Terris studied and practiced the art of Tibetan Thangka painting in Nepal from 1966 to 1975 with various Tibetan Masters beginning in 1966 with the State Artist of Tibet, the late Jampa Tseden. During the next 10 years he studied with other teachers of various lineages.

While Terris was studying during this early period in Nepal he met his root guru, Rigpe Dorje, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.
On a visit to Maui Hawaii in 1976, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, a famous bird lover, as well as the supreme head of the thousand year Karma Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism, inspired Terris to begin bird and flower painting.

Terris has taught traditional Tibetan art at the Naropa Institute in Colorado and across Hawaii since 1974. In 2003 he began teaching for KTC Phoenix Az.

Presently with his family they reside in Thailand and are working in Tibet.

The materials he uses are solely mineral colors and botanical dyes mixed with skin glue as a binder, painted on sheer silk, or cotton depending on the patrons preferences.

"I have been creating art since 1966. My paintings of birds and flowers allow me to relax and be more spontaneous, whereas the Tibetan Buddhist images demand greater concentration while conforming to the sacred geometry defined by tradition. Both of these experiences give me a sense of completeness and joy.

The mineral pigments combine beautiful, bright subtle colors with a positive healing influences many of the same colors are used in traditional oriental medicine. The sheer silk he uses is so light and delicate it is like painting on air. What could be better for painting birds?

All these elements come together giving me a centeral vision and the ability to create images that can bring joy and peace to the viewer as well as his own personal satifaction."

Terris along with his wife Leslie, have been involved in major art projects in Tibet for the past 13 years .

To view recent works in private collections, click here.