Wednesday, 24 October 2012

Conversations with Contemporary Clayers: Terry Thomas


Why are you an artist and what drew you to clay?

 
I guess the only answer I can give is that I have to be, it is a need to create almost an obsession of sorts..  As a child I submitted drawings to weekend papers that were frequently published and I loved the idea of art in a 3 dimensional form. I started working with polymer clay in 1983, making necklaces with tiny gum nut babies on them. Then many years later I worked in a porcelain doll studio, pouring blanks and knew I wanted to make my own sculptures.  I bought some clay and made my first pixie ten years ago. Then I was hooked, the faeries, mermaids and pixies just flowed from there.


How long have you been an artist?

 
A faery artist, ten years


Which artist or artists have most inspired the direction that your art has taken?

 
There would be no better inspiration than Judy Raley (Once We Were Faeries) Michelle Bradshaw (Pixiwillow) and Julie Mansergh (Faeries in the Attic)


What is your favourite clay?

Puppenfimo and Sculpey Living Doll, I mostly mix colours to get the look I want for a piece.








What other materials do you like to incorporate in your work and why? 

 
I put anything into my work that I feel it needs, from fur to beads, jewels and iridescent film. I like to make them believable. The one below is a throne made from balsa wood and dimension paint. The candelabra, book were all made from wire and clay










 

I love contorted hazelnut, it looks very fae to me

 











What are you currently working on?

Currently I am working on a four piece commission of a twenty four inch faery with three small pixies. The faery is supposed to be injured and the pixies are trying to help.










 
What inspires your work?

Anything, everything and my greatest inspiration is my husband who believes in everything I do and see.

Is there a purpose to your artwork?

 
Maybe to show in 3D form what I see in my head. I love seeing in my hand what I saw in my head, that never gets old.


Which of your artwork pieces is your favourite and why?

 
Tahlia is my favourite faery, she is from the bushfire faery clan who spread seeds after a fire to help regenerate the bush.  She wears pieces of fur to camouflage her from humans and other animals. She was a legend inspired by my Mum, who believed there was magic everywhere.















 

My other favourite is blue faeries, just something I am drawn to, and I love to make wings, the more complicated the better.

 















 
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

 
Practise, practise, practise.  Don't copy other artists , be inspired by them but find your own style.


Why do you like to teach?

 
I really enjoy seeing what other people create, and I enjoy being a part of their journey in clay.


http://thedarkfaerieblog.blogspot.com.au


 
email address is  thedarkfaerie@tpg.com.au

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