Cup of Flowers by Terry Cannon

Medium: Acrylic and epoxy on wood with wood frame
Dimensions: 39x33
 
About Terry Cannon:
Life finally makes sense to Tennessee folk artist, Terry Cannon, but it took a lot of work to get there. "I thought I would finally feel good about myself when someone discovered my talent. But I had it backwards, it was the process that raised my self-esteem to new heights."
 
As a child, art was a passion for Terry and he spent hours in his room drawing and painting. But as a teenager, he began to compare his work to other artists and told himself that he was wasting time painting and drawing, so "I just quit."
 
Over the next decade, Terry abused drugs and alcohol and lived on the streets. Contemplating suicide, he realized "my life is not supposed to be over at 28." With the help of family, he entered an addiction treatment center.
 
Having successfully completed the treatment program, Terry explains that he "finally woke up and started taking his own advice. He started painting furniture and people loved it." He soon began to carve whimsical sculptures. His non-academic style came to him easily and he loved it!
 
"...I am merely the vessel...the colors, textures, and images in my work are a constant source of surprise and wonder to me. The statement I wish to convey through my art is that life is a magnificent gift and I am very grateful to be a participant."