Meet Teri Hendrich C. | Fine Art Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teri Hendrich C. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teri, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
At the end of my career, I want to have a body of work that is worth celebrating and preserving. I love experiencing the lifetime of an artist’s work, all in one place, and if it also happens to be their former art studio, even better! For example, one of my favorite places that I have ever visited in the world is the Gustave Moreau Museum in Paris, France. At this museum hundreds of works by the Symbolist painter Moreau, are on display for visitors to admire. Additionally, the museum’s building once served as the home and studio of the artist. I would love to have a museum like that in my name here in Southern California. Although to get to that point in my career, I will need to create enough work that I am both proud of and that could fill an entire building! Luckily I am still young, so I have some time to build up to that dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I paint enchanting scenes from imagined dreams while casting spells with vibrant pastels. In other words, I bring magic and delight to the homes of my collectors through my art. Stylistically speaking as a painter, I contrast realistic imagery with abstract swooshes of color to create dreamy narratives filled with beauty and mystery. I am also a practicing Astrologer and have recently begun to incorporate concepts from this field of study into my art. Astrology is rich with story, which has helped to inspire the subject matter in my paintings. I have also experimented with using astrological magic in my art by timing the creation of my works with auspicious planetary alignments. So when I say I cast spells, I mean it quite literally!

It can be challenging as an artist who is working with a new visual language to find and build an audience. If you are doing something that is truly unique, then it will generally take people some time to warm up to what you are doing. Therefore, I have had to practice a lot of patience and perseverance in building my brand in order to attract and find patrons who genuinely appreciate what it is that I am doing with my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite events around Los Angeles are pop-ups that only happen a few times, or during certain times of the year. Such as the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, the Magic Market at Heritage Square Museum or the 626 Night Market in Arcadia. I love the sense of community that these types of events inspire. They usually also serve interesting food as well! I know any friend of mine who is visiting from out of town would enjoy experiencing them as long as they are lucky enough to be here when they happen.

Other places that I love visiting year-round are The Huntington Library in San Marino and Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Both locations offer the opportunity for guests to stroll through beautiful gardens along with enjoying works of art with rotating gallery exhibits. As an artist, it is places like these that help to keep me inspired and rejuvenated.

As far as places to grab a delicious drink or bite to eat, I would have to recommend Meteora and Mother Tongue –  two of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles to dine at! For a more casual and fun option, I would have to go with Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (they have multiple locations). My kids enjoy grabbing the plates of sushi as they come around on the conveyor belt, along with earning a capsule prize with each meal. If you have never been before, then you are missing out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my husband, Jack Cusumano. He has always been there to provide encouragement when I doubted myself, and has supported me when I have needed to make time to devote to my art career. For example, I regularly participate in local art markets where I have the opportunity to sell my original paintings and prints in person. It is rewarding to participate in these types of events and to receive live feedback about my art, although I do consider it work. Jack supports me on these days by taking care of our two young children so that I can concentrate on making the most of my time at these events by making new connections and selling some art!

Jack is an accomplished artist and animator himself, and is currently working on his independent animated series “Broats.” It’s about 3 goat bros who live in an outdoor mall. He regularly posts new episodes on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. You should check it out!

Website: http://www.terihc.art

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/colorsorceress

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/colorsorceress

Youtube: http://youtube.com/@colorsorceress

Image Credits
Teri Hendrich C.
Leona Darnell
Brent Noll