ABOUT theresa
BEHIND THE PAINTINGS
On June 5, 1969, not only did my mother give birth to me, but to a gift that was placed on the inside of me. That day the gift of Art was created as well.
I remember being in elementary school, sitting at my desk waiting for my teacher to place the manila sheet of paper in front of me. It was just like a new toy that I couldn't wait to get my hands on, and I could play with it all day long and never get tired.
Being in art class throughout high school gave me a way of escaping and expressing myself on paper. At the time, I didn’t realize this form of expression was turning into a necessary therapeutic session for me because of abuse that I had endured as a child.
Not having any formal training, I developed my own style. I sit on the floor to paint with my canvas pulled close to me, and while creating each piece I find myself having to look at it from all directions. I know I must feel each piece to convey what's inside of me; and once I'm finished, a relationship has been established and I have completed what I set out to do. I don't just want my paintings to be beautiful, I want them to set the atmosphere of wherever they are placed. Faith, joy, color, and soul are the core of my paintings; these are what I believe to be the medicines of life.
Theresa Cates
