Terry Davitt Powell

"My work occurs at the intersection of human society and the animal world, where I honor birds and animals for their adjustment to manmade changes in the environment. Through the use of representational shapes, color, movement, and patterning, I introduce my own sense of balance."

Powell's connection to nature is easily seen in her work. Using stenciled imagery of wild and domesticated animals, she communicates her acknowledgment of nature's ability to survive and sometimes thrive even as humans continue to alter the landscape, something demonstrated in such a commonplace instance as the peregrine falcon who builds a nest high on a skyscraper's ledge.

Powell builds with ink and paint on un-sized paper to develop foundation imagery for change and adaptation. The paper is then fixed to primed, wooden panels, and she continues adding and removing color in layers. Upon completion, the entire surface is sealed and varnished. Acrylic paintings are done on wood panels. Monotypes are printed on Rives BFK or Arches papers.

Travel and exposure to many cultures and environments has been the strongest educational force in Powell's life. At the age of seven, she was introduced to oil sticks and watercolor by Japanese artists in post-war Japan, which influenced her interest in art, tools, and techniques. She honed her skills at University of Maryland University College Europe in Ramstein, Germany; Brooklyn Museum Art School in New York; Evergreen State University in Olympia, Washington; and University of California Riverside.