We had the good fortune of connecting with Miranda Terry and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Miranda, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was at a point in my life, like many 19 year olds, where I felt stuck in a pretty boring routine and I felt that I wasn’t challenging myself enough. I wasn’t educated in the arts and I thought it was a hobby that people enjoyed from time to time, more like therapy of some sort. I met an amazing group of artists and musicians and my eyes were opened that I was allowed to choose what I love, which was painting. I quickly learned that art is necessary for seeing the world through different perspectives, for questioning the world around us. I realized that art is fuel for the body and the mind and the most important educator of history and current events and I fell in love with it.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artwork ranges from found object assemblage to mixed media painting that I create installations from. I love color and using recycled and found materials. I am most proud of the recent public mural I painted at Texas State University titled “One of a Kind”. It is the largest painting I have done at 12 x 40 ft and is a permanent artwork at the school. It was a lot of hard work with a very rewarding outcome and it fueled a burning desire to paint more large scale murals. I am so thankful for that experience. I got to where I am today by saying “yes” to everything that was asked of me from working for free to starting and finishing a project I wasn’t too sure of or confident in. I learned from the bad and the good. I grew from them both from hands on experience to many lessons learned. It was and wasn’t easy at the same time. I’d say it was easy because I had so much support through my college career and because I loved it so much I lived and breathed it. I’d say what isn’t easy is post college- it is difficult to find your new groove without deadlines and seeing your mentors daily. I now have to set my own deadlines while working to pay bills and it is a new reality for sure. Currently I am overcoming that by making sure I’m in my studio as much as possible, by creating my own artistic community, and by continuing to study to further educate myself.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Martindale, a very small town- which has the Martindale River Cafe. They have coffee, local food, and live music. One day I would head over to San Marcos and enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio at Jo’s cafe, check out what the Eye of the Dog Art Center is up to, and catch some grub at Toma Taco- they have the best green salsa. Any day is a good day to go to Lockhart, but my favorite is a nice back roads drive while the sun is setting, grabbing some food at Blacks BBQ and checking out the galleries by Spellerberg Projects. That town is so full of life and community. You can never go wrong with a trip to Gruene. Gruene Hall is a must and so is grabbing a cool handmade mug from The Barn Pottery! In Austin, I would check out the entire East side art community from Canopy that hosts Big Medium and Icosa, to Mass Gallery, Grayduck Gallery, Northern Southern, and so much more! I would finish that trip off with some gluten free chocolate donuts from Mr. Natural- my fav! Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio is so much fun, I love to go on First Fridays- my favorite food spot is Vietnam on Broadway.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout-out my professors and peers from Texas State University who are incredible artists and have been role models for me from the start, and most specifically, Joey Fauerso, Kathleen McShane, and Tommy Fitzpatrick for educating and supporting me with integrity, respect, and dedication. Thank you!
Instagram: @mirandagraceterry
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-terry-428a341a7/
Image Credits
Terelle Williams Leon Alesi