Terry Tabor has taken her passion and turned it into a new career. Read on for what she has to say; it very well may give you that “push” you need to start your next chapter.
Tell us about your job and title.
I’m a silk painting artist. I paint on silk for framed art, scarves, shawls, bathing suit wraps and my new creation “Sassy Silk Chokers.”
How did you get started as an artist?
A large story but I will try and keep it short. On my job I am a meeting planner so I plan, right? When I reached age 50 I started thinking [about] what I [was] going to do when I retired from my job. Since I like getting massages, I decided to go to school to become a massage therapist. I received my certificate and started doing massages on my off days at work. Five years later; someone hired me to do massages for 20 people at a bridal shower. Another massage therapist massaged 10 people and I massaged 10. By the time I finished the eighth person, I started rethinking what I wanted to do when I retire. I prayed on it. [A] few days [later], I was keeping my two grandkids. Out of the blue they asked me to teach them to draw. I told them I didn’t know how to draw. They were holding up a portfolio of drawings signed by me [and asked me if it was mine]. Oh, my gosh! Where did you find this? I haven’t drawn in over 25 years — I forgot about that. and where did they find it?
Well! That’s God! I heard the spirit say; ”This is what you can do when you retire.” I wanted to take a class in drawing [and] painting and checked at Harmony Hall in Ft. Washington, Maryland. The only class available that fit my budget at the time was silk painting for $25. So yes, I signed up and paid for [myself] and my sister to take the class. When we arrived at the class; the instructor said they made a misprint on the cost for the class. It was $125 per person. But it was their fault so I took the class for $25. Well! That’s God! On top of it all — we were the only students in the class plus another person. That’s God! … I fell in love with silk painting and haven’t stopped since.
Where do you find inspiration to create such amazing art?
Everywhere you look there is art. Everywhere I go there is art. I find myself liking to paint women’s backs as if they are looking forward and not turning back. I have had challenges throughout my life and I keep it moving. In some of my art pieces you will see women’s backs — just looking forward to a better future.
What advice would you give someone who has a passion and has yet to fulfill it?
Listen to your inner self. And, do what you love to do. God gave each person a gift — spiritual and talent — find it and use it. Pray on it and go for it.
What does success look like for you?
Enjoying life and painting is it for me. Seeing others enjoying my art work on their walls and/or wearing a piece of mine really takes it to another level.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Retired! Creating more of my art work to share with the world. Teaching silk painting classes, having more of my wearables in boutiques, and selling online are also on my list.
