Our artist being profiled this month is one of the original Arts Coop members – Terry Eager
Can you describe your artistic style. What is your preferred medium, and why?
My artform is kiln-formed glass. I originally began working in leadlight back in 1980 because there was no-one else I knew working in that medium. Then I started wanting to create my own textures and cast details. I was lucky that Judy Bohm-Parr had a studio in Cairns at the time and was doing classes in warm glass to quickly moved on to that and enjoyed also making pieces that were from my own imagination rather than fitting in to others ideas in commissioned pieces.
What motivates you as an artist
Most of my working life has been working with people and I loved being in my own space being able just please myself – it made a good balance in my life. I love seeing what the glass can do and I like to respond to the organic environment we are lucky enough to live in.
Describe the best piece of art you have created (pic here?)
One of my favourite pieces of art is the piece that is still in the gallery and depicts the view of looking up through the canopy of the rainforest (2 x photos Terry Eager). It is made from recycled TV glass which was a challenge to use at first as it was all grey but I loved the limitations of only working with form and depth of glass. One of the biggest I ever made was the windows in the Uniting Church in Atherton, (unfortunately not my design but a challenge to execute!)
What artists inspire you and where do you find inspiration?
I find my inspiration everywhere! Often browsing on websites or visitig exibitions in other places. My recent trip to Italy and Murano in particular was almost overwhelming with inspiration. I’d never seen so much glass in so many forms before!
How do your learn new skills and/or techniques?
Mainly by experimenting or reading tutorials I find online.
What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of being an artist
Easily the most challenging has been the last few years. My practice had declined significanty working 2 jobs and just getting older and slower! Then I retired and had no excuse! But I have found it a challenge, having built a new workshop and not getting it set up completely and trying to get back into making, wanting to make something different, things not working out etc… What is rewarding is the support from other artists at the Coop that made me persevere and come up with something different for the Gathered Exhibition in Atherton. Perfect theme as I gathered my thoughts and ideas and all the scrap glass I have stored away! One of the best parts of being part of a group of artists is they know what you are talking about when you express your challenges and offer ideas and feed back! Thanks guys …
What do you like to do when you’re not creating art?
When not creating I have a plethora of things I like doing (one of the problems!) I love spending time with my grandchildren and my own children (was so nice having my son Rowan back from Thailand for a year) Have great friends to hang out with and play cards and go to movies etc. Love gardening and love travelling… looking forward to my annual trip to Adelaide soon and filling up on the culture art and old friends there.
Can you describe your studio/workspace and your favourite time of day to create.
It was a great achievement to move off my verandah to a purpose-built space where my kiln and glass storage could dwell happily. I used to love working at night when there were no distractions but now I get too tired. Now I like to have my morning coffee in town with friends and head back to the workshop (could do with aircon now though…) Sometimes I set an alarm to ensure I stay focused for a period of time, though once I get into it, then it’s easy.
What is your favourite tool that you can’t do without.
Other than my kilns and my glass cutter (obviously) I really enjoy my mallet hammer and innertube that I use for smashing glass and creating powders and shards!
Do you think art is important in society?
Yes I do! And it is important to have many forms of art – those that challenge those that inspire and those that soothe. I like to think mine inspire and soothe, giving reflections of our environment and then appreciating more what we see around us….