Abstract Paintings
Abstract art, by its very nature uses shapes, forms, colors and lines to create a visual that is free from any literal confines. As humans, we often want certainty in our lives, but viewing nonrepresentational art can allow us to let go — to find an unbounded freedom to perceive what we want in the lines, shapes, colours and composition.
Teyjah’s abstract collection also speaks to the intuitive painting process. Experimentation with no inhibitions while using techniques or products, and no expectation of outcome takes precedence over limiting traditional approaches and controlling the subject matter. There is a sense of fun and adventure beneath these richly layered surface designs, which combines varied techniques and a multi-media approach. There is nothing to understand or know about abstract art — it’s what you feel when you look at it that allows each individual to visually discern what they want. This allows each person to like different expressions and styles.
The common denominator for all the pieces is bold color, and another is music. While listening to various musical genres, from rock and roll to classical, the artist translated places, sounds and words into visuals. Using marks, colours, shapes and lines, and a plethora of media, from pastels, to collages, inks, acrylics, oil-based alkyds and mixed media, she renders onto the canvas.
As a dancer moves to the rhythm of music, the artist feels the song, and imagines it with her mind, using her tools to create an expression of colour, shape and movement.
Abstracts are Teyjah’s favourites because a good nonobjective painting can be many different things to different people. Teyjah gravitates towards Abstract Expressionism in her painting style.
What is your process?
“My usual approach begins by listening to music, then gathering the materials that will best allow me to translate into visuals, the feelings, thoughts or, in some cases, lyrics from the song itself. The music will, at times, direct my choice of medium and approach. I often begin by applying pigment to the canvas or paper, layer upon layer. I then look for forms, shapes or lines that will best convey, or suggest, a rhythm or direction in which to push the painting forward. I use music to prompt me or give me an overall feeling or state of mind. From there each new painting poses its own set of questions, decisions, problems, and resolutions. I will sometimes use a few words from a song as a painting title.“
What does the collection say about the artist?
“Any object you see is, in fact, your own personal interpretation. In creating a conceptual, or nonrepresentational piece, there are no definable shapes, and as an artist there is no attempt in my abstracts to reproduce a visible reality. I can bring myself to the painting without imposing it on the viewer. You bring your life experience and your emotional imprint when reading the painting, and I do the same as the artist. It’s about how you look at it which leads to how you interpret it.” — Teyjah
What story does the collection tell?
“These abstracts are, for me, the ideal means of expression. Luscious, sumptuous colour and form which is layered, merged or combined create visual sensations in your cerebral cortex. The colours and forms require the reader of the piece to interpret the visual cues according to their belief systems, and what they believe they ‘see’ in the painting. It becomes their story as much as mine.”
