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

TERRY, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

I’m predominantly self taught. When young spent time as an apprentice sign painter. This did not pay, but gave me experience with a brush and paint flow. Biggest block in doing what I do is negativity from people. That and self doubt are hindrances.
There is always something to overcome, As I’m older now, there are physical hiccups.
To speed up the process, I could’ve done the whole Fine Arts degree. But, I learn best by trial and error.
You have to understand your medium, it’s strength and limitations.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I paint Pop Art pieces. Started out just using acrylics on canvas. Have branched into breaking out into three dimensional representation.
This started slowly using found old newspaper or wall paper pieces. I thought it added a touch of mystery to the piece. Now incorporating figures, çarved styrofoam, doors, cupboard doors, toys, plastics into my work. This provides me with enjoyment as it busts out the first and second dimension. Plus, there’s no telling where it might end? What shall I add next?
I like the viewers to think and be arrested by it. Too often these days, everything is granted seconds of thought.
I believe what I do is unique. Each time I create a new piece, I’m trying something different.

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

My resilience? Well, I don’t make a living from art. I love to display it over the years. Have a gallery now showing my pieces. Which is terrific!
I’ve worked full-time over the decades while I’ve painted in spare time. Even up at 4 am to paint. Because I either shingled houses or built or renovated same. Way too tired after work. I work at a gas bar now for a lot of years. Not good for the hands, but I still truck through and paint.
So it’s been a battle to keep on the creativity path that’s for sure !

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I believe non creative types don’t understand creative folk. Most people do things for money. Need that for existence! There’s business goals, education and personal ones. All fine and dandy. Society expects all that.
But what if you throw in the desire to create something. What if no one saw it, liked it , or no financial rewards?
Creatives I believe do it because they have to. Really easy to give up, hard to keep going. You’re doing it for yourself ultimately. Anything else is gravy. There’s something brewing inside you waiting to be born and thrust out into the light!
Whether you paint, write or sing. All the same. All from your soul. Maybe you don’t make it big, so what. You’ve tried, that’s the main thing. You can experience what is truly yours.

Contact Info:

• Website: West Railway Studios. Com
• Instagram: McNaughtonterry
• Facebook: Pop Art by Terry McNaughton
• Other: Terry McNaughton on Facebook
  Ty Gwyn Framing and Gallery on Facebook.