Blog - Léonella

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Artist Spotlight: Teaerrr

ART OCT 19, 2025

🕒 6 min read

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As part of my journey of growth and creative exploration, I'm excited to spotlight artists from all disciplines (painters, dancers, musicians, etc) whose work inspires reflection, transformation, and new perspectives.

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Teairra Humphries (Teaerrr) is a Baltimore-based artist who’s been creating for as long as she can remember. She likes to say she’s been painting since she could talk. Working mainly with acrylics, she uses bold color and emotion to bring her thoughts and spirit to life on canvas.

Her art is deeply connected to her spiritual practice, often inspired by moments of reflection, healing, and intuition. Each piece feels like a conversation between her soul and the world around her. Through her work, Teaerrr hopes to spark that same sense of connection and inner peace in others.

I have included my Q&A with Teaerrr (her words, in her own voice) below in addition to a glimpse of her artwork.

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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in art?

I started creating art at a very young age, my first memory is sitting in my grandmother’s bedroom with paper, scissors, and pencils, making a cool little Afro girl. I cut her out and proudly showed everyone, and they loved it.

I also remember a school project in kindergarten or first grade where we had to create a jungle animal, and I made a tiger. My teacher was amazed by my work, and that moment made me fall even more in love with creating. Art came naturally to me, and I’ve been making things ever since, I’d say I’ve been creating since I was about five-six years old.

When do you think is the first moment you considered yourself an artist or creative?

I first considered myself as an artist when I was in high school. I had this urge to create and this resulted in creating custom pieces for my peers, and taking commissioned paintings for friends and family.

How do you think your artistic style has evolved over time?

My artistic style has evolved through every stage of my life, but it transformed the most after a spiritual breakthrough that came with motherhood and stepping fully into womanhood. I began to see the world differently and that shift naturally began to flow through my art.

What inspires your creative process?

My creative process is inspired by Black culture and the spiritual beliefs that shape my life. Becoming a mother changed how I see the world and made me more protective of my son. That mix of love, strength, and faith shows up in everything I create.

What does your day or week as an artist usually consist of, whether you are part-time or full-time ? Walk me through it.

My art practice is part-time since I balance being a visual arts educator and a mother. I don’t always have as much time to create as I’d like, but as my son grows, I see his own love for art emerging.

We’ve started creating together, which gives me more space to make art while sharing something special with him. Most of my creative time happens on weekends or late at night when the house is quiet.

How has your upbringing shaped your confidence in pursuing your vision as an artist?

I’ve always had a lot of support for my art growing up. My dad was an artist too, so in many ways, my creativity came from him. My mom saw my artistic talent early on and would even host little galleries in our home so people could see and buy my work.

Both of my parents encouraged me by celebrating my art, buying my pieces, and sharing them with others. Their love and belief in my talent made me feel like being an artist was something I was meant to do.

Is there a particular project or piece of work that you are especially proud of? What makes it stand out for you?

My most proud piece is a painting called “MOTHER”. It shows a woman breastfeeding her child while holding a rifle, painted in a Renaissance-inspired style. I created it as a new mom, right after coming out of those early newborn trenches and trying to reconnect with myself.

The piece represents both the softness and the strength of motherhood, my deep love for my son and the fierce instinct to protect him. It was the first time I truly saw my new identity as a mother reflected in my art.

You founded the House Art Collective in 2023, and it’s grown immensely with incredible support and a strong community, including myself. What inspired you to create something so beautiful?

I created House Art Collective because of my love for community and my passion for helping other artists shine. As someone who once struggled to put myself out there, I wanted to build a space for creatives who felt the same way, talented, but unsure of how to be seen.

There are so many incredible artists who deserve recognition and support. Through the collective, I also hope to inspire children to see art as a real and powerful path. With community behind them, becoming an artist isn’t just a dream it’s possible.

What advice would you give to an emerging artist that is trying to market themselves?

My advice to emerging artists is simple: stop comparing yourself to others and just get out there! Comparison can hold you back more than anything else. Your gift is unique, and the world needs to see it. Trust your vision, create from the heart, and remember that what you have is something truly beautiful.

How has social media helped expand the reach of your art?

Social media has had a huge impact on my motivation to create. I used to be my own biggest critic, afraid to share my work with the world. But once I started posting, I saw people genuinely appreciating my art and watching my skills grow.

It’s been incredible to hear from others who say I’ve inspired them in their own creative journeys. Seeing that connection and support has pushed me to keep creating and sharing my vision.

What’s a song you’re currently listening to on repeat, and why?

The song I’ve been listening to on repeat lately is Cleo Sol's, “Know That You Are Loved”. Right now, it speaks to where I am in life reminding me that I am loved, not alone, and protected. I’m in a season of transition, stepping fully into my life as a single mom, and embracing my purpose.

My energy is peaceful, joyful, and full of excitement, and this song helps me stay grounded in that space. Whenever I feel a little low, it reminds me of how far I’ve come, my talents, and the ways I’ve touched and supported others through my art and my heart. It’s a gentle affirmation of my growth, my creativity, and my impact.

To learn more about Teaerrr’s journey and her original art, be sure to connect with her on instagram (@teaerrr) and the House Art Collective (@housecoll). Be on the lookout for her next project and any events hosted by her and members of the House Art Collective!

I first met Teaerrr last year at an event hosted by the House Art Collective. Teaerrr encouraged me to apply. Thanks to her, I joined the collective and began stepping more fully into my power as an artist.

That moment truly changed my life. Without that event, this website would not have made it to the finish line. Teaerrr will always have a special place in my heart for taking a chance on me and many others. I’m proud to spotlight such a talented and inspiring individual!

*If you're an artist (of any discipline) interested in being featured in this spotlight series, please send an email to inquiries@leonella97.com.

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