About the Artist…

A native of East Tennessee, Teri Byrd has been sculpting in polymer clay since 1991.  She began sculpting in traditional earthen clays in an old unheated garage (unremorsefully abandoned following discovery of a creative media suitable for a warmer, cushier indoor environment).  Her earliest work featured unique jewelry designs, but through constant study and experimentation, she has since emerged as one of the region’s most whimsical figure artists.  Teri will often fashion her characters in motion, capturing the spirit of the moment.  Theme elements of her work are often derived from a continuing childhood love of fairy tales, modern

“A lot of my work exhibits elements of whimsey, attitude and motion. I like to combine the spirit of fantasy and the audacity of the nonconformist. This is often presented as if to capture a moment of physical or mental movement. The contemporary medium of polymer clay suits the development of my visions very well. If my work doesn’t surprise and delight, then it fails.“ —  Teri Byrd

performance art, and/or just plain whimsy.  All of Teri's figures are handmade, one-of-a-kind originals. She is a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, the Foothills Craft Guild, and the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists where she was previously awarded “Best Body of Work”. 

 

THE MEDIUM...

Polymer clay is often referred to as “the new clay”; its development in the early 20^th century is considered relatively contemporary.  European doll artists began using these clays for sculpting heads, hands and feet for fabric-bodied dolls.  These clays are now extremely versatile and are available in a variety of colors and textures.  Polymer clay can accept a variety of inclusions, such as sand or foil, which multiplies its textural possibilities. Close inspection reveals the vibrant appeal of Teri’s work is a result of the colors and patterns within the clay itself.  Pieces are fired at low oven temperatures to set.

“ Safe From All Harm “    2002

Contemporary Sculpture in Contemporary Media

Teri Byrd

AND THE TECHNIQUE.

Canework is a very old technique used in bead working, miliflora, and Venetian glass.  A “cane” is a cylinder of colored materials fashioned with a continuous pattern throughout its length.  The diameter of the cane can be reduced by rolling and stretching; the design within remains undistorted, but likewise reduced.  Each slice of the cane will feature the same design (like the spirals on each slice of a jelly roll cake).  Segments of canes may be stacked into blocks or “loaves” to build patterns that are even more complex.  Teri's use of canework to create fabrics and textures for her sculpture is a seldom seen application of this art.