Terry Van Heusen
Maker Monday - August 2022
About the Artist
Name: Terry Van Heusen
Medium: painting, pottery
Years creating: since childhood
SCAA Member since: 20 years
Based in: Rhode Island
Website: terryvanheusen.com
Instagram: @terryvanheusen
Click an image to view portfolio slideshow
Terry Van Heusen has been a member of the SCAA for over 20 years. She began exhibiting with us in 2014 and has been included in one of our Member's Invitational shows. Terry is skilled in several different media, including acrylics, clay, and pencil work. She has won Honorable Mentions in both our Earthworks and Members Annual shows, as well as First Place in the Art from the Workshops exhibit. - SCAA
Where are you from, and what do you make?
Originally from Gloversville, N.Y., I moved to R.I. to attend the Rhode Island School of Design. I paint in acrylics and sculpt in clay- often combining the two.
How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
Since I was a child. While in second grade, the school newspaper published my first illustration- a crayon drawing of the Tooth Fairy. (I really did see her!)
What inspires you to create?
Anything that I respond to emotionally can spark an idea. Drawing in the RISD Museum or Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History is always inspirational.
Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?
Fashion Designer Todd Oldham (American, b.1961) In 2016 the RISD Museum exhibited All of Everything, a retrospective of his fashions. “Extravagantly embellished ensembles”- a feast for the eyes! One dress created from Bulgari bracelets, paired with an incredibly sculptural quilted coat, was especially thought-provoking. It freed me to pursue ornamentation and embellishment without apology.
Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
Martin Luther King Memorial in Kalamazoo, MI. Sculptor Lisa Reinertson (American, b.1955) The bronze, larger than life figure presents Martin Luther King, Jr. striding forward-- his flowing clerical robe adorned with a bas-relief narrative of the Civil Rights Movement. Lisa Reinertson’s sculptures have increased my awareness of, interest in, and empathy for many of the social and nature-related issues we are experiencing today.
As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?
Originally I joined the SCAA because of the Pottery Studio and still love the connection to clay. The Annual Earthworks Exhibit with live jurying is a totally unique experience!