Stepping Out

         Three Egg Omelet by Teresa Vatter

 We all want to thrive in our life.  Not just to go from one task to the next surviving, but really living with meaning and wonder.

So what makes us thrive?  Northwest artist Teresa Vatter answers this for herself in her new show at Cole Gallery on September 1.

Vatter depicts three categories in her new oil works.  For her they define “to thrive” in this life: they are people, sustenance and beauty.  “Not only are they related but they are all somewhat dependent on each other,” Vatter explains. 

Sustenance is obvious to anyone, and “people” make sense if we are in fact relational beings.  But beauty? 

“I believe that man will search for beauty in what is common to him,” Vatter says, “and where there is none, he will either discover it or manufacture it.”

Capturing the simple elegance of fresh cut strawberries, perfectly shaped brown eggs, or South African friends gathered, Vatter helps us to discover beauty in what may seem plain. 

It is this uncomplicated subject matter that reminds us of what’s important to thrive.

 Teresa lost sight in one eye at age thirty due to a radical treatment for a malignant tumor and didn’t begin painting until her fiftieth birthday. 

“I never quit know when my brush touches the canvas for the small details,” Vatter admits.  Even with this small handicap she brings us into a world of necessary beauty.  

“Painting is a great deal about problem solving.  Failure is frustrating, but success carries the sweetest reward,” she said, “and I am determined to live long so I can continue to paint and grow as an artist.”

See her new works of people, sustenance, and beauty at Cole Gallery from September 1 – 30. 

Meet her at the Gallery’s reception on September 16  from 5 – 8 p.m. with live music from Fada Dada. 

You can also view her works online at "http://www.colegallery.net/"www.colegallery.net.