Thea’s Artist Statement

Artist Frank Stella once said: "No artist needs to live past 40. Artists have their best ideas when they are young." My most recent work of collage paintings is, in my opinion, the best work I’ve ever done. In the midst of creating this work, I celebrated my 80th birthday. 

I started my art studies when I was 10 years old at the Art Students League. The lessons were helpful and informative, but it was the atmosphere that impressed me the most. I was surrounded by adult students who were upcoming or established artists improving the skill necessary to create in their own voice. It was then that I knew that I wanted to be an artist. 

I have lived in and around NYC all of my life and have had access to some of the greatest museums in the world. It was at the MoMA that I first discovered abstract Expressionism which became so compelling that I adopted it to my work and discovered a new way of painting. 

I have lived a long life, much of it devoted to taking care of my family and working as an art therapist in the NYC school system. After my retirement and for the past 20 years, I was able to devote all of my time to making art. 

I paint from different moments in my life, and I moved to Harlem 10 years ago to be amongst other artists and to be inspired by the vibrancy of the colors and the kindness of the people.

"Harlem Gardens" is a series of collage paintings using the format of the quilt on African fabrics, handmade papers, and paint, creating rich, textured compositions reflecting my love of living here.