Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Polley-Shellcroft.
Hi Theresa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My art/life/career began at birth…from my first conscious memory of declaring that I was an artist is age 4 years. My major form of communication is “visual”..I think and communicate through images. Creating/making what we call “art” is the passion of my life. I recall drawing a full size horse at age four and a hospital hallway with doctors, nurses, equipment…my mother says the only time I was in a hospital was when I was born. These memories confirm that drawing, painting, cutting, pasting, sewing has been and is my journey. I grew up during segregation, Huntington WV…our parents and teachers formed a Saturday club open to all from age 5 – 18, CDIC..the Child Development and Improvement Club. We had dance, art, music, gymnastics, baton and marching. They recruited a white dance teacher to come to our community to provide dance, marching and baton twirling lessons. We could not go to her private studio. This was the beginning of my formal training in the arts. In the fourth grade, I submitted a drawing to the Daughters of the American Revolution. The theme was America. With the few crayons I had, I drew a street scene with the American flag waving over the head of a young blonde girl walking on the sidewalk. This is what America looked like to me at age 9. I consider this drawing as my first work of art addressing “Social Issues.” At age 8, I learned to sew, crochet, paint in oils. These basic skills are the foundation of my artistic creations to this day. I entered my first juried show, Exhibition 180, Huntington Museum of Art, at the age of 19. My painting, “The Dawn of Man” was accepted”.. I believe that I was the only Black artist in the show. To date, I work in a variety of media whatever the message needs to be communicated. My works, paintings, drawings, quilts, mixed media have shown in many galleries and museums from NYC to California. I have work in private as well as public collections including the Anacostia Museum (Home of Frederick Douglass) of the Smithsonian Institution; The Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington WV and the National Afro American Museum at Wilberforce Ohio. My subject matter ranges from social issues to more spiritual insights. I allow myself to continue to grow as a person, and as an artist. I do not have a “style” except to follow my intuition and insight. Today, my passion is to express my insights and concerns through the visual media as a catalyst for others to reflect, question and find their creative passion. I have always said that my work comes from the spirit and if no one ever saw it, I would still create. I have to do so!
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?
No, it has not been a smooth ride. As I have learned and are still experiencing, what I do, what I present as a visual image is not for everyone. Some think that because of my quiet demeanor, I only paint flowers, landscapes, etc. or quiet reflections of the beauty of life around me. I do those too…but I do not limit myself to the “imitation of the natural world.” I have had many rejections as well as acceptances. As an artist, as a human, we all want to be “acknowledged and accepted” So, rejection of the art work/expression is a rejection of me…My art reflects who I am. There are “creative block” periods….often I take this as an indication of not being gifted or good enough. This has been a major block in and of itself. Today, I know that those “non-production” periods are necessary for reflection and often redirection; Periods of growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of not giving up and continuing to be true to myself, my art drive and my need to create with Visuals! As noted earlier, many of the skills begun at age 8 are the backbone of my creative expressions today. When I look back at many collages, paintings, watercolors, oils, and acrylic, color pencil, pastels, pen and ink including my choice of garments that I wear, I see how I have remained true to my aesthetic choices. The message that is needed to be conveyed through visuals, dictates the media. I cannot say that I prefer one more than the other. In the warm days, I tend to work in my patio/studio more…During the cooler months, I work inside with fabrics. But this is not hard and fast. In addition to creating my personal works of art, I am passionate about encouraging others to honor their creative self. I do this via workshops, instruction, organizing and curating art exhibitions…promoting the arts. My motto for others is,,”if you can write, you can draw, you can create.”
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson/s is to never give up. Believe in yourself; Stay true to your path! No matter what! Continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Theresa D Polley-Shellcroft, Studio One Artworks
Image Credits
Portrait Yvonne Hernandez Artwork Theresa Polley-Shellcroft
