Life & Work with Tori Celeste of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Celeste.

Hi Tori, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My father was a big influence on my interest in art at a young age. Though he never was able to pursue his passion, he and the rest of my family encouraged and supported my passion for creating. I started with drawing cartoons and eventually started to explore with oil paints as a kid. Around the age of 12, I would watch Bob Ross shows on PBS and would follow along. Once I got into college I started to explore pop-surrealism. I’m now exploring more abstract surrealism.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an artist has its ups and downs. Managing the inevitable changes of life and putting time towards your passion can be challenging. After my father passed away in 2021, it greatly impacted my perspective of life and prompted me to examine and take care of my mental health. This impacted not only my creating art but also the evolution of my artistic style.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in a diverse range of artistic mediums, seamlessly transitioning from digital to traditional art. While my primary passion lies in oil painting, I also showcase my creativity through immersive visual performances at live music events under the alias Vicki Be Wicked. My artistic journey is fueled by a profound exploration of the imagination, aimed at stirring emotions through my creations. Employing vibrant hues and expressive brushwork, I aim to capture the essence of movement and vitality, mirroring the fluidity of living organisms and human emotions on canvas.
I embrace a process of uninhibited expression, allowing thoughts to flow freely onto the canvas without constraint. However, as my artistic evolution unfolded, I found myself grappling with self-imposed limitations and the struggle to conceive new concepts. I simplified my process by creating pieces intuitively. I drew inspiration from personal emotions and the power of music.
What began as a personal journey of self-discovery has blossomed into a therapeutic endeavor, providing solace not only for myself but also for those who engage with my work. Through my art, I strive to foster introspection and emotional resonance, inviting viewers to embark on their own transformative experiences

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Spending time with people I enjoy and listening to music. As I’ve gotten older I understand the importance of cherishing the time we have on this earth. Being able to spend quality time with people I care about, be it in person or online, means a lot to me. So obtaining new plants for my home provides me with a certain level of happiness. Having somewhat of a green thumb has been a theme on my mom’s side of the family and it’s a fun hobby as of now for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toriceleste.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toriceleste.art/