–Tiera Tanner, WDW Radio Team
Epcot’s Odyssey Pavilion holds a transient identity, existing between World Showcase and the former Future World. However, for the 2023 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, this ever-adapting space houses not only the infamous Figment popcorn bucket and other festival treats, but the creative and colorful artwork of WonderGround artists, including the art of Kristin Tercek.
Tercek, a WonderGround artist since 2011, “paints happy.” Shining eyes, vibrant colors, and large smiles are signatures of Tercek’s joyful work.
“All my inspiration comes from whatever makes me happy,” Tercek said. “If it makes me laugh, that’s a bonus.”
Like other Disney artists at this year’s festival, Tercek released several new artworks, including one featuring the popular and loveable character, Groot, from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
“My favorite piece this year is I am Groot,” shared Tercek. “I had so much fun painting those butterflies.”
In this painting, a delightful Groot – in his phase of regenerated youth – enlivens more than a dozen colorful butterflies around him. Centrally composed with a backdrop of a soft pink sky, Groot’s characteristics, such as twisting wooden limbs and cherry face, were masterfully detailed by Tercek, along with each active butterfly wing.
Tercek shared her painting process for this piece, along with her other works, on her Instagram (@cuddlyrigormortis), showcasing tiny brushes and skillful strokes of paint.
“My advice for young artists is to keep creating,” offered Tercek. “If it makes you happy and you can gain an online following, you never know where you’ll end up.”
Tercek’s signing schedule is February 9-13 at the Odyssey Pavilion in Epcot.
