Teresa (preferably known by her nickname of 'T') is a professional artist specialising in safari wildlife.
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After visiting South Africa for the first time in 2009, she quickly developed a passion for travel and wildlife encounters. Her extensive adventures observing animals in their natural habitat have become a great source of inspiration for her artwork.

After being made redundant from managing incentive travel events at the end of 2019, she went back 16 years to revive her artistic roots. It took a considerable amount of confidence building but she taught herself her own pastel techniques through practice and intuition.

T's safari tales have been featured in BBC Wildlife magazine and she's had work on display at the Gallery@Oxo in London.

Scroll down for artist resume

Artist Q&A

What is your artistic background?

Art was always my favourite subject at school and I loved creating and crafting in every shape and form; from drawing and painting to textiles, woodwork and ceramics. I joined an art class when I was about 9 years old and loved experimenting with different subjects and mediums. After A levels, I completed a BTEC Diploma in Art followed by a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Art where I specialised in glass sculptures. 

What do you like about working in pastels?

There is something about the tactile nature of holding the pastel in my fingers and directly creating the marks on the page. Getting dusty, colourful fingertips makes me feel like I've been a part of the artwork.

Why are you drawn to safari?

What's not to love about safari? Adventure. Beauty. The unexpected. I love the excitement of not knowing what is around the next corner ..... it could be a large herd of impala grazing or frolicking on their beautifully delicate legs, it could be a a dozen elephants cracking their way through the bush as they pull branches off the trees to eat or it could be a lone lion, flat-out on his side snoozing after a night out hunting. There is also a great sense of peace, simply watching the animals and being there in the moment with them. It makes me feel alive and truly lit up inside.

What is your favourite animal?

A leopard. I can't adequately express how breathtakingly beautiful they are to observe in real life. From the enchanting pattern of their fur to their stunning eyes . . . the fact that they are notoriously elusive adds more to the intrigue. 

What are your future aspirations?

I want to escort small, exclusive safari retreats to get people back in touch with nature. The focus will centre on mindfulness, connection and the lessons mother nature teaches for us to live our best lives.

I'd love to partner up with safari lodges / travel companies / wildlife conservation projects to provide artwork that will inspire their clients and bring back the memories / spirit of their safari adventures. I want to transfer the feelings of excitement and experiences from foreign lands back to homes in the UK.

Associated with......

Brand Ambassador:

  • 2023 Derwent Inktense Blocks and Pencils Promotion (August)

  • 2022 Derwent Artist of the Month (July)

  • 2021 (to current) Derwent Artist Ambassador

Awards:

Exhibitions:

  • 2023 Permanent Display: The Old Stables Dental Practice, Newton Morrell

  • 2022 Twyford Christmas Market (December)

  • 2022 Sketch for Survival: gallery@oxo, London (November)

  • 2021 Twyford Christmas Market (December)

  • 2021 Sketch for Survival: gallery@oxo, London (November)

  • 2021 Henley Country Craft Show (August)

Media: