We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teddy Osei. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teddy below.

Teddy, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a mixed media ceramic artist from Ghana living and working in the United States, I would say that my learning process has been a combination of formal education, self-study, and hands-on experience. My formal education in ceramics started in Ghana, where I learned the basic techniques of working with clay. I then went on to study ceramics at Eastern Illinois University for my Masters Art and am currently a final year MFA candidate at Missouri State University, where I was able to deepen my understanding of the craft and develop my artistic style.
In addition to my formal education, I have spent countless hours experimenting with different materials and techniques on my own. I have also sought out opportunities to learn from other artists and participate in workshops and residencies.
Looking back, I think one thing that could have helped me speed up my learning process is focusing more on developing specific skills and techniques. I tended to approach ceramics more holistically, which was great for developing my artistic vision, but it also meant that I sometimes overlooked important technical skills that could have helped me execute my ideas more effectively.
In terms of essential skills, I would say that a strong foundation in the basics of ceramics is crucial. This includes understanding the properties of different types of clay and glazes, as well as basic hand-building and throwing techniques. Additionally, a willingness to experiment and take risks is essential for any artist.
As for obstacles, one of the biggest challenges I faced was a lack of access to resources and equipment. In Ghana, for example, I had limited access to high-quality clay and tools, which made it difficult to produce the kind of work I wanted to create. In the United States, I faced different challenges, such as the high cost of materials and equipment and the difficulty of the appropriate materials that best fits into what I want to make.
Overall, I believe that my journey as a mixed-media ceramic artist has been shaped by a combination of formal education, self-study, and hands-on experience. While there were certainly obstacles along the way, I have always been passionate about ceramics and have been willing to put in the time and effort necessary to develop my skills and create meaningful work.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a mixed media ceramic artist from Ghana living and working in the United States, I often get asked about how I learned to do what I do. Well, I started practicing art at a young age, and my family always encouraged my creativity. In Ghana, there is a strong emphasis on traditional arts and crafts, which helped me develop my skills. I also had the opportunity to work with a few artists who mentored me and showed me different techniques. However, when I moved to the United States, I realized that the art scene was very different. There were more resources, such as art schools, workshops, and galleries, but also more competition. It was a challenging and exciting experience for me to adapt and learn from the new environment.
Looking back, I wish I had taken advantage of more opportunities to learn and network. In Ghana, the art community is more tight-knit, and there are fewer opportunities, so I was used to being self-sufficient. But in the US, it’s essential to make connections and keep learning to stay relevant.
In terms of essential skills, I believe that having a good eye for design and being able to communicate your vision are critical. Also, being versatile and open to experimentation is important, especially as a mixed media artist.
There were certainly obstacles that stood in the way of my learning process, both in Ghana and the US. In Ghana, it was mainly the lack of resources and exposure to the global art scene. In the US, it was the challenge of standing out in a crowded market and balancing the business side of being an artist with the creative aspect.
When it comes to a comparison between Ghana and America, I would say that there are many differences, but also similarities. Ghana has a rich cultural heritage, and art is an integral part of everyday life. In contrast, in America, art is often seen as a luxury or something for the elite. However, both countries have a diverse range of artists and styles, and there is always room for innovation and creativity.
I feel grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I have had as an artist in both Ghana and America, and I believe that there is always more to learn and discover in the art world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I feel grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I have had as an artist in both Ghana and America, and I believe that there is always more to learn and discover in the art world. I have encountered my fair share of challenges in the creation and exhibition of my work. One particular experience that comes to mind was when a kiln malfunction and glaze mishap threatened to ruin a body of work that I had been preparing for an exhibition.
I had spent weeks creating a series of pieces for the exhibition, each one carefully crafted with precision and care. However, when I fired the pieces in the kiln, something went wrong. The kiln malfunctioned and the glaze did not adhere properly to the surface of the pieces. The result was a collection of pieces that were unsightly and unusable for the exhibition.
Initially, I was devastated. I had put so much time and effort into creating these pieces, and now it seemed that they were ruined beyond repair. However, I refused to let this setback defeat me.
I started by examining the pieces and trying to salvage as much as I could. Some pieces had minor issues that could be fixed with a little bit of sanding and polishing, while others needed more drastic measures. I experimented with different glazes and techniques, trying to find a way to make the pieces presentable for the exhibition.
It was a long and challenging process, but with perseverance and determination, I was able to salvage the majority of the pieces. Some of them had to be re-fired multiple times, while others needed to be completely re-glazed. But in the end, I was able to create a collection of pieces that were not only presentable but also visually stunning.
When I presented my work at the exhibition, I received numerous compliments and accolades for my resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It was a humbling experience, and it reminded me of the power of perseverance and hard work.
This experience taught me that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the creative process. It’s how we respond to these challenges that determines our success as artists. I learned to never give up on my vision and to continue pushing forward, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I have had the privilege of experiencing two distinct cultural perspectives when it comes to the support of artists and creatives. Despite the differences, there are common themes that can be applied to create a thriving creative ecosystem. One key factor that contributes to the success of artists and creatives is access to resources. This includes access to funding, equipment, studio space, and mentorship. In Ghana, access to these resources can be limited, making it difficult for artists to reach their full potential. In the United States, there are more resources available, but they may not always be accessible to everyone, particularly those from marginalized communities.
To best support artists and creatives, society can work towards increasing access to these resources for everyone, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This can include creating more opportunities for funding and grants, as well as providing access to affordable studio space and equipment.
Another important aspect of supporting artists and creatives is promoting diversity and inclusivity in the creative community. In Ghana, there is a rich and diverse cultural heritage that can inspire and inform artistic expression. In the United States, there is a growing awareness of the need for representation and inclusivity in the arts, but there is still much work to be done.
Society can best support artists and creatives by embracing and celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. This can include creating more diverse programming and exhibitions, as well as providing mentorship and support for emerging artists from marginalized communities.
Finally, society can best support artists and creatives by recognizing and valuing their contributions to the cultural and economic landscape. In Ghana, artists are often viewed as important cultural ambassadors, while in the United States, there is growing recognition of the economic impact of the creative sector.
By recognizing and valuing the contributions of artists and creatives, society can create a more supportive and thriving creative ecosystem that benefits everyone. It can help to create a more vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape, while also providing economic opportunities and improving quality of life for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: teddyoseiart.com
• Instagram: teddyosei937
• Facebook: TeddyOsei
• Linkedin: teddyosei