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About the Artist
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Terry
Ratliff |
Terry Ratliff grew up in Fort
Wayne, IN, born there a twin on Feb 14, l966. Strongly influenced by his artistic
mother, he realized he wanted to be a painter as early as 3 and was presented
with his
first art award in the 2nd
grade. He was educated in the public schools
where
he played
football
and expanded
his art education, receiving his first Art Award for best design of
a haunted house from a milk carton. He continued his education on a football
scholarship
at Franklin College in Indiana where he studied under mentor Luigi
Crispino, an inspirational influence in his artistic development and where
he received
his BFA. He went to France where he painted on the Riviera, in Paris
and at Normandy. He returned to Fort Wayne where he has been working professionally
for over 15
years.
As with many aspiring artists, at first he had to supplement his income
(for necessities), mostly in food services which became a good source of
contacts. Most of his first works were commissions from private individuals.
His “Big” break
came with a commission for art (murals and paintings) at the Casa
Restaurant chain in Fort Wayne which helped
to diversify his range of styles from his then usual German Expressionism
to include Impressionism, Realism, Still Lifes and
Abstractionism. His work can be viewed at the Casa’s chain, the Fort
Wayne International Airport, Chicago, Miami, Warsaw, IN, at several
other restaurants and galleries in Fort Wayne and by appointment at his studio 1029
W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Awards
Terry has won numerous awards including 2003 Artlink Gallery
regional winner, Whatzup Magazine readers’ poll “Best Visual Artist” for
eight years running and 1999, 2003 and 2005 Best in Show at the annual
Fort Wayne Covington Art Fair. He designed the regional logo for The
World Aids Day, Dec. 1, 2000. He has also been involved in set design
and artistic painting of sets at The Arena Dinner Theatre in Fort Wayne
for which he has won “Best Set Design” awards several years.
In his “spare” time he gardens, walks his dogs and works
out.
Terry’s pieces’ strengths lie in his colorful palate where he
lays down colors in various shapes and hues and lets the painting develop from
there. Forms pop out and consciously or subconsciously turn into forms and
meanings.
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Artist Terry Ratliff
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