Artists Bio:
Originally from a small town in northeast Indiana, Teddy Dean Lepley III is a printmaker and book artist currently based in the Big City (Milwaukee, WI). They earned their MFA in Printmaking and Bookmaking from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2023, following a BFA in Drawing and Printmaking from Ball State University in 2019. Teddy now works as the full-time Printmaking Lab Technician at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and enjoys adjunct teaching when possible. Outside their day job they are a resident artist at the House of RAD. Additionally Teddy serves on the board of Anchor Press, Paper & Print, Milwaukee's own community print shop located at the House of RAD.
Teddy’s work is autobiographical, exploring their relationships with people, places, and objects through the lens of their queer identity. Their artistic practice reflects their journey of 'becoming' queer, drawing from personal experiences of shame, joy, and self-acceptance. In their woodcut, “Getting Ready,” Teddy captures a selfie of the outfit they've chosen for a night out, navigating their self-expression amidst the private space of their apartment and the virtual realm of the mirror. This process allows them to experiment with clothes, makeup, and accessories, embracing the playful, messy journey of self-discovery.
Through their art, Teddy seeks to find meaning and purpose in everyday life, distinguishing between societal expectations and their own unique identity. By focusing on small, often overlooked moments, they create work that is funny, real, and relatable. Teddy works primarily in drawing, printmaking, and book arts, appreciating the immediacy and accessibility of these mediums. Printmaking, in particular, enables the sharing of artworks through editions, allowing a wider audience to engage with their work. Meanwhile, books serve as intimate objects that invite personal interaction, allowing for a deeper connection between the artist, the work, and the viewer.