Artist Tegan Iversen tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work in the arts and her connection to the west.
Tell us a bit about you and what you do?
I’m thirty (somehow already), I make visual art through drawing and painting and create illustrations for a variety of clients. I’ve previously created work for Cancer Council Victoria, Gelato Papa, Highpoint Shopping Centre, The Makers & Shakers Market, Minus18, Plant Space, and more. I also curate group art exhibitions, sometimes work as a gift shop assistant, help out at my mum’s party shop, am an aunty to two beautiful nieces, and very recently got engaged!
Tell us about your work in arts?
I’ve always loved drawing and being creative, I just never stop making things. I love keeping myself busy drawing, painting, journaling, and working with other artists. I also co-founded the collective Gems (gemszine.com) which led to my interest in curating and organising art events. Through Gems we have self-published twenty-three zines and put on more than twenty-three art exhibitions/events. Independently I have now curated fourteen group art exhibitions!
What is your favourite thing about being an artist?
It’s really hard to decide on just one thing. Being able to make something out of almost nothing is always very exciting! Creating something and the process of drawing and painting is the actual best, I love sitting and painting and listening to music, it feels really special to have the time to make something using my hands. Another favourite thing about being an artist is definitely being able to meet so many amazing and inspiring creatives and show art alongside them.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?
I recently lived in Footscray and loved it! I love the area and have exhibited many times within the Maribyrnong area. I painted a signal box in Yarraville Square, collaborated with Phoenix Youth Services with Gems, was commissioned by Maribyrnong council to create the Maribyrnong Christmas paste-up trail back in 2021, and am currently the Artist in Residence in the Footscray Artsbox.
What do you like about where you live?
Strong sense of community, a lively local market, creativity is encouraged with arts spaces and incredible murals. Plus a diverse range of people living in the area and in walking distance to PT, shops, good food, bars, and friends!
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Really not much, oh cheaper rent!
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Footscray Park, it’s huge and perfect for a walk, jog, and picnic, I love a good picnic!
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I’m mildly colourblind. I didn’t know until a trip to the Museum with a friend a few years ago, there was a section with optical illusions and there were a couple of colourblind tests, I scoffed to my friend how easy one was and that the second was impossible. She was confused and said they were both easy, we laughed!
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Be gentle with yourself and others. Everyone is doing their own thing, try to do what makes you happy.
