Mason Terra (American, b. 2001) is an emerging contemporary visual artist who creates oil paintings, drawings, and music. Terra graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2024 with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts - Studio Painting and a minor in Art History. He initially pursued a major in anthropology with aspirations of becoming a paleontologist. However, the pandemic and personal losses led him to find solace in painting, which ultimately shifted his career path towards the fine arts. He created drawings his whole life but it was only until 2020 where he began to hone in on technique and skills. After switching academic concentrations to the arts, that is where he met professor Collin Asmus, chair of the art department at Bridgewater State. Asmus taught Terra how to paint with oils and would soon become Terra’s mentor and guiding him to great opportunities such as grants and travel. 

 

In the summer of 2022, Terra was awarded the Adrian Tinsley Program grant for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work at Bridgewater State. The grant is designed to support and enhance undergraduate research and creative endeavors. The program provides grants to students to pursue independent research or creative projects under the mentorship of faculty members. With this, Terra created a series of nine paintings centered around themes of life, loss, love, and fragility. It was these paintings that allowed Terra to present his work at The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2024 in Long Beach, California.

 

From September to December 2023, Terra studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where he attended classes at the Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA). At SRISA, under the guidance of incredible professors, he learned Renaissance techniques, advanced his drawing skills, and explored various printing techniques. During his stay, he immersed himself in the rich cultural heritage of the city, traveling around and visiting numerous museums. This experience allowed him to see some of the most renowned artworks in the world firsthand. By examining these masterpieces closely, Terra honed his craft, drawing inspiration from the historical and contemporary art scenes that Florence offers. This period not only enriched his artistic skills but also provided a profound understanding of different artistic techniques and styles​.

 

Terra now works out of his home studio where he continues to create his work. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Terra teaches and trains Brazilian jiujitsu at Danny Savery BJJ, combining his passion for art with his dedication to martial arts. While he has plans to attend graduate school to further his education, Terra is currently focused on bolstering his portfolio to ensure a strong application. This strategic pause allows him to refine his skills and expand his body of work, preparing for the next step in his academic and artistic journey