We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terrell Washington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terrell below.
Terrell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
It is something I’d never forget as it came in a “package” of three.
When I was seventeen/eighteen, I worked at a retirement home. I adored the residents and truly enjoyed being in their midst and being treated like a long lost grandchild. Oftentimes, I would bring my painting materials and paint on my long breaks. They loved to watch me paint and ask questions and I would happily indulge. But I desperately needed prisma colored pencils for my craft, and to any true blue visual artist, we know how expensive tools can be/are. I kept speaking out loud randomly to myself, not thinking much of it, that I needed these pencils. Little did I know, a retired artist at the same place I worked, would gift me tubs of Prisma colored pencils that I STILL use to this day. I am twenty-four now.
Within the same time frame, a CNA whom I was well acquainted with, spoke about going to Carowinds with her grandchildren. I jokingly told her I wanted to go and to my surprise, without flinching, she invited me, paid for everything, and in the end, told me not to worry about paying her back for it. I had such a blast and so did the kids. They welcomed me with open arms. It was the first I’d ever been to Carowinds and I will never forget that kindness.
And as for the last blessing, this also arrived in the same time frame, igniting my belief that God had a hand in these vital moments. Another CNA whom I cherished, dove into her own pockets to buy me a cellphone when I didn’t have a functioning one. It was very outdated, barely worked, I struggled to call people, and she was worried for my safety. I’ll always remember her gift. I believe it was God who guided these women’s hearts, still blessing me through good people even when I feel I don’t deserve it.
Terrell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always been an artist, even going back to my childhood home of scribbles on the wall. However, I’ve been creating professionally since 2018 as I became more serious and articulate about my visions. I graduated from an amazing high school that had great opportunities for me to flourish artistically. People noticed my worth and the ideas I put out into the world. I’ve never had any “formal” training, but I was able to be an alumni at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, where three local artists are chosen each year to receive a personal studio, stipend, networking opportunities, exposure, and an end of the year exhibition show. I went on Fox News, and started doing vendor sells of tshirts, prints, stickers, and bags.
I refer to my work as “Colorful Religious Surrealism”, having inspirations from Frida Khalo, Eyvind Earle, Kehinde Wiley, and Alessandro Sicioldr. More times than not, I speak about God and my relationship to my beliefs as I reveal dreams, nightmares, joys, worries, golden moments, and flaws. Not only this, but I love to highlight other human lives and experiences, bringing them to light in a tangible form. I am most proud of my work being able to speak for itself and apply pressure on viewers emotions. I am told my work is prolific, unlike anything ever seen before and difficult to look away from. There is pride in my uniqueness because it is birthed from water in the womb of my spirit.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My mother has suffered previous bodily trauma and mostly raised us on her own. We didn’t have much. I thank God she is doing okay now, but she went through breast cancer, a brain tumor, and kidney issues. Growing up, my older sister and I had to be adults and help out. There was constant care going on for my mother and it taught me inner and mental strength. I had to go to school, do well, take care of my mother, cancel activities, ignore the bullies, fight for my mental health, and deal with an identity crisis. A lot of time, my older sister would be working, making sure the home was situated. As such, pencil and paper allowed me an escape and carried me in a whirlwind, forcing a release of pent up emotions that raged on like a monstrous fire. There was no way I could stop and give up. How could I? My mother rode through the horrors of her previous illnesses and came out a warrior. I believe it is in my blood and bones to be resilient. I won’t break and will reach my goals to support my family.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, it would have to be the spiritual/emotional connections that people receive when they encounter my paintings. It used to bewilder me how some individuals would genuinely cry gazing at my pieces. It would amaze me how even children would flock to bring their parents and witness my work. It’s a wonderful feeling when your imagination ended up becoming a blessing to someone else. This reminds me that art is suppose to bring us together. Artists are meant to conjure and make sense of the unexplainable or that which can’t be expressed in words. Perhaps it’ll mirror who the audience sees. Perhaps it’ll answer a burning question or document ideas and beliefs. It is the ability to freeze in time a moment in history and the human psyche.
All I’ve ever wanted was to allow the audience to feel how the work is alive and to recognize the feeling and soul put into it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _Cindarelli_
- Facebook: Terrell Washington
- Youtube: Itzrelly
- Other: [email protected]
