March Featured Artist - Teena Forrester of Threaded Intention
I found Teena on Instagram one day while looking for small clothing artists who use a natural dying process. As soon as I saw her magical creations, her inspiring dances, and her beautiful home and life, I knew that if even half of that magic translated into her clothes, I’d be cloaked in it every time I wore it. I highly suggest checking her work out and hearing her process. It’s soooo beautiful and made with so much love!
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF!
My name is Teena Forrester, I am the hands and most of the heart to Threaded Intention. I am a lot of things, some titles I am most proud of being a mother, lover, artist, aerialist, yoga practitioner, and devoted friend.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK AND CREATIVE PROCESS // WHAT MOVES YOU THE MOST? // WHAT DOES CREATING DO FOR YOU?
I have been creating for as long as I can remember. It started with trash and rocks I would collect and decorate, which evolved into hand sewing sheets into dresses for my sister and has been growing ever since. Even at some of the lowest points in my life, I have always created. My children are the drive that started the business aspect of my art. Before I had them, my husband (partner at the time) and I were hitchhiking across the country. I was heavily inspired during this period of my life. I was 18 years old.
I was detoxing from a lot of physical and emotional trauma. What started as an escape turned into the most beautiful chapter of my life. When we were hitchhiking, we found out we were pregnant with our first little light, Story. The seed the blossomed into FeatheredGypsy was planted shortly after that. The part that moves me most about creating is that there are no rules. It's limitless. Creating empowers me and has shown to empower others.
DO YOU EVER FEEL VULNERABLE PUTTING YOUR WORK OUT THERE? HOW DO YOU OVERCOME IT?
I do, I feel most vulnerable when I am putting my words out there or little pieces of my personal life, children and practice. I also know that the most vulnerable parts of ourselves are what shine the brightest and INSPIRE others. This is the same thought I like to keep in my mind when I am feeling insecure because I know it is just that. MY OWN insecurities, its self-work.
DO HAVE ANY ADVICE OR WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OTHER CREATIVES?
"Don't let the person you were stop you from the person you are becoming."
"You will not always be motivated, so you must learn to be disciplined."
I am not sure who these quotes are by but they have really stuck with me.
I pull these words up when I am feeling demotivated or discouraged because, at the end of the day. You won't always want to, it won't always be perfect, and it for damn sure, won't always be easy. But its always worth it.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CLOTHES TO DO FOR US WEARING IT?
Empowered. I want the individuals wearing my creations to feel their best self. I will literally change my outfit to change my mood. The thought of someone doing that with my creations brings tears to my eyes.
Teena will soon be offering her paintings for purchase so keep an eye out for that!
The next FeatheredGypsy collection will be launching late February/early March 2019.