Meet: Theresa Flaherty
THERESA FLAHERTY is a NYC-based illustrator and visual artist, focusing on children’s books. (www.theresaflaherty.com / @theresaflaherty.art on instagram)
Catholic Artist Connection (CAC): What brought you to NYC, and where did you come from?
Theresa Flaherty (TF): New York City has always been my home. I grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, and now I live in the Bronx.
CAC: How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?
TF: Most of my work is not overtly religious, but I offer it to God as I make it. I think as a Catholic, I’ve been able to retain my sense of childlike wonder, and my vocation as an artist is to share that wonder with the world.
CAC: Do you participate in any church groups you would recommend to others?
TF: Those can be hard to find! I’m lucky to be involved with the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal in Harlem. I volunteer at their soup kitchen and youth programs pretty regularly. They’ve helped my spiritual life in countless ways- knowing them has changed me for the better.
CAC: Where do you go to get inspired?
TF: For inspiration, I take really long walks. The people, animals, and buildings I pass spark my imagination. NYC has some beautiful parks, especially in Queens and the Bronx. There is something magical about being surrounded by trees.
CAC: How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist living in NYC?
TF: I’ve been part of several artist groups over the years, I think you have to keep trying out different communities until you find what works for you. Right now I’m part of a writers’ and illustrators’ group called Inklings New York. We meet monthly and share about our personal projects.
CAC: What is your daily spiritual practice? How did you find your spiritual director?
TF: My daily spiritual practice starts with morning prayer, and ends with a short meditation on part of the Gospel at night. In between, I try to treat my painting as a prayer, make time for silence, and sometimes go to evening Mass. I was able to get a spiritual director by taking part in a discernment program called Samuel Group (I highly recommend it!)
CAC: What is your daily artistic practice?
TF: My daily art practice starts with coffee, and a list of the things I need to complete. Then I prioritize, and get to work! Drawing something every day is important, even when there are other tasks to do. Since I work from home, it helps to post regularly online, to give myself some accountability.
CAC: You actually live in NYC? How!?
TF: I’ve been lucky enough to live with my twin sister, who’s really generous and supportive of me as I pursue my dream. I recommend living at the far ends of the outer boroughs- your commute may be long, but the rent is more reasonable.
CAC: But seriously, how do you make a living in NYC?
TF: I work as an illustrator on a freelance basis. Often I have to take on other jobs too though- I’ve been a tutor, and a teacher assistant and a barista. Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Catholic Illustrators Guild are good resources for finding work and developing your portfolio.
CAC: What other practical resources would you recommend to a Catholic artist living in NYC?
TF: Books of Wonder on 18th street is an amazing children’s book store.
CAC: What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists moving to NYC?
TF: 1. Live simply. (You’ll probably have to anyway. Why not use it to practice detachment and grow closer to God?)
2. Get an IDNYC or library card asap. You can use them to get free admission at a lot of museums.
3. Venture beyond Manhattan. You’ll find a lot of truth, goodness, and beauty.
