Meet Cat Tesla: International Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cat Tesla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cat, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
If you were living your dream before the pandemic, you need to try to keep going. I believe sharing your gift with the world is the reason we’re here on the planet to begin with. I think this is a time for each of us to consider how we are in the world – how to be flexible, how to adapt, and most importantly how to be resilient. My artwork is starting to change since the pandemic began. I’m going to see where it takes me, but I’ll never stop being an artist. Even if that means tough decisions in the months ahead.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Like many artists, nature is my muse. My work is an abstraction of nature, layering organic shapes found in nature into large paintings that feel like a new landscape. I try to create what it feels like being in nature, not a literal view of nature. I use acrylic, inks, graphite, wax crayon, oil pastel, & oil glazes in my paintings. My process is inspired by the work and teachings of Franz Kline’s concept of automatism. He essentially believed in first ‘pouring out’, then editing. I begin with an automatic drawing in graphite and wax crayon, then translucent layers are applied, followed by more mark making (drawing) & more paint layers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite spots in the city – there are so many! The High Museum of Art would be first on the list. Followed by the botanical garden, and hanging out in Piedmont Park. Would also have to see the Georgia aquarium, Stone Mountain, and take a walk on the beltline. Some favorite dining spots would include Mary Macs Tea Room, South City Kitchen, and The Optimist.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m dedicating my shout-out to my husband who is my studio assistant and business partner. Without him, much of what I do would not be possible.