Artist Spotlight–Teresa Soler
Artist Spotlight–Teresa Soler
Artist: Teresa Soler
Psychedelic artist | Energy Artist | Therapeutic Art Coach
- What inspired you to become a visual artist, and how has your journey evolved since then?
Ever since I can remember I’ve had an obsession for colors and shapes working together. Colors fascinate me, how they can blend together, how they can clash, and when on the same page sometimes they can simply create magic that feels good when you gaze upon it.
A few years ago there was a “movement” that basically took a lot of us by storm, I’ll refer to it as the “fluid art movement”. LOL. Not to be punny, but sure go ahead.
This movement got everyone painting in one form or another. It somehow felt like some new energy in the universe had finally been tapped into, a form of expression that hadn’t really been there before, something that gave us all the freedom to become artists without the confines of “perfection” but rather to celebrate the weird, odd, strange, new psychedelic world of color movement.
I began experimenting but it didn’t take me long to “need” certain outcomes with my art. I needed it to be that piece of magic or I would scrape it and do it over again. My son’s favorite color is “rainbow” so I began working with a rainbow color palette. At the suggestion of a friend, I started to incorporate more UV-reactive paint colors, and suddenly my paintings became two different paintings – dramatically different in daylight than in the dark, under black light, and…psychedelic!
In 2018, I began mixing my water-based paints with intention, based on the theories and work Dr. Masaru Emoto did with water molecules and their ability to hold and continue to vibrate with the infused intention. I focused on feelings of joy, happiness, and healing.
In 2019, I achieved my certification as a Therapeutic Art Coach so I could help others express themselves through art, mostly working with individuals with autism/or the I/DD community and also with people struggling with holding onto different forms of grief.
- Can you describe your artistic style and the techniques you frequently employ in your work?
One of my favorite techniques is called the bloom technique. It is basically where you skillfully pool colors of paint together and blow it out with a blow dryer, creating a “flower’ of sorts. I LOVE to flick it in places with silicone to control the cells, and clusters of cells. And, sometimes, I hand garnish with swirls or little spikes, creating a more signature (or unique) look.
- Many artists draw inspiration from various sources. What are some of your primary sources of inspiration, be it nature, culture, or personal experiences? To what extent, if any, do psychedelic drugs play a role in your process?
Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water experiments have deeply inspired me to use a mindfulness practice while preparing my paints. Painting to create joy and happiness is really important to me.
Also, when painting with someone else or for someone else, their energy infuses with mine, and the painting “becomes” theirs so to speak. Oftentimes, the painting will reflect the state of their overall wellbeing, or shine a light
on them they didn’t think was there. It’s really rather mystifying and beautiful. I LOVE painting with/for others, it truly is a form of self-discovery. Sort of like reading teabags.
It’s funny, I grew up in the Bay Area, near San Francisco. I must’ve gone to at least 25 Grateful Dead shows at Shoreline, but I was always the one who didn’t use psychedelics. My friends counted on me as the designated driver. So, with these roots, I find a lot of irony in the fact that I am creating psychedelic art. And, yes, while I didn’t use psychedelics at their shows I did manage to memorize every single song.
- Could you share a particular piece of your artwork that holds a significant story or message? What does it represent to you?
All of my paintings hold significant stories and messages! However, I did make a very special pair of paintings custom for my mom. She loves the ocean and wanted to bring more blue tones into her home. I made two large paintings with various shades of blue, swirling with white, creating what almost looked like waves in water. Intention is everything when I paint, so I infused the paints with love and gave the intention that these paintings create a space of peace and harmony for her and she feels love when she looks at them.
- How do you approach the balance between creativity and technical skill in your art? Which aspect do you find more challenging or rewarding?
Creativity is king in my artwork and the technical skills I’ve developed help me to take it to the next level. I’ve heard people say that anyone can do fluid art. I agree with that, and that’s what makes it such an inviting form of therapy for some. But, not everyone can control their fluid art and create some of the effects available out there. It’s important to gain those technical skills, they can create your uniqueness. In fact, I’ve had friends say they recognize a piece of my art, as soon as they see it. They know it’s something I created. When this happens, I get really excited because I know I have my own style. Mission accomplished!
- Collaboration is a crucial aspect of the art world. Can you talk about any memorable collaborations or artistic projects you’ve been a part of?
Every opportunity I have to invite someone into my art space is a collaboration! My work is energy and intention-based, the focal point of each piece doesn’t even have to be physically in the room. Whatever energy I’m holding in my heart & mind is infused into the table as I set up my paint space. The same energy courses through the canvas as it touches down on the table, each cup as I prepare it to receive paint, floetrol, water, and sometimes cell-activator. Every color I choose, every spin of the mixing process, and the order in which the cups are lined up are surging with this same intention.
Then the fun begins!
I bless some canvases by writing out intentions, thoughts, feelings, or symbols directly on the canvas, though you will never see them in the finished product, they will be there, preserved, as long as the painting exists. All this energy then flows across the canvas as I lay out color after color after color and apply one or more of the techniques I’ve meticulously honed over the years.
Finally, I, or we, have given birth to a new visual treat, completely unique. Shimmering under the lights of my studio, trembling with excitement like the first gaze on a newborn, glowing with the essence of creation itself. Can you see how every piece of art is an incredible collaboration with the universe?
- Your choice of mediums can greatly impact the outcome of your work. What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?
Gallery wrapped canvas and acrylic paint, there are always a few additives too like distilled water, Floetrol, and silicone OR Astroglide. (Astroglide makes incredible cells in psychedelic paintings. It’s also fun to talk about).
- Art often serves as a means of self-expression. How does your art allow you to
communicate your thoughts, emotions, or messages to your audience?
One of my customers left me feedback that says: “Beautiful work, original, creative, one of a kind!! The Lumos Gallery enhances my living spaces and illuminates them with love and light! Your art makes me happy and fills my heart with joy. Thank you. I can’t wait to see your future works of art!! #highlyrecommended”.
This statement is exactly what the intention of my art is. To instill love, light, and joy.
- The art world is continually evolving. How do you see your art fitting into the broader context of contemporary art, and do you have any aspirations for the future?
The art world IS continually evolving! Just a couple of years ago we were all learning, and now we all have our individual styles and YouTube channels for teaching (well, I don’t but..).
Psychedelic art is only going to get better and better. I see a big divide lately between psychedelic AI art and psychedelic painters. I think that is really only going to affect things like social media, NFT’s, and such. Paintings are a different beast, especially when you’re standing right in front of one.
I hope to open my own gallery on the Oregon coast one day, with a teaching space for therapeutic art sessions and, a black light splatter paint room in the back for parties. Currently, looking for the right space!
