Meet Linda Ternoir

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Linda Ternoir. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Linda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being effective and successful is a blossom that was seeded at my core. All the world influenced and persuaded the young seedling, encouraging it to move in certain ways and in suggested directions. I recognized that alertness and awareness were essential survival skills. I learned to distinguish the genuine from the disingenuous.
All of the arts won my heart, my imagination, and my enthusiasm. My core knew their importance. My natural, gift, talent, and passion for making art, has nurtured the seedling slowly and carefully.
I was forced to fortify myself from my first birth. Perhaps, even before that. I grew up wearing the a heavy seed coat. Continuously creating protection from the assumptions, presumptions, denials and overt attacks.
At the same time, I had to skillfully insure that I allowed myself access to the beauty, goodness, magic, and mysteries of life. A life long endeavor which yields many lessons and surprises.
I’m one of the fortunate ones. I’ve been able to keep my passion alive. So I continue to work and discover the power of momentum.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a fine artist. I’m particularly interested in drawing and painting people. More broadly, I’m motivated by the life situations of these people. Decades ago, I discovered that the gold lies deep within myself. I choose to work purely from my imagination. The feelings, nudges, and insights flourish and blossom when I allow myself to see from the inside out. I find that using this approach is exciting and revealing. I’m always seeing and learning something new. Playing music when I work takes it up a notch.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Number one: Doing the work. I’ve continued to make art all my life.

Number two: Leading art workshops. In my opinion, the leader always learns the most.

Number three: Honest self evaluation. There are lots of opinions, persuasions, and influences, sometimes presenting themselves as authorities. I perform periodic cleansers. I clear away the dross and know what I’m about as an artist. Still Gift, Talent, Passion. I feel strong.

I feel that finding one’s own way yields the greatest reward.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The first person that encouraged my talent was my sixth grade substitute teacher. She marveled over one of my crayon drawings. I had deliberately chosen to use more subtle colors. The teacher detailed exactly what excited her. Gave me pause.

My life drawing professor exclaimed in amazement when he looked at my first drawing. Again, I took note.

These two incidences gave me a spark, a jump start of confidence in my artistic abilities.

Having continued to work for decades, my art continues to excite and inspire me. I have made so much art that I feel is genuine, quality, and worthy. There have always been doubts and struggles. And I’ve always worked through because my passion is the more powerful. A healthy exercise for meaningful growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ternoirart.com