An Inspired Chat with TERRY MCNAUGHTON

We’re looking forward to introducing you to TERRY MCNAUGHTON. Check out our conversation below.

TERRY, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would say I’m walking a path. Even though it would appear to be a broken one. Wandered off of numerous times!
As I’ve gotten older, I can see the connections that weren’t visible at first glance. Everything leads somewhere . We build on our strengths and mistakes. A product of living experiences.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Terry McNaughton, operate West Railway Studios. Started as a model train shop. Got shut down few times by Provincial government during Covid. They closed lots of small business but kept big retailers open. Go figure?
Because of this, I’ve been concentrating on my Pop Art creations and become a studio. Painting since 95. Now I’m using lots of found material as inspiration and to paint on. Trying to break out of one dimensionality.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed that you could not become an artist. It was not encouraged and frowned upon. Had a chance to get art lessons at the great Winnipeg Art Gallery in grade four. Parents discouraged that. The teacher could see something in me. I was very interested but that was the end of that. Eventually in few shows had seven paintings on display at the WAG. Something I didn’t think would occur.
At thirtysh tried different art lessons and discovered an enjoyment and creativity that was under the surface.
I believe anyone can be an artist at any age or time of life. Be creative and free.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be patient and believe in yourself. We grow up in a fast society where norms are shown in multimedia. We are to follow what parents , schools and advisors believe is good for us.
Our inner being is not allowed to be on display or take hold.
Everything happens for a reason. A detour is just that, eventually it comes back to the road.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Most admired is Walt Disney. I love reading about his early years. He had a ton of roadblocks stop him. But he persevered and got back up. Business failures, loss of copyright and people deserting his small company. He mastered early animation and fostered new techniques.
Not many people can go through so much negativity and survive. He believed in himself and the product. That’s all that he needed.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Easy. I would stop working for a paycheque and just create my brains out ! I believe the audience for my stuff is in the future. The art world is a slow moving tortoise. Their still trying to figure out modern art from 1890.
Contemporary Art is largely ignored and frowned on. Especially if it doesn’t follow any norms.
Definitely get off my butt and produce!

Contact Info:

• Website: West Railway Studios
• Instagram: McNaughtonterry
• Facebook: Pop Art by Terry McNaughton
• Other: Terry McNaughton on tiktok.