We recently connected with Terrece Beesley and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Terrece thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I was always drawn whatever art classes I could find, and even signing up for an online art school at thirteen.. However, I started my college studies majoring in Biology, with a goal of studying genetics. That seemed like a better course for job security.
I was headed down Biology path until I saw the catalog of all classes available in the University Art department. After spending days poring over the descriptions, I changed my major. My parents may have been disappointed.
Terrece, 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 have started over many times, by choice or circumstance. Graduating from college with a BFA in painting did not exactly guarantee financial success, but I did find a job in California and I was able to use my design skills in that position.
Moving back from California with no job, I formed a publishing company with a partner. We employed 24 people and had contracts with major publishing houses across the country. Finding myself a single mother with three children forced me to find inner strength that I didn’t know I had.
After a decade of working in publishing and product design, I knew that I needed to broaden my skills and expand my resume. So, I went back to school to learn computer design and animation. A job developing educational software followed, and eventually, I was hired as a computer graphic design teacher at a technical college.
Until recently retiring, I taught computer graphics at The Ogden Weber Advanced Technology College.
Working with the Utah Arts Council’s Artist in Residence program, I have been actively teaching at elementary schools around Utah and teaching adult watercolor classes at the Eccles Community Art Center. I also joined Art at the Main Gallery in Salt Lake City, and currently serve as a director.
Among my awards and honors, the most coveted is the Award of Merit I received from the Spring Salon at the Springville Museum of Art, and my Signature Membership in the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The mission driving my creative journey is a search for information. I strive to keep improving my skills and learning from artists who have mastered their media. I constantly seek new ideas and methods. Creativity arrives after hours of preparation.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had been given an education into marketing, networking, and other basic business practices. Without a business plan and some accounting skills, you are relying on hopes and dreams. Many friends have found it necessary to find other ways of supporting themselves, or have given up entirely.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.terrecebeesley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrecebeesley_art/
- Facebook: Terrece Beesley Art https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063510643458
- Other: https://artatthemain.com/artist/terrece-beesley https://www.artfulhome.com/artist/Terrece-Beesley/8177 https://www.zatista.com/artist/terrece-beesley