Conversations with Terry Ganey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Ganey.

Hi Terry, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always been somehow into art, ever since I could remember as a child. The earliest story I have of my relationship to art is my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Jacobs (whom I am still in touch with now at 46!) told me that she would get me to draw/color pictures that she would use for class story time when I was a kid. I apparently drew/colored a chicken and a kitten with mittens for her. I doodled all through school, took art in high school with an amazing teacher, Mr. Rosenfelder – that man pushed me, made me angry, but taught me skills that I still use til this day in my art, on a daily basis. Shows you how much impact that crazy, quirky teacher can have on your life. I walked away from doing any art for several years and took up a career in a ‘more stable’ field – I became a pharmacy tech. I did it for years, but always felt like there was a hole in my heart, something was missing – which lead me to pick up a brush and start painting in acrylic again, always giving the paintings away to my friends and family. One day, a friend approached me about possibly selling my art (instead of gifting it) and told me about a little new artisan market in Leland called Seaglass Salvage Market. I sold my first piece publicly there, and that gave me the push I needed to branch out, leave my pharm tech job, and become a full-time artist – that was 2017. I stayed with that market for a few years, then got really brave and got a studio at theArtWorks in downtown Wilmington – and as they say, the rest is history.

I am completely self-taught – business and artistically; I honestly read and research constantly – books, blogs, art trends – to help me grow as a small biz person and as a visual artist. Joining theArtWorks, which is great a community of like-minded artists, definitely has helped me grow and come out of my shell artistically.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the toughest struggles I have dealt with in my career was when I was working second shift at the hospital, trying to paint at night when I got home – in the corner of my dining room – while caring for a family. My kids are both grown now, and I no longer work a regular 9-5, so that has been huge blessing – being able to focus solely on my art. The other thing I do struggle with is the constant comparison of myself and my work to others. I am still learning that we all each have our own colorful artistic voices and that mine may not be the same as yours, but that’s ok. And I am still learning; I feel like artists should never stop learning.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started out painting mainly in acrylics – mostly landscapes. One day, I joined this group in Wilmington – The Wilmington Chapter of Urban Sketchers – and I discovered a deep passion for using the combo of watercolors and inks. Five years later, I am an admin for the group, and doing architecture in watercolors and inks – like cityscapes – is one of my favorite things to paint. I just love the illustrative look and energy I can get when I use watercolors and inks to express my thoughts. I also began painting seascapes (I do live in a beautiful area near the coast) in acrylics a few years ago – and I became known for my dramatic ocean pieces. I just started painting them in oils, which has been fun. So, you can say I like painting a mix of a little man-made with the architecture and a little bit of nature with my seascapes. No matter what, most everything I paint will be Carolinas related – there’s just too much inspiration to draw from – from the mountains, to the country, to the cities, to the coast, here in North Carolina

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Definitely find out if there are any art groups like a chapter of urban sketchers near you – there are actually 4 in the North Carolina. It’s motivating and encouraging when you are around a group of art-obsessed individuals like yourself – you will learn and connect. If there isn’t one, be brave and start one! Create an event in your area on Facebook and meet at a local scenic spot and sketch on location for a couple of hours – you may not realize, but there are others out there like you who want to just connect with other creatives. And if you can join a community like the one I am in – like an artist co-op, even better. We truly are a family, a community here, and it has been one of the biggest influences in my life, and where I have found some wonderful mentors who have taught me SO much about my craft and even about running a small creative business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.terryganeystudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terryganeystudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terryganeystudio

Image Credits
Stephen Lutz