February 2014
My Turn
Mary Theresa Dietz
PictureMary Theresa Dietz

Mary Theresa Dietz (aka Teri) is a well-known Tucson artist known for her paintings and sculptures. She primarily portrays animals in her work.

Teri Dietz is also an art teacher. She teaches classes at both Womankraft School of the Arts in Tucson and in her Tucson studio.

You can see more of her work at   http://mtdietz.webs.com/
PictureMTDietz_Cat Fish_


I started my art career doing clay sculpture. That was back in the 70s. I wanted to learn to paint, which I did, but never lost my love of sculpture. Today I do sculpture in papier-mâché pulp which I paint in either enamel, acrylic, oil stick, or encaustic paint. I find papier-mâché very versatile. I don't have to worry about firing it and because it is so light, I can make large pieces.

PictureMT Dietz_Felicity Mask_
 
I started out using Celluclay. It was very difficult to model and dried very slowly,  but was very strong and light. Then I discovered Sculptamold which was still hard to model, but I could sand, drill, and carve it until it looked like I wanted. It also dried really fast. Then there was Paperclay which was very easy to model, but projections broke off easily. Now I use a new product called Skratch. It is relatively easy to model, doesn't dry too fast, and is very strong. I sand, drill, and carve it, then paint it.

(click on images to enlarge)
PictureMTDietz_Council Member_


 I have discovered that encaustic (hot wax paint) is the perfect paint for sculpture. It isn't too glossy, but not flat either, is very durable, and has the perfect texture. I make masks for wearing in the All Soul's Procession each year. The latest ones are made from Skratch. In the near future, Id like to do faux taxidermy which would be similar to my masks, but would go on the wall like a faux hunting trophy.