We recently connected with Teddy Osei and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Teddy , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I would attribute my resilience to a combination of personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the supportive community that surrounds me. Growing up and navigating different cultures and environments has imbued me with a sense of adaptability and perseverance. The challenges I’ve faced, both in my personal life and as an artist, have taught me the value of resilience in overcoming obstacles and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in my art. My cultural heritage plays a significant role in shaping my resilience. Drawing strength from my roots, I’ve learned to embrace the complexities of identity and belonging, which are central themes in my work. This connection to my heritage provides a wellspring of inspiration and a grounding force, enabling me to navigate the ups and downs of an artistic career.
Additionally, the community of artists, educators, and students I engage with continually fuels my resilience. The collaborative and supportive nature of these relationships provides a network of encouragement and constructive feedback, which is essential for growth and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Finally, my passion for exploring and addressing social and cultural issues through my art is a significant source of resilience. The desire to create meaningful dialogue and impact through my work motivates me to persist and evolve, regardless of the hurdles I encounter. This purpose-driven approach to art is a powerful driving force that sustains my resilience
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a mixed-media ceramic artist and an Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Lincoln University, PA. My work primarily revolves around exploring themes of migration, displacement, and the concept of boundaries – both physical and metaphorical. What excites me most about my art is its ability to serve as a medium for storytelling and for initiating critical conversations about identity, belonging, and the human experience in the context of these themes. My approach combines traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary narratives, creating pieces that are not just visually compelling but also rich in meaning. I strive to make my art a bridge between diverse cultures and experiences, reflecting the complexity and fluidity of the world we live in.
I believe what makes my art special is its capacity to resonate on a personal level with viewers while also engaging with broader societal issues. It’s a blend of personal expression and social commentary, grounded in my unique perspective and experiences.
I’m also deeply invested in my role as an educator, where I have the opportunity to share my passion for ceramics and inspire a new generation of artists. My aim is to foster a space for creative exploration and critical thinking, encouraging students to find their own voice in the world of art.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’ve identified three key elements that have significantly shaped my path: curiosity, adaptability, and technical skill in ceramics. These elements are not just personal attributes but essential tools that have guided my growth and success in the world of art. Firstly, curiosity has been the cornerstone of my creative process. It is the driving force behind my exploration of themes such as migration and boundaries. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding has allowed me to continually evolve, both as an artist and an educator. For those starting out, I advise nurturing this sense of wonder. Let your questions guide your exploration and be open to where they lead you.
Secondly, adaptability has been crucial in my journey. The ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts and artistic challenges has enriched my work and perspective. The art world is constantly changing, and being adaptable enables you to embrace these changes as opportunities for growth. For emerging artists, I recommend viewing challenges as chances to learn and grow. Embrace change, as it is often in these moments that the most significant artistic breakthroughs occur.
Lastly, technical skill in ceramics has been a foundational aspect of my art. Mastery of your craft is essential; it’s the vehicle through which your ideas are transformed into tangible expressions. For those at the beginning of their journey, dedicating time to develop and refine your technical skills is crucial. It is through this mastery that you can effectively communicate your artistic vision.
In summary, these three aspects – curiosity, adaptability, and technical skill – are integral to the journey of any artist.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that has been instrumental in my development is “The Poetics of Space” by Gaston Bachelard. This book delves into the philosophy of space, which resonates deeply with my exploration of borders and boundaries in my art. Key takeaways include the understanding of space as a lived experience, the importance of imagination in perceiving and transforming spaces, and the idea that our perception of space shapes our reality and experiences. These concepts have profoundly influenced my approach to creating art that interrogates and reimagines the notion of boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: teddyoseiart.com
- Instagram: teddyosei937
