Introducing Ted Bertrand
Born and raised in the countryside near Opelousas, La, Ted always had an interest in drawing and amateur photography. After graduating from college in 1977 Ted worked in different fields, including social work, sales, construction and he completed a 20 year career in education, teaching Middle School Science and High School Art, retiring in 2012. Ted now runs his own art gallery in Sunset, Louisiana and generally shows the work of at least 2 artists in addition to his own art.
Ted and his wife, Ava, raised 3 daughters and have 7 grandchildren and a West Highland Terrier named Finlay.
Who makes up your art circle?
Early on my circle included a small group of ladies, Bertha, Marilyn, Audrey, Helena and Julia, who all painted in water colors, meeting weekly to paint, share tips, and to encourage one another. We would meet at the home of one of the group and enjoy our time together with coffee and cookies. As time passed and I was able to expand the circle while I was having some of my pieces being shown in different Lafayette galleries headed up by Tanya Falgout, Melissa Dronet, Danielle Moss and Donald Leblanc. It turns out that when you’re showing work in a gallery you also become friends with the other artists who also have work being shown. Connections are made and are valued. I also had the wonderful experience of being in an artist co-op in the town of Washington, La, enjoying the sharing of creative ideas and long term friendships including Dennis Anderson, Faye Dupre, Anne Matt, Lynn Lunsford. The folks at Basin Arts, NuNu Arts and Culture Collective and at the Lafayette Art Association have been an encouragement through the years as well.
The largest addition to the circle grew from the time I had a gallery in Sunset, La. During this period of 5 years the gallery was honored with showing the works of approximately 40 featured artists. A special time indeed getting to know so many artists.
How do you expand your art circle?
Expanding the circle just depends on how much energy and drive one has to visit new galleries and art openings. Going out of your sphere to enter shows that you never considered in the past will certainly expand the circle .
What value do you see in having a creative community?
Besides the actual sharing of ideas on techniques, materials, creativity starters, the biggest value is in the encouragement you receive and give.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
So many of my paintings have originated from just the visual landscape of South Louisiana. The old Cajun homes and other farm related structures throughout Acadiana provide so many opportunities to share a bit of the old Cajun landscape.
