Terry Habeger
Terry Habeger
Philosophy
Someone once referred to my pieces as internal landscapes, and I liked that characterization. Journeys perhaps, through the curved and angular regions of my mind? A dynamic in my pieces, that is what I am looking for, a dynamic that works for me and hopefully for others as well. I see my art as an ability to take life’s energy and turn it into satisfying shapes or forms. It is the combining of painted geometric variations with form that continues to intrigue me.I started as a potter so the forms were the first to evolve. When I began painting on the forms many things changed as I had the challenge of a new medium and unlimited color control. It is my love for the two mediums, clay and paint, that continues to excite and challenge me.
In my mind the work does not stand for or symbolize anything other than what you see. At least I am not consciously aware of what it means. It represents both an intuitive and analytical approach – I first create a piece and then problem-solve it until I am satisfied.
My clay forms, designs, painting style and palette continue to evolve. I like the control I have with paint, but am also stimulated by the unexpected things that happen when different colors are brushed on a surface and placed side by side. I like the contrasting physical movements involved in painting and working with clay. Painting on a 3D form is always challenging and stimulating.
Technique
The sculptural clay forms that I paint on are made from red earthenware. Most are closed sculptural forms. The symmetrical forms are wheel-thrown and often altered with slabs. To do this, I cut away part of the completed wheel-thrown form and piece in slabs that both penetrate and extend beyond the form. A hole is cut in the back of the wheel form so that I can reach inside and securely join all pieces. I construct slab forms also. The pieces are fired once for permanence before being primed and painted.
The clay surfaces are textured with several coats of a professional-grade acrylic paste before I paint. All of the paintings are finished with a coat of matte medium, which results in a uniform, semi-flat finish. I use Golden acrylic products.
Care and Construction: The painted surface is relatively care free. Dusting with a soft make-up type brush is recommended. The wall pieces are framed with a hard board masonite mat that is finished with a white semi-gloss wall paint. Spots on the painted surface or mat can be removed with a soft cloth moistened with water – do not use a cleaning liquid.
I appreciate your interest in my work.