Beyond Painting

Born in Lancashire in 1976 Tessa Houghton uses oils to create dreamlike ethereal landscapes that are infused with light, texture, and infinite possibilities. Inspired by nature with its inherent symbolism and contrasts, the paintings attempt to explore themes of fragility and strength, transience and endurance, death and renewal. Often the work pays homage to childhood and family and explores the strong emotional attachments we have with particular places and the memories that go with them. She says of her work, 'I'm particularly drawn to liminal spaces, where water meets land or land meets sky. These in- between areas are full of mystery and possibility, which is something I try to evoke in my work. The way light interacts with water, creating reflections and constantly shifting, is a recurring theme for me. I see the paintings as explorations into atmosphere, memory and emotion.' Since receiving a BA(hons) in Fine Art from Liverpool John Moores University in 1998 Tessa's work has been exhibited and collected extensively throughout the UK and internationally including places such as Barcelona, New York, LA, Hong Kong, and Singapore.