Tetiana Ridosh

Year of birth: 1992.
Where do you live: Mooresvile, NC.
Your education: Marketing in Kiev, Ukraine.
Describe your art in three words: Textured, expressive, healing.
Your discipline: Mixed-media, tactile, abstract.
Website | Instagram

Our journey into textured art began as a personal hobby and evolved into a career. Can you share how this transition happened?

My journey into textured art began as a personal exploration, something I turned to as a form of therapy after the loss of my mother. During that time, I found comfort in the physicality of art, especially with materials like modeling paste and textured paste. These textures allowed me to express emotions that were hard to put into words. Over time, I realized that what started as a personal outlet had developed into a deep passion. The process of creating these layered, tactile artworks became a way for me to connect with the world and share something meaningful. Eventually, I began showcasing my art publicly, and the positive feedback encouraged me to take it further, transitioning from a hobby to a full-time career. Now, I’m able to use my art to bring beauty to others, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see how textured art resonates with people.

Tetiana Ridosh | Layers of Time | 2024

Could you explain the process behind creating your unique textured paste? What inspired you to develop your own materials?

Creating my unique textured paste was a natural progression in my artistic journey. When I first started experimenting with textured art, I found that many commercially available pastes didn’t provide the exact texture or flexibility I needed to bring my visions to life. I wanted a material that would allow me to create a wide range of textures, from delicate patterns to bold, expressive surfaces, without compromising on quality.

This desire led me to develop my own textured paste. The process involves blending various materials to achieve the right consistency and texture, allowing me to manipulate it with precision. I focus on achieving a balance of durability and workability, ensuring the paste can hold intricate details and textures while remaining versatile for different techniques.

The inspiration behind this development came from my need for a more personal connection to the materials I used. By crafting my own paste, I feel more in control of the creative process and can experiment with new textures that reflect my unique artistic style. It also allows me to push boundaries in my art, giving me the freedom to create pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.

How do you feel your Therapy Box has impacted people’s lives? Are there any memorable stories or feedback from those who’ve used it?

The Therapy Box has had a profound impact on many people, and I’m humbled to hear such moving feedback. One of the most meaningful experiences came from veterans at a facility in Colorado Springs, where they care for military veterans with serious health conditions like Parkinson’s disease, dementia, diabetes, and inclusion body myositis. Many of these veterans have shared how the Therapy Box helped them emotionally, providing a space where they could forget about their illnesses, even if just for a moment, and truly immerse themselves in their inner world. It was incredibly rewarding to hear how the box brought them peace and a sense of calm in such challenging times.

Another inspiring story came from a woman who watched my videos and took a small course I offered. She was so inspired by the process of creating textured art that she began painting and eventually sold her works for $750 each. This success gave her the confidence to leave her job and pursue a full-time career as an artist. It’s incredible to see how the Therapy Box and the resources I’ve shared have helped people transform their lives and pursue their passions. These stories fuel my passion for art and remind me of the power it holds to change lives.

Tetiana Ridosh | CupCake

After experiencing the loss of your mother, art became a form of therapy for you. How do you channel such personal emotions into your work?

After losing my mother, art became my way of processing and navigating the complex emotions that came with that grief. It was a deeply personal experience, and I knew I needed to find a way to express the sadness, pain, and even moments of clarity that I was feeling. I turned to textured art because of its ability to embody those emotions in a physical way. The process of layering paste and creating textures allowed me to pour my feelings into something tangible, something I could touch and shape.

When I work, I don’t think too much about the final outcome at first. Instead, I focus on the sensations and emotions that arise as I move through the materials. The textures I create are often a direct reflection of how I’m feeling—sometimes rough and chaotic, other times smooth and calming. Art gave me a space where I could embrace those raw feelings without the need for words. It allowed me to honor my mother’s memory and express things I might not have been able to articulate otherwise.

For me, the most important part of the process is being in the moment and allowing myself to feel what I need to feel, knowing that the art will evolve as I do. It’s a journey that’s been incredibly healing, and over time, I’ve learned to channel that raw emotion into pieces that carry not only my own story but also the potential to touch others who may be experiencing their own grief or struggles.

