ABOUT TESSA SKERMAN

Tessa is a New Zealand artist based in Raglan, known for her unique painting technique, “paint, slice and re-create.”Developed while teaching secondary school Visual Art, this method allows her to slice up and reassemble painted panels, creating dynamic, fragmented compositions that lead the viewer’s eye across the scene. Tessa’s work is defined by its interplay of form, line, angles, and depth, resulting in a signature style she calls “slat painting.” Her constant experimentation over the years has shaped this distinctive approach, blending abstraction with a sense of cohesion and visual harmony.

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ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is an ongoing exploration of fragmentation - how the world around us, though whole, can sometimes feel broken, disjointed, or layered. For many years, I have experimented with painting techniques, driven by a desire to present and translate my views of this fragmented reality into tangible forms. 

The catalyst for this method came unexpectedly when I noticed my husband's bench saw sitting in the garage. The question arose: Why not push the boundaries of composition? Why not slice up the painting into fragments and then reassemble it, creating a new reality? The result is a technique that explores the tension between unity and disintegration, between depth and surface.

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Nature, organic shapes and forms, and the landscapes I encounter in my travels continuously inspire me. I find beauty in the intricate patterns of the world, and at times, I incorporate personal elements such as old travel tickets and maps into my work, using their lines and shapes to guide the composition. These elements not only serve as visual markers but also as remnants of experiences, memories, and stories.

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While my current focus is on my 'slat paintings,' I continue to be drawn to the spontaneity of working on canvas when the urge arises. 

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If you like what you see, please contact me. I also welcome commissions.