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Art as Story, Story as Art
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/08 - August | Photograph By: Byron Tenesaca
Byron Tenesaca, The Bascom’s current Artist-in-Residence, has one foot in Equador and the other happily planted in Highlands.
In 2005 his mom moved the family to the States, away from an unstable political environment. Starting middle school as a non-English speaker was difficult enough, but Byron became a target of bullies.
What’s a kid to do when he’s trying to get a foothold on two continents? If you are as talented as Byron and have a forgiving nature, you’ll use your insatiable curiosity and your impeccable photographic skills to turn challenges into exceptional works of art.
By the time Byron finished secondary school, he’d perfected his English, bested the bullies with kindness, and graduated with a 4.0. Attending Western Carolina University on scholarship, he graduated with a B.F.A. in painting and photography and a B.A. in Spanish.
He spent most of his youth under the care of his grandmother, a fine basket maker.
“Our grandmother taught us a story every night,” Byron says. “It contained a moral or lesson and left us thinking.”
By her model, Byron often approaches his artwork as storytelling.
You may have spotted Byron on Main Street, camera in hand, engaging people in conversation, and shooting a photo that tells a little story about each subject. He’d love to capture everyone in town and post their portraits on his website, Chulla-Vida.com.
Call The Bascom, (828) 526-4949 or go to thebacom.org for more information about Byron and the Artist-in-Residence program.
