Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Teddi. ***********************************************************************

Patti – Hi, Teddi, thanks so much for doing this interview with me.

First of all, share with me a little bit about what it’s like living in Virginia. Were you born there?

Teddi –Yes, I am proud to say that Roanoke has always been home for me, and that I’ve always been fortunate to be surrounded by the great Blue Ridge Mountains.  It’s so nice to wake up every morning  to see and appreciate such beauty.

Patti – What is it like there this time of year? I have always pictured Virginia as a beautiful place in spring.

Teddi – The weather here is awesome right now. I love that I can leave my windows open and get that fresh, warm breeze. But of all the seasons, fall has to be the most amazing time of the year with all the colors of the leaves. I suppose that due to Virginia’s geographic location, we are able to get the pleasure of enjoying all four seasons equally in time.

Patti - Tell me about your family. Are you a married women and if so how long have you been married? Do you have children, grandchildren, or pets?

Teddi –I have been married for the last 13 years to a wonderful man. I have three grown boys and three grandchildren. I’m also a very huge animal lover, and the family also includes four cats and my very special Maltese, Kassi.  Aside from my immediate family, I have three sisters, 11 months apart in age, and all live in the vicinity so we’re able to keep in touch on a daily basis.

Patti – Share with me how you first became interested in creating digital art?

Teddi –This all started with my dog, Kassi. I wanted to document her life in artwork and it just blossomed from there.

Patti – Your art speaks to me, you have a way of expressing your thoughts through your art. I admire that.

How did you learn digital art? Did you teach yourself or did you take art courses or lessons?

Teddi – This is all self- taught for the most part. I started off using PSE and then decided I wanted to do a little more and purchased CS5.

Patti – This piece is amazing. It caught my eye when I read that 23 designers had come together with a kit from Deviant Scrap to create this. Can you share the story of how and why this piece was created?

Teddi –I loved the fact that such wonderful designers all came together to do something for the benefit of others. Patty Anne's husband had cancer and has since passed away; however, this kit was designed by some of the designers at Deviant Scrap for the purpose of providing monetary assistance to Patty Anne and her family during this difficult time. I think it is wonderful to know we can all make a difference in the lives of others by doing something philanthropic.

Patti – I am amazed at your “Warrior Update on Breast Cancer” creations. This is just one of many. Can you share with us your story behind these amazing pieces of art?

Teddi -As some of you may know, I found out that I had breast cancer in October, 2011. I decided that I would not let cancer beat me in any way. When I knew that  I'd eventually  lose my hair, I decided to take control of this event myself, on my terms, and to have all of my scrapbook friends, at the appointed time of my hair shaving,  give cancer the derogatory finger gesture. Because the treatment for breast cancer involves a lot of needles (and I’m utterly terrified of them!), I decided to create a little humor in this by having this admittedly ugly voodoo doll called “Cancer” receive the same jabs with needles when I returned home from therapy.  I hope the “Warrior” art will inspire others in similar situations to fight and not give cancer or any other diseases any advantages. Currently, I am cancer free following  the chemotherapy and surgery, but I still will undergo radiation treatment to kill any stray cancer cells that may have been missed.

Patti – What inspires you to create?

Teddi –I get inspired by all the other amazing digital scrapbook artists’ designs, color integration, and detail. There’s just so much in this media that allows the mind to be totally creative in the work. There are basically no rules involved in this, just the inspiration to want to do something unique.

Patti – What program do you use to create digital art? What are your favorite tools or filters?

Teddi -I use CS5 and I love textures. 

Patti – Have you ever had any of your work published? If so tell me about it.

Teddi –I have not had anything published to date, but I reflect back to when I first began, and I never intended for this to be a means to publication, but rather, self-satisfaction.

Patti – Do you have a favorite artist or someone that inspires your work?

Teddi – very much love the art work of Renoir-- I love that style of art an I get inspired by almost anything.

Patti – Many artists are inspired by music. Do you like music playing when you create? What is your favorite music?

Teddi -I love the oldies--- 50’s, 60’s, and 70's. But, when I create,  I enjoy listening  to T.V. (usually one of those judge shows. LOL).

Patti – What is your favorite color and what do you think this color says about Teddi?

Teddi- My favorite color is turquoise. I think this color is so vibrant and I seem to use it quite a bit in my artwork.

Patti - What is your strongest pet peeve? 

Teddi - I guess my pet peeve would be that everyone could make a positive difference, but for some reason, they aren’t motivated to act. I think people are sometimes lulled into erroneously  believing that they’re deeds don’t or won’t amount to much when, in fact, they very much will.

Patti – Thank you so much Teddi, it has been fun getting to know you. I admire your work and I am sure the Digital Whisper family will be thrilled to know you better too.

Happy Creating !