A Journey Fueled by Curiosity
Nathan Terborg’s approach to art is deeply rooted in an insatiable curiosity—a driving force that propels his creative process and defines his work. For Terborg, curiosity is not just a passing interest but the very essence of his artistic journey. This endless pursuit of questions, mysteries, and untold stories shapes how he views the world and, in turn, his art. He sees potential in everything around him, believing that any object capable of making a mark can serve as a tool, and any surface that holds a mark can be transformed into a canvas. This mindset allows Terborg to explore the overlooked and the discarded, finding beauty and narrative in places others might ignore.
This curiosity-driven exploration is evident in the materials Terborg chooses to work with—items that have been discarded, neglected, or forgotten. To him, these materials are not just physical objects but carriers of history, each with its own unique story to tell. By repurposing these materials, Terborg breathes new life into them, uncovering hidden narratives that speak to the beauty found in imperfection and experience. This process is more than just recycling; it’s a deliberate act of salvaging and reinterpreting the past, a way to give voice to the silent and unseen.
Terborg’s fascination with the past and his relentless curiosity converge in his studio practice, where he immerses himself in a hands-on, process-oriented approach to art-making. His studio is a space of exploration, where materials are dissected, manipulated, and reassembled in a quest to reveal their inner truths. This process is as much about discovery as it is about creation, with each step bringing Terborg closer to understanding the hidden stories embedded within the materials he works with.
Nathan Terborg: The Power of Repurposed Materials
In Terborg’s artistic vision, materials that have lived a previous life hold a unique and compelling power. He is drawn to these objects precisely because of the histories they carry—histories marked by scars, wear, and the passage of time. Each material, whether it be a piece of wood, metal, or fabric, embodies a story that is etched into its very surface. For Terborg, these marks are not imperfections to be hidden but rather elements to be celebrated and highlighted in his work.
Terborg’s process of repurposing materials often begins with scavenging—searching for objects that others might overlook or discard. Whether he finds these materials through traditional means or by diving into dumpsters, Terborg approaches each object with a sense of reverence and respect for its past. He sees beauty in the scars and marks that others might consider flaws, understanding that these imperfections are what give the material its unique character and voice.
The transformation that occurs in Terborg’s studio is both physical and symbolic. By breaking down these materials and reassembling them into new forms, he gives them a second life, one that is infused with new meaning and purpose. This act of repurposing is not just about creating art; it’s about recognizing the inherent value in what might otherwise be dismissed as waste and understanding that every object, no matter how humble, has the potential to tell a powerful story.
The Duality of Destruction and Discovery
Terborg’s artistic process is characterized by a delicate balance between destruction and discovery, a duality that is central to his work. On the one hand, there is the act of destruction—breaking down materials, exposing their rawness, and revealing the inner layers that lie beneath the surface. This process is both physical and metaphorical, as Terborg tears away at the outer layers of his materials to uncover the hidden truths within.
However, this destruction is not an end in itself but a means to an end—a way to discover something new and unexpected. Through this process, Terborg uncovers beauty in places where others might see only decay or ruin. The marks left by time, use, and exposure become the visual language of his work, telling stories of resilience, endurance, and transformation. These scars, burns, and tears are not mere accidents but intentional elements that speak to the journey each material has undergone.
This duality is reflected in the finished pieces that Terborg creates—works that are both raw and refined, both fragile and resilient. His art captures the tension between what has been lost and what has been found, inviting viewers to consider the beauty that can arise from destruction and the potential for discovery that lies within every act of creation. Terborg’s work challenges traditional notions of beauty and perfection, offering instead a vision that celebrates imperfection and the power of transformation.
Nathan Terborg: Art as a Reflection of Personal Journey
Terborg’s art is deeply intertwined with his personal experiences, particularly his journey through addiction and recovery. These experiences have profoundly shaped his creative philosophy, infusing his work with a raw honesty and emotional depth that resonates with viewers. For Terborg, art is not just a form of expression but a means of processing and transforming the scars—both physical and emotional—that have marked his life.
The themes of loss and recovery are central to Terborg’s work, influencing both the content and the process of his art-making. After losing his sister and father, Terborg was compelled to return to art after a two-decade hiatus, driven by a need to create and make sense of his grief. This return to art was not just a therapeutic act but a life-altering decision that set him on a new path, one that he has pursued with unwavering dedication and passion.
Terborg’s artistic journey has been intense and transformative, marked by rapid evolution and growth. His work has resonated with audiences, leading to solo exhibitions and a growing recognition within the art community. Through his art, Terborg invites others to confront their own scars and to see them not as flaws but as powerful parts of their story. His work is a testament to the idea that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and that every mark, every scar, tells a story worth sharing.
