Recycled Art, Vintage People
Sometimes creativity just runs through a person’s veins, and Terrie, of Temporary Insanity is one of those people. Her and her husband are on a constant search for everything, and anything they can recycle into art. The Vintage People are extroadinary creations made from vintage hardware that has taken a new form. She blames it on “Temporary Insanity” but we view as uniquely creative. Terry has graciously accepted our invite for an interview, and we are thrilled, and priveledged to share her story with you.
Tell us a little about yourself. I have been creating art all my life. I had my first art show at my grandmother’s house when I was about five. My relatives obligingly paid dimes and even quarters for my first creations. If I remember correctly, they were drawn with crayon, the big box of 64 colors. Then I moved on to painted rocks that my uncle sold for me in his flower shop. Later, as a rebellious teenager, I began fashioning deerskin leather halter tops and purses. (Am I dating myself now?) They were adorned in hand cut lacing, feathers, and turquoise stones. As an adult I became a floral designer and later I started the first incarnation of Temporary Insanity. I wanted to work at home with my then two small children and I started a hand painted clothing business that had a cowboys and Indians theme.(I live in Colorado.) That lasted for seven years and we had a great run. Fun times!
Now I juggle my art with interior design, which I also consider to be an art form. My people come from all the stuff I’ve collected over the years, simply because I was attracted to it and knew that one day , it would become something real, like The Vintage People.
I am a full time interior designer with my own business, Design the Hall-Way, as well as an artist. Interior design is really a giant 3D collage, mixed media assemblage of colors and textures, space and form. When I am designing a home, a most personal, sacred space, I am creating art in 3-D for the person who lives there. I am very passionate about it!
One word that describes you. Quirky
One word that describes your designs. Original
Do you work better in quiet or chaos? I work better in chaos. Things are spread out all around me. If I can’t find something, I’m usually sitting on it. There is always music playing!
Do you have an idea in mind when you are searching for vintage or recycled pieces to create your artwork, or is it the other way around? Do you just find unusual items and then the inspiration begins? I look at things in a very different way now. I see body parts everywhere, in everything!
Are any of your altered art creations based on ACTUAL people? What is your inspiration for your designs? The first Vintage People that I made were for Christmas presents for my family. I used their pictures and sentimental items that reminded me of each person. We painted a large tree on a couple of old doors and it became a “family tree.” As I start each Vintage Person, it’s like they reveal their story to me as they are created. I love writing up the story! They make me laugh. The more outrageous, the better, and yes, sometimes, I am thinking of someone I know.
What is your favorite creation or project that you’ve made? My favorite thing that I’ve made is probably the family tree. Everyone got such a kick out of it and they argued about who would get the door with the tree on it. It was very fulfilling.
Is there an art medium, or a craft that you would like to learn that you haven’t attempted yet? I want to learn how to paint and I want to learn the art of mosaics. I just joined a creativity cluster with other women and we are going to try our hand at clay next month. I love to brainstorm and work with a group!
Do you have any words of wisdom for other artisans? Hmmm….words of wisdom for other artists….do NOT listen to the voices in your head that say,”that’s not good enough. Who would buy that? So and so is a better artist than I am…blah, blah, blah.” You are not a judge of what you create. It is simply your job to create without any self-conscience, because your vision is unique!
It seems your life has taken many creative turns. Do you think you will still be doing this in five years? I don’t know if I will still be creating The Vintage People in 5 years, but I absolutely know that I will always be creating something because it makes me so happy!
Thank you,
Terrie Hall
A little “Temporary Insanity” is good for all of us!
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Thank you Terrie, for sharing your creative journey with us!
Bonnie & Rachel
