Hello! I'm so excited to be interviewing you - I absolutely adore your work. For anyone who hasn't seen your shop, please introduce yourself and let us know a little about what you do.
Hi! My name is Terecita Hurst, but I go by Tere. I'm currently living in Brick, New Jersey, USA . I own two Etsy shops: MURMURFREMO (little anthropomorphic animals pins, brooches, and art) and the other TEREHURST (where I sell Steampunk OOAK artdolls).
How long have you been creating, and how did you first get into it?
I've been creating for a LONG time, since I was a little kid. About 15 years ago I did try to do my art full-time but, because of a lack of confidence, I had an extremely hard time marketing myself. So when Etsy and the internet came along it was the best thing that could ever happen for me! In January 2011, with the urging of my husband, I quit my part-time job and started working as an artist full time.
That's fantastic! So did you teach yourself the techniques you use in your pieces, or do you have any formal art training?
Both! I have a degree in Zoology but quickly realized I liked DRAWING animals more than STUDYING them. I also studied Illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, have taken classes in ceramics, and completed a certificate program through the University of Washington for Children's Illustration.
That's a lot of skills you have there! How do you think your work has changed since you started, if at all?
The style and look of my work hasn't changed that much over the years. People say I look like my art (don't quite know what that means, but I think that's funny AND true...). I actually think a person's style is unique to them and not easily changed. Believe me. I went through a period where I wanted to create art that was 'dark and evil', not 'cute and happy'. Didn't matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it! I finally gave up. I had to accept the fact that I'm just a happy person who makes happy things. Oh well. :)
That's not necessarily a bad thing! I love nice, happy things too! What kinds of things (happy or otherwise) inspire you?
I'm really into Steampunk and the Victorian era right now. I love the clothing and architecture the most. Outside of that I'm inspired by artists who speak with their own voice and make original artwork; no celebrities or Disney characters, please! And yes, I have an affinity for the dark creepy weird stuff because I can't do it. I find it pretty ironic.
{rabbit scientist art doll} {steampunk fox art doll} {rabbit twins art dolls} {steampunk raccoon art doll}
I utterly love your one of a kind art dolls - as well as your adorable moveable pins - what is your own favourite project/item, and why?
Declan, the avatar for my terehurst shop, is a little Victorian style rabbit and is my favorite doll right now, so he's not for sale! I really love rabbits for some strange reason, so I'm having a great deal of fun creating them.
{Declan the Victorian rabbit}
Other than creating, what else do you like to do?
I really don't do anything other than creating! I do like to sew for myself. I've made16 A-line skirts to go with the12 cardigan sweaters, 10 camisoles, and 6 pairs of mary-jane style shoes that I mix and match and wear like Garanimals (google it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garanimals).
That's pretty cool! Would you like to share with us any other interesting facts about yourself?!
My husband and I are about to begin housesitting in Europe so we've been busy getting rid of our possessions, organizing paperwork, and setting up our site (www.simplehousesitter.com) where people will be able to follow our up-coming adventures!
Finger puppets are part of the new items that will be replacing the prints and dolls I will be removing from my Etsy shop. :( I will be sad to see those items go but, as mentioned, I will no longer have the necessary equipment and/or space to produce them when we move. Also as a result of the move I will be reducing the price of all art dolls. I would much rather see them go to new homes than packed away in some storage crate.
So check out terehurst and murmurfremo to see the new Art Doll Moving Sale prices! I'm also a sucker for a good story and I know I'm on a major budget, so bring your best offer and we will talk. Contact me via Etsy!
Thank you again, Tere, for taking the time to answer my questions, and I can't wait to read all about your new adventures!
Don't forget to check out the sales in both of Tere's shops!
2 hellos:
I am incredibly honored to be featured!!!! And the whole page looks AMAZING!! Thank you SO much Vixie!!!
Nice write-up! Always so interesting to hear about an artist's background and inspiration. Nice work, Tere!
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