Treen, Teresa

Teresa Treen is a visual artist and musician based in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She is primarily self-taught, save for her completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Visual Arts, in 2019. Her body of work features paintings of many subjects, often harmonizing her dual passions for both painting and playing music. Teresa’s work can be found throughout North America, as well as in the United Kingdom, and has been featured in multiple solo and group exhibitions in Nova Scotia.

Artist Statement

I have always been someone with a multitude of interests, and in a world where artists are repeatedly told to “niche down”, I like to strive for the opposite. I also strongly believe in the importance of creating openness and acceptance in our communities, particularly amidst our current political climate. The more we are willing to learn, the less we are inclined to fear, and the less we fear, the less we are driven to hate. I aim to always approach my work with this mindset, allowing my interests to be vast and ever-changing. Naturally, I am drawn to some things more than others: I have been a musician for nearly twenty years, and therefore many of my pieces are rooted in the heart of music. My palettes often reference the vibrant hues of stage lighting and concert performance; however, I aim to find interest in a wide variety of subjects, so not every painting pays direct homage to the music world.  Rather than placing limits on my work, and forcing myself into a “niched down” box, my paintings reflect a constant search for more knowledge and understanding.