In our latest Conversations with Trit we sit down with resident artist and colour expert Tegan Lloyd, you can find her works on display in our Hawthorn Showroom or for those further away via virtual consultation. Her works are layered revealing new elements and details each time you view the piece, designed to compliment your interiors without overwhelming them.
Thanks for sitting down to chat with us, would you be able to tell our customers a little bit about yourself and how you got into painting?
I have always been creative, from a young age I was always drawing, colouring, writing or out in nature. I grew up surrounded by my mum’s sewing, my grandmother’s beautiful quilt making, and my great grandfather was an incredible tapestry artist and his partner a potter. I loved visual arts and photography in school and then worked in fashion and visual merchandising, so have always had an eye for colour and design. I am a self taught painter, I began my creative practice while at home with my young family and felt the call to explore painting on canvas, and it all grew from there. I have been painting for almost 10 years, it is now weaved into my daily routine.
What sort of mediums do you work with and do you have a favourite?
I love to work with acrylics as they are fast drying and I work with many layers. I also love mark making with pastel and oil sticks, charcoal is also so beautiful to work with.
Your work is all about colour. Do you have a favorite hue you are enjoying for the summer months?
I am really drawn to soft blues at the moment, although pinks will always find their way into my work.
Where do you look for inspiration before starting a piece?
Inspiration mostly comes from my thoughts and emotions, music and dancing in the studio. Starting with a colour from something I’ve seen recently in nature, design or a photograph, and letting it lead the way. Interiors play a strong part in where I look for colour and texture also.
We are so happy to have your pieces in our Hawthorn store, what role do you think art plays within interior design & decorating?
Art plays such a beautiful role in bringing design pieces together, enhancing certain colours in decor and provides a focal point in the space. A perfect piece of art makes a space more personal and creates a particular mood, and most importantly tells a story or starts a conversation.
And what about some key rules you should follow when picking art for a space?
I think it’s important to start with knowing what kind of atmosphere you wish to create, making sure you keep to the style of the room, taking the furniture into account, and choosing the right size artwork for the space. Remember to pick something that speaks to you and know that you can always go beyond paintings and photographs. Find art visiting new galleries, collect trinkets from meaningful places or holidays and support artists and makers that you love. Having art in your space that tells a story or sparks conversation about where you collected it or the artist themselves, will fill your home and life with more joy and passion.
Can you tell us a little about your home? Do you have a special area or room where you create your work?
We are actually in the process of building our new home which is very exciting. We have loved the design process and working on the selections, and it’s amazing to watch it come to life. I will soon have a new studio that opens to a courtyard, so I can enjoy creating in and outside. There will also be a larger secondary workspace which I will be able to use for painting, small workshops and content creating.
Are there any Trit pieces currently on your wishlist?
There are so many pieces that I adore! The Husdon and Morocco Sofas, the Brasilia Lounge Chair and the Mira and Clover stools are such beautiful designs. I would also add the entire decorative range, so many gorgeous marble and glass pieces, and I am in love with Trit’s candle holder collection.
And what about any rituals you have when creating or going about your day?
I start a painting session by clearing the space, movement and music. I will make a herbal tea or cup of cacao, perhaps light a few candles and let in the natural light. I love to go for a walk before painting and in between layers drying, so I am moving and getting outside.
A new year is always an opportunity to think about the 12 months ahead, do you have any plans for 2023?
This year I am happily focused on staying present, enjoying the day to day and creating more beautiful connections with people. I have plans to work on a collection of large abstracts, a print collaboration and am really excited to paint on location soon at a beautiful friend’s rose farm. I want to explore working outdoors more, connecting with nature and see it transpire in the work. And as always, I look forward to creating new pieces for Trit House in 2023!
Shop Tegan’s Work – https://www.trithouse.com.au/collections/tegan-lloyd
Connect With Her On Socials – https://www.instagram.com/teganlloydart/