Review by CARROLL MCCUNE
Northwest Ohio painter/art teacher Teri Utz Bersée demonstrates technical virtuosity in oil, watercolor, pastel, and graphite, but the secret of the appeal of her realist- impressionist landscapes and portraits is the presentation of humanistic ideals. Some of the values transmitted in Teri’s artwork are affection for animals and uplifting of everyday folks.
Teri explained, “Matt’s unexpected death at age 43 made this a bittersweet portrait to create. Working from a less than wonderful photo trying to create a lasting memory for his loved ones was not ideal, but being able to fill a very small part of a gaping hole in their hearts and lives is a small consolation for an artist.”
The revelation of character and emotion are hallmarks of Teri’s portraitures. Other values prominent in Teri’s work are a reverence for unspoiled rural landscapes.
“Morning Walk to the Barn” conveys the artist’s sensitivity towards the mood of changing seasons and the contemplative effect of solitude on our response to the natural world.
“Early to Rise and Graze” evokes a sense of pastoral peace and the mystical drama of early light on the foggy winter landscape. Value is inherent in an artist’s choice of subject and style of rendering. Teri chooses life enhancing subjects that she distills into a sensitive synthesis of meaning; albeit often intuitively. She explained, “While I don’t necessarily relate my art or reasons for creating to abstract ideas or ideals, I’m certainly attracted to many scenes for their pure beauty or different angles that create great shapes or composition. My goal is to share scenes that most people don’t get to see—or don’t notice—at different viewpoints.”
In “Wau-Ke-Na Sunset,” (forest-by-the-water) the Southwest Michigan Land Preserve along the shore of Lake Michigan, Teri draws upon her appreciation for conservation of public land and good stewardship of natural settings. It exemplifies her mastery of plein air (outdoor) painting in pastel, an increasingly popular artistic discipline that involves an unplanned, spontaneous response to the changing ambiences of nature. The vibrant, complimentary color scheme and vigorous application of pastel evoke the innate energy of the earth.
While much contemporary art opposes conventional cultural values and is overtly political in messaging as well as indifferent to form, Teri’s work adheres to timeless traditions in the depiction of nature and human experience; that is, conformity to the formal principles of aesthetics and belief that art should be easily understood andappealing to many viewers.
An old family photograph provided the inspiration for the tender portrait “Honoring Mom.” As subject matter, the mother and child model has appeared throughout the entire tradition of Western art in both sacred and secular representations. This portrait is imbued with the time-honored values of protectiveness, self-sacrifice, unwavering love, and cherished innocence.
Teri’s course of study includes the Toledo Museum of Art and Chicago’s American Academy of Art as well as private mentoring and years of self-study. She has been a member of the Toledo Women’s Art League and supported the Toledo Museum of Art.
She is presently a member of the Pastel Society of America, Great Lakes Pastel Society, International Association of Pastel Societies, the Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission, and the Toledo Artists Club.
In 2008, after working in the commercial art and design field for over 30 years, she established a studio providing art classes for children and adults, which she maintained for ten years. Teri became well respected as an artist and instructor and maintained a local and regional presence with her artworks—now showing in national competitions.
After having lived in Fennville, Michigan for the last six years, Teri now resides in Napoleon, Ohio. She is available for private lessons and commissions. Click to view a portfolio of her artwork.
A “Meet the Artist” reception will be held at Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 501 River Road, Maumee on Friday, June 21 from 3:30 – 5: p.m.
Maumee branch librarian Katie Al-Akhras said: “Showcasing the work of our talented local artists is one of the many ways Toledo Lucas County Public Library connects our community. The Maumee Branch is grateful to have space where people can come together to enjoy art, information, and the company of one another.”
