Treffinger Daily: Terry Rafferty- Art and Meaning

Monday, May 11, 2009

Terry Rafferty- Art and Meaning

'32 Chevy Oil on canvas 24"x18"

What is the meaning of doing art for you?

The first thing I thought of when I read this
question was "peace of mind". That seemed
like an odd response, so I thought about it some
more... and yes, that is what it means to me.
I love the challenge of making bits of paint tell
a story, and I love the positive feedback when
someone sees a piece that speaks to him or her.
But its the actual hours at the easel when I am
totally engaged that I am at peace. The quiet,
the solitude, reaching for a goal and hopefully
achieving it brings a sense of order and well-being
that nothing else does. So, like many of the other
artists that answered this question, I would have
to say that painting feeds my soul like food and
oxygen feed my body and brain.

Terry's website is: www.terryrafferty.com
Her blog is: www.terryrafferty.blogspot.com
Her email is: terryrafferty@mac.com

4 comments:

Jeane Myers said...: really enjoyed Terry's response to your question Katherine - lovely work; May 11, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Katherine said...: Thank you Jeane. Terry does lovely work. I wish I could say creating art was peaceful for me, but alas I feel so much tension in the process. Maybe that is the difference between realism and expressionism.; May 12, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Robyn said...: Terry's work is fantastic!; May 13, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Katherine said...: Robyn isn't it though!; May 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM

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The Art And Meaning Project

The Art and meaning Project is a series of responses from various artists to the question: "What meaning does doing art have for you? In other words why do you show up in your studio, or wherever, and pick up your tools day after day?"

This is something I have thought of doing for a while as
a book, but now I have the blog and, who knows, maybe
it could become a book. I am very excited about this. I love hearing the answers. Showing up for their creations is
often an irresistible pull for artists. Many of us at any given
time ask ourselves why we are doing it. All the answers have a different response. Most of us can relate to at least some part of every response.

I want to hear the artists' answers. If you are an artist
and would like to contribute please email me. I will not guarantee that I will post everyone's answer, I need to
see what you have to say first and if it contributes more to the project.

THE ART OF KATHERINE TREFFINGER

ABOUT THE ARTIST
www.katherinetreffinger.com

I spent my childhood in Sausalito, California in the 50’s. It was a magical place, teeming with artists and creative expression. Across the street from our house was one of the coffeehouses where the “bohemians” came to listen to music, and writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder and Jack Kerouac read from their work.

It was a time when San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Sausalito were home to the abstract expressionist and Bay Area Figurative movements. My missing toys were found in the neighbor’s sculptures. I was often on tiptoes, peering into the windows of nearby studios and coffeehouses. I thrived in the wondrous mystery of this world.

Later, as an adult I had the good fortune to befriend Joseph Raffael and spend time in his studio. This was before I realized I wanted to be an artist myself. I was greatly influenced by his enthusiasm, dedication, and his ability to create beauty.

In hindsight, there was nothing else I really wanted to be than an artist. I paint and draw because I love to … and because I have to. I am primarily self taught.

When I stand before an empty canvas or piece of paper, I am lost, unaware of what to do. In fact, my most satisfying work comes from staying ‘lost’. Navigational confidence is seldom productive for me. Each piece becomes the recording of a unique introspective exploration.