Los Angeles Artist Teale Hatheway is the last to present her line of work called, “Outside Perspective” at the Moorpark Art Gallery this fall semester.
The artist creatively fuses the elements of design and architecture in her paintings by using a wide variety of materials, according to the Moorpark art program. Her drive to make connections and explore the historic district of Los Angeles is what makes the approach to the subject matter different. The focus for this line of work is centered about memories and emotional attachment that people develop with their environment.
“To me, buildings tell stories through their shapes, their materials, their finishes and the duration of their existences,” said Hatheway. “My interest in buildings is a way to connect to something that is older and bigger than me .I feel that the people who build, use and even just see a building leave traces of themselves within it.”
Moorpark Art Gallery Director Erika Lizee first encountered Teal’s work while she was having a solo show at the Gallery 825 in Los Angeles. Upon taking in her work she admired the artist’s aesthetic twist on realistic architecture.
“I like how Teale explores materials and alternate methods of image making,” said Lizee. “Technically Teale’s skills and style seem to match her personality bold, playful, gritty at times, polished and shiny at others.”
On Nov. 30, the artist held a lecture, on campus, about her work and turned into an insightful history lesson of how Los Angeles came to be along with her family’s long history with the city. The sense of familiarity and her heritage led her to make architecture a consistent theme in her work.
After graduating college she became a stage technician and learned the skill of carpentry, lighting, rigging and scenic painting later on.
“I began to create paintings that function like stages –abstract portraits of places which convey an idea about a place, rather than a literal painting of a place,” said Hatheway. “The place depicted in my painting no longer needs to be in Los Angeles, or anywhere in particular. The place depicted is determined by the imagination and experiences of the viewer.”
This concept allow audiences to interpret the work either through memories or their own effort to experience a place. Through this the artist is able to connect and share an experience with her audience.
As she reflects on her experience as an artist during her lecture, she leaves some advice from striving young artists. Saving money and finding where one fits in the art world is important but above all it’s about working for it.
“While there are some great opportunities out there, be specific about your pursuits, demand the best from yourself, and refuse to work with anyone who isn’t pulling their weight,” said Hatheway.
Hatheway plans to continue making art such as limited print editions, installations and building more galleries along with perusing public art opportunities.
The art is available to view now until Jan. 15, Monday- Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the administration building, next to the President’s office.
For more information about the artist visit: www.tealehatheway.com
