This will be a series of artist spotlights, showing the work and giving a little inside look into the artists who create it. The first spotlight is on lifelong Gloucester artist, Theresa Testaverde.
Theresa’s art is often a collage of whatever stirs her as interesting and challenging. Some of her work is inspired by loved ones, family and friends.
Theresa is a native of Gloucester, has been drawing since the age of 5, has a BFA with her principle focus in Printmaking, and has worked in the commercial field of Specialty Printing since college.
She is the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Gloucester fishermen. Her maternal grandfather, Joaquin Codinha, was deeply involved in the business side of the Fishing industry. Her paternal grandfather, R. Salve Testaverde wrote, “Memoirs of a Gloucester Fisherman.” And Theresa’s great-grandfather (her mother’s grandfather) was Antonio Santos Cortina, who while on a fishing trip on the Laura Goulart, was lost at sea in 1924. “Passionate followers of the heart; fishers of the sea.”
On Fisherman’s Wharf, her family’s FV, the Linda B, would have schools of fish hauled up in a net and loaded on trucks for market. Her most recent drawings, “Fish Faces, A Series of Drawings’ is dedicated to her young years of growing up – “we had all the fish and more!”
In addition, Theresa’s artwork for her “Daily Fish” Coasters is a salute to the life of a fisherman. “I recognize that a fisherman’s life is a noble and valued life, a dangerous life which requires dedication, heart, strength, intense work during stormy days and an immense respect of the sea from which he earns his daily bread.”
All of this was a way of life for Theresa growing up. In her words, “I embrace all of them, their memory, their stories. The women and men from which I am part. I could not create any of my artwork without these reflections. This life had heart, purpose, was hard working, honest, diligent and had love. To remember us young is to examine the heart of family, in our little town, Gloucester. My family members required the sea to maintain their everyday needs. This “fish” artwork is for them.”
You can see more of Theresa’s work at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, East Gloucester during the Rocky Neck Holiday Art & Fine Crafts Festival Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-4 PM, November 30 – December 29.
E.J. Lefavour
Good Morning Gloucester 
Excellent,well written article, E.J..
LikeLike
Actually, I can’t take much credit for it. It is Theresa’s story as she told me, which I just edited and made 2nd person.
LikeLike
Spotlighting artists, a great idea! Off to a great start!
LikeLike
Yes, I agree, Theresa was a great start for the series.
LikeLike
Ah yes ~ a good gloucester story ~ the painting tells the story as well! Very nice ~ I look forward to your series ~
LikeLike
Very nice art here and coasters that tell a story and the art work is excellent. 🙂
LikeLike
And what a way to remember them and how they continue to give today 🙂
LikeLike
Very interesting article. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
My niece Theresa has always been a loving talented person and her art comes through by strong memories of a life style our family has developed in Gloucester’s Fishing Heritage.
LikeLike
E.J., great article and format to highlight our talented people around us that some of us don’t get see in our corner of the World.
LikeLike
Thanks Joe, I don’t know where your corner of the world is, but I assume it is somewhere in Gloucester. I really hope you’ll come over for the preview party for the Rocky Neck Holiday Art & Crafts festival or some time during the festival, to see Theresa’s work and support her with your presence. We’d love to have you come.
LikeLike
Hi EJ..great article…it speaks directly to who my sister Theresa is. I have always been in awe of artwork, and know it is her heart, and love of our family that is the driving factor in her work. I hope everyone out there gets a chance to know her work as we do. So proud of my big sister, always have been.
LikeLike
Love the idea of spotlighting artists and I love Theresa’s story and work. Keep up the support for artists, Ejay!
LikeLike
I LOVE THIS! What a terrific idea and so interesting. I’d really enjoy knowing more about all of the talented artists on Cape Ann. Great post E.J.!
LikeLike
Glad you are enjoying it Deb. There will be a different artist spotlight every day, so look for them.
LikeLike
I am a big fan of Theresa’s work. I love it!
LikeLike
Then I’m sure she’ll be looking forward to seeing you at the Rocky Neck Holiday Art & Crafts Festival. The Preview Party on 11/29 would be a great time to come see her and her work, as well as all other great artists and artisans who will be participating, and have fun!
LikeLike