Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Ternoir
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My interest in making art began when I was in elementary school. It felt compelling, exciting, and rewarding. My art was praised and encouraged by one of my grade school art instructors. I enjoyed more recognition of my natural artistic gift in my first semester in college.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most of the Catholic nuns that led classes in my elementary school were racist and cruel. From age 5 through age 13, I was continuously reminded that I was less than any white person. I met more racism when I began studies at the University of Chicago, Navy Pier. Very often I was the only Black woman in my class. The professors were unabashedly racist.
One exception: The professor leading the figure drawing class was an encouraging professor. He was so impressed by my first sketch of a nude woman, that he gasped and left the room. He returned with several other white male art professors. When he pointed me out to them from the doorway, they scoffed and turned away. I have often wondered what they would have done if I had been white.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Making art just seems to happen to me. Though I did enjoy some formal training at U of Illinois, I gradually pulled away from what I labeled “school art”. My most compelling subjects are people. I also found that making art from my imagination to be the most powerful. I make ink drawings and acrylic paintings.
I am most proud of the work that I consider successful. The success being that the art communicates the full experience that I wanted to deliver. Watching myself consider a seed in my imagination and bringing it into full realization. I so much enjoy the process of feeling, listening, and moving with creativity.
What sets me apart? It is my opinion that every individual is set apart from others.That is the beauty and value of art. Every expression is unique and therefore precious.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I am very careful about advising anyone. There are so many influences moving us this way and that way.
If I were to be asked, I would encourage beginners to “know what you want to do and how you want to do it”.
How do you discover this? By doing the work. Do you have the passion?
Consider advice simply as more information. Trust your own judgement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ternoirart.com
