I love that Teri uses wallpaper in her collage works, which results in beautifully feminine pieces (that are a little distressed, too). I admire this use of materials, because I have always loved wallpaper and collected it, but never known what to use it for. It gives you really unique patterns and textures you don't get from regular paper. Anyway, Teri's work is gorgeous, and she's even from Toronto (like this blog)!

Name (Real or Screename): Teri Donovan
URL (Blog, Website): www.teridonovan.ca
Location (Where are you from?): I was born in Paris, Ontario, but I've lived in Toronto most of my life.

Q: Describe your work in 10 words or less.
A: Currently it's about how identity is influenced by time, desire, and context.

Q: What do you like to work with (magazines, photographs, vintage)? Be specific!
A: I use old family photos as references for painting. Sometimes I re-work the photos in Photoshop and use ink jet prints of them. I also use scrap-booking papers, wallpaper, japanese papers, tissue paper, wrapping paper,encaustic, mylar, oil, watercolour, and pencil.

Q: How long have you been creating collages and what made you start?
A: I've only been using collage for four years. I started because of a course I took in mixed media. I was drawn to it because of the layering, and because it allowed for more spontaneity and flexibility than straight painting.

Q: Are you solely an artist, or do you work in another profession?
A: I teach part-time in addition to working in my studio.

Q: Do you have any formal art training?
A: Yes. I have a B.A. in Fine Arts from York U., as well as many years of courses at art schools such as Toronto School of Art, Ontario College of Art (now OCAD), and the Maryland Institute College of Art.