Your work combines modern techniques with natural textures. What role does nature play in your creative process?

Nature plays a vital role in my creative process, and I find its influence woven throughout every piece I create. The textures, colors, and rhythms of nature inspire me to bring a sense of organic movement and depth into my work. I often look to the natural world—whether it’s the rough texture of tree bark, the smoothness of a river stone, or the delicate layers of a flower petal—as a way to connect with something universal. These elements remind me of the constant changes and cycles in life, something that deeply resonates with me as an artist.

In my work, I use these natural textures as both inspiration and as a grounding force. The modeling paste and textured paste I create often mimic the rawness and authenticity of nature, capturing the beauty found in both the harshness and softness of the environment. I blend modern techniques and materials with these natural influences, ensuring that the art feels grounded in something real and tactile, just like the world around us.

Nature’s rhythms also influence the way I approach a piece. The way the light hits a landscape or how the weather shifts can guide how I layer or manipulate materials, reflecting the impermanence and beauty of the world. I see each creation as a small tribute to nature’s ability to inspire and transform, just as art has the power to do for the viewer.

Tetiana Ridosh | Bound by Contrast

Social media has played a significant role in your artistic growth. How do you decide what to share with your audience?

Social media has indeed played a significant role in my artistic growth, not only by helping me connect with a wider audience but also by providing a space for me to share my journey and creative process. Deciding what to share with my audience is always a balance between authenticity and inspiration. I want to give people an honest look into my work and how it evolves, but I also want to inspire them to explore their own creativity.

When choosing what to post, I focus on moments that resonate with me—whether it’s a breakthrough in technique, an emotional milestone, or a work that feels particularly meaningful. I also share insights into the materials and processes I use, as I believe this helps demystify the art-making journey for others. I try to give followers a behind-the-scenes look at how I create, not just the finished pieces, but the layers, textures, and emotions that go into each work.

I also like to share personal stories or moments that have shaped my creative path, like the loss of my mother or how art has helped me heal. I believe these authentic glimpses into my life and my struggles make my art more relatable, and I’ve found that this openness often encourages others to share their own stories or get involved in creative pursuits.

Ultimately, what I choose to share is driven by a desire to foster connection—to create a space where others feel inspired to explore their own creativity, heal through art, or find comfort in shared experiences. Social media allows me to build this community, and I take care to create content that feels genuine and purposeful, both for me and my followers.

What advice would you give to someone starting their journey with textured art as a form of healing?

If you’re just starting your journey with textured art as a form of healing, my advice would be to approach the process with patience, openness, and self-compassion. Art, especially textured art, is an incredibly powerful tool for emotional expression, but it requires a willingness to connect with your emotions and allow them to guide you.

Let go of expectations: Don’t worry about creating something “perfect” or “finished” right away. The beauty of textured art is in the journey of creating it. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment, play with textures, and see where the materials take you. Some of the most profound discoveries in art come from letting go of the need for control.

Use your emotions as a guide: Texture can be a direct reflection of how you’re feeling. If you’re angry or sad, you might find yourself creating rough, bold textures. If you’re seeking peace, you might work with smoother, more flowing patterns. Don’t shy away from the emotions that come up—embrace them and let them be a part of your work.

Be gentle with yourself: Healing through art isn’t about rushing or forcing an outcome. It’s about being kind to yourself as you explore, grow, and release emotions. Remember, it’s okay if the process feels messy or overwhelming at times. Art is meant to be a space for you to process, not just a finished product.

Find joy in the process: While art can be a form of healing, it can also be a source of joy and personal fulfillment. Celebrate small victories, whether it’s discovering a new texture, finishing a piece, or simply feeling a sense of peace while creating. Let the process itself become part of your healing journey.

Keep going: Healing takes time, and your art may evolve alongside your personal growth. There will be days when it’s easier to create and others when it feels more difficult. Trust that each step, no matter how small, is part of your path. Be patient with yourself, and don’t give up.

Above all, remember that art is a personal journey. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it, just your way. Allow it to be a safe space for self-expression, and over time, you’ll discover how it can help you heal, grow, and connect with yourself in a deeper way.