Culture
Artist’s Studio: Terry Fortkamp
By: Sara Brumfield | Athens Messenger
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In our feature "Artist’s Studio," we highlight individuals who are active in the artistic community. This month, we’re featuring artist Terry Fortkamp of New Marshfield.
What kind of art do you create?
"I make paintings, drawings, etchings, murals and hand-made paper."
How did you get interested in this medium?
"I’ve drawn and painted since I was about five or earlier. I started copying greeting cards and enlarging images for entertainment. I won a blue ribbon in third grade for an illustration of an alligator and her nest. I painted and designed murals, floats and did book illustrations throughout high school. My father managed a farm implement shop and my sisters and I designed and painted the store’s front windows. As I entered art school at the School of the Dayton Art Institute, I found painting and etching were my greatest communication tools. I was finally able to 'sing' out of me the enjoyment of colors and images of my surrounding world. As far as murals, I’ve done them since high school. It’s a powerful feeling to 'speak loudly' by painting large images. I took a paper making workshop at Paper Circle and experienced great fun, creativity and freedom. I’m definitely hooked on making paper, adding inclusions and designing with pulp."
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
"I find inspiration for my art from my daughters, pets, my home and rooms, flowers and nature’s scenes around my home. Much of my work is about nostalgia I have for experiences growing up in the '50s. I enjoy portraying aprons, chairs, dishes, certain flowering bushes and landscapes. I’m smitten by the beauty of flowers and tiny weed flowers which I press for handmade paper inclusions."
Have you had success making art in Athens County?
"I have been very successful making art in Athens County. I have created two large murals. One is a 1993 Historical Community Mural in Glouster with 40 portraits, a train, station, etc. done with Rural Action. The other is a mural of White’s Mill in O’Bleness Hospital’s ER waiting area in honor of Karen Teicher. I also sell my art at Starbrick Gallery and teach classes in drawing and painting there. I teach children in Paper Circle’s summer art’s program, Circle Round the Square, and have been one of the changing artists at Paper Circle. I have done commissioned portraits of people, animals and houses. I am now working on illustrations for Gina McKnight’s biography of Athens very-loved veterinarian, Dr. Pete Smith."
How can people find out more about your art?
"The best way to find out more about my art is to see it at Starbrick Gallery in Nelsonville or call me at 664-2330."