Terry Runyan Interview – 50 States (Kansas)

July, 2017
Reading Time
4.5 mins
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Image © The Interviewee

Terry Runyan – “Living in Kansas has helped me to thrive as an artist”

For the 18th Edition of our 50 States series, Creative Chair is in Kansas talking to visual artist Terry Runyan.

Terry Runyan has produced some exceptional illustration projects but more recently her focus has shifted to fine art. As such, her portfolio is something of an explorative journey that is engaging from both a visual and personal point of view.

Be sure to check out Terry’s website.

Fox Squirell

How has your state influenced the work that you do?

I moved to Kansas, with part of that time in Missouri, over 30 years ago.  I still live very close to the state line.

Dogs

Living in Kansas has helped me to thrive as an artist, have space, afford a lovely home, meet my partner and many wonderful creative friends, some of which live on the Missouri side.  ;)

cats

Of your own work, what is your favourite project and why?

My favorite “project” right now is learning about who I am as a fine artist and entrepreneur.  I retired from an amazing career at Hallmark toward the end of 2016.  It has been, and continues to be, quite the journey after 30 years as an in-house illustrator.

“It is a practice to stay open and present with the creative process, particularly when you are not certain where it will lead you”

Today in the Studio

I am intrigued by the state of “not knowing” what will come next, of opening to the mystery.  It is a practice to stay open and present with the creative process, particularly when you are not certain where it will lead you.  A big shift from working on assignment for a client!

The 96th 366 Award goes to Terry Runyan for her outstanding creative work.

Terry Runyan Kansas

And finally, if you died and got reincarnated as a song, what would that song be?

I don’t have a particular song that comes to mind.  Most of the music I enjoy is soothing, meditative, rhythmic and instrumental, devoid of words.  I enjoy the sense of calm or energy this type of music holds.  It helps to bring me to the present moment.  If I was to come back as music, this is the feeling I would like to share with the world.

cradle (w akira)"
cradle (w akira) (2010)
ghost and tape
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What began as a fun question to end an interview, has now become a wonderfully eclectic collaborative playlist by 161 people (and counting).
Kansas with Terry Runyan
Playlist
Our Forest