way. The firing and glazing processes are definitely alchemic.
My most recent exhibition was at Dimension Gallery entitled Black Rainbow. It is was a solo exhibition of new sculpture. The work consists of a variety of sensual materials including, porcelain, fur, and quartz and it is about idolatry, and it’s association with sculpture. My focus was on formal elements, exploring surface, tactility, and form while abstracting figurative works. The exteriors are slick and reflective, and the interiors are very tactual to establish bonds and place emphasis on materiality. The exhibit was from August 16th to September 29th at Dimension Gallery, 979 Springdale, Austin Tx 78702. The work is being toured currently at SOFA Chicago and at other group exhibits in Austin in late November for East Side Studio Tours.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years?
As the city of Austin continues to grow, the arts community needs affordable space for artist studios and exhibitions. Raising prices in rents have forced artists to relocate all too often with few options in terms of affordable space.
All of that said, there are more opportunities for the artist to expand their network and audience for little money with social media and online platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and online publications and websites.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My most recent exhibition was at Dimension Gallery entitled Black Rainbow. It was a solo exhibition of new sculpture. The work consists of a variety of sensual materials including, porcelain, fur, and quartz and it is about idolatry, and it’s association with sculpture. My focus was on formal elements, exploring surface, tactility, and form while abstracting figurative works. The exteriors are slick and reflective, and the interiors are very tactual to establish bonds and place emphasis on materiality. The exhibit was from August 16th to September 29th at Dimension Gallery in Austin Texas. My work is currently on view in Chicago at SOFA, an art and design fair. My work exhibits at Icosa Gallery twice a year as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio: Terra Goolsby, 9311 Pioneer Forest, Austin, Texas 78744
- Website: www.terragoolsby.com
- Phone: 5127756158
- Email: terragoolsby@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terragoolsby/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1970389239680415/
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