Where Still Life Gets a Little Loud

Three mugs walk into a room. One has tea, two have coffee, and all three have opinions. That’s the spirit behind Teresa Fernandez’s Art Cup piece, Mugs #2 — a vivid acrylic-on-canvas celebration of the everyday objects we gather around, painted with warmth, wit, and a very knowing sense of humour.

“I like to think of many of my art pieces as a gathering of friends, where the still life objects have a life of their own.”

In Teresa’s telling, these three mugs started their evening debating tea packaging colour choices, moved on to admiring each other’s mid-century-chic designs, and finished with jokes about instant coffee and at least one spill. It’s joyful, it’s cheeky, and it’s exactly why she chose it — “The vibrant colours and quirkiness make me happy, and I hope to bring a smile to others too.”

On why the arts matter, Teresa could write paragraphs — and nearly does. Art brings people together, shifts ideas, boosts mood, and fosters community, she says, “all whilst running on the smell of an oily rag”. A creative will always find a way.

Her work hangs in galleries across Perth and beyond – Aspects Kings Park, Gallery Aura, Gallery 360, Found at FAC Fremantle, and more. A new exhibition body of work is in progress. Follow her on Instagram @SophieWombatDesign to be the first to know.