Meet the Illustrator Behind Sanctuary’s New Mascot,
Ms. B. Haven
Q&A with Tēgan Caylee Moeller
Besides here and on our home page (February 2024), where is Ms. B. Haven this month?
The Backstory: The idea was conceived at an editors’ lunch in 2022. We thought it would be fun to include a mascot – a cartoon appearing in surprising places in the magazine, offering tidbits, educational asides, and questions for readers to ponder. Ms. Haven (or Ms. Sanctuary – haven, of course, is synonymous with sanctuary) became Ms. Behaven…and finally Ms. B. Haven. We asked illustrators – both amateur and professional – to submit work for our “Mascot Illustration Contest.”
The Judging Panel: The panel was comprised of nine judges, from both the U.S. and abroad, and included professional artists, entrepreneurs, and women working in PR/marketing. Comments from judges included: strong connection to the environment/nature, busy, independent, unpredictable, mischievous, etc.
The Prompt: Characteristics ~ She is educated, sassy, curious, fun, active, rebellious, independent, savvy, mischievous. General Vibe ~ She is EVERY woman (all races/cultures – nondescript skin color). She is mature and confident. Be creative!
The Judging Panel: The panel was comprised of nine judges, from both the U.S. and abroad, and included professional artists, entrepreneurs, and women working in PR/marketing. Comments from judges included: strong connection to the environment/nature, busy, independent, unpredictable, mischievous, etc.
The Prompt: Characteristics ~ She is educated, sassy, curious, fun, active, rebellious, independent, savvy, mischievous. General Vibe ~ She is EVERY woman (all races/cultures – nondescript skin color). She is mature and confident. Be creative!
Tēgan Caylee Moeller
Photo Courtesy: Tēgan Caylee Moeller |
Tēgan Caylee Moeller resides in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her family.
Tēgan attends University online. She is an avid photographer, seamstress, costume designer and makeup artist. Currently, she works as the Technical Engineer for the YouTube channel Radiant Living: Inspiring Humanity to Thrive. Tēgan has been traveling throughout the United States and Europe to expand her photographic repertoire. A recent pursuit is the exploration of virtual photography, a new media art where photographs are taken of virtual worlds. Tēgan is also planning and designing her very own off-grid, tiny home which she plans to build with her father. In her spare time, she loves to practice archery, Tong Soo Do and yoga. She also enjoys drawing, reading, and cuddling with her animals. She shares her space with her two dogs and two cats. |
Tēgan was asked about her interests in the arts and the inspiration behind her winning submission.
When did you first know that the arts would be a big part of your life?
I believe I knew from a very young age that the arts would always be a big part of my life. When I was a child, my parents exposed me to all forms of art and creativity. We attended theater, art galleries, museums, music festivals, drumming circles, etc. It was just a normal part of my childhood.
Besides illustration, you have a passion for photography. You seem to draw inspiration from nature and wildlife. What draws you to this medium?
I also had the great fortune to be exposed to a wonderful woman in my town known as the town's very own 'Mary Poppins.' When my mother and I would visit her, the world of nature was at my fingertips. This woman believed children should experience the world around them and all that nature offers. There was no watching television when we visited Balbina! We would be immersed in the natural world – learning about different plant species, observing wildlife in their natural habitat, learning about the ecological balance and the importance of conservation.
These experiences sharpened my observation skills, enhanced my creativity, and nurtured a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. Today, photography allows me to carry just a little bit of nature with me wherever I go; it is always by my side even when I am not able to immerse myself.
You’re also interested in costume and makeup design. Please tell us a bit more about your interest and experience in this area.
Since I was homeschooled as a child, I had the opportunity to attend a variety of classes and activities in addition to traditional schoolwork. I attended programs at a center for performing arts where I learned all about costume design and makeup design. I was hooked from there. I asked my parents if I could continue taking classes on these subjects. I would go on to attend a traditional Makeup Design School where I received my MUA degree. I also took online classes in sewing, dress design and costume design. I volunteered at a local playhouse and teaching theater where I could continue to learn from the experts.
Your creative expression is diverse. Is there a woman artist (in any of the aforementioned fields) whose work you admire and take inspiration from?
Oh my gosh! There are so many!
In photography: Bernice Abbott, for her architectural photography; Jaymi Heimbuch, for her wildlife photography; Italian landscape photographer, Isabella Tabacchi; and Canadian landscape photographer, Rachel Jones Ross, to name a few.
I believe the following women painters are masters, or mistresses, if you will: Artemisia Gentileschi, Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, Sofonisba Anguissola, Rosa Bonheur, Angelica Kauffman, Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Evelyn de Morgan, Jane Morris, Elizabeth Siddal.
Clothing and costume designers I admire: Coco Chanel (of course!), Jean Lanvin, Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant, Edith Head, Margaret Furse, Gabriella Pescucci, Milena Canonero and Laura Montgomery.
As you contemplated a mascot for Sanctuary, did you envision a “bee” right away? Many of the judges were impressed by your literal approach to our mascot’s middle initial.
Yes, I immediately envisioned a bee. I knew that for a magazine of this caliber, and its readership, the Mascot had to be both symbolic and multifaceted. It needed to represent every woman – at any stage of life, encompassing every social strata, and comprising varied creative pursuits and healthy lifestyles.
I believe I knew from a very young age that the arts would always be a big part of my life. When I was a child, my parents exposed me to all forms of art and creativity. We attended theater, art galleries, museums, music festivals, drumming circles, etc. It was just a normal part of my childhood.
Besides illustration, you have a passion for photography. You seem to draw inspiration from nature and wildlife. What draws you to this medium?
I also had the great fortune to be exposed to a wonderful woman in my town known as the town's very own 'Mary Poppins.' When my mother and I would visit her, the world of nature was at my fingertips. This woman believed children should experience the world around them and all that nature offers. There was no watching television when we visited Balbina! We would be immersed in the natural world – learning about different plant species, observing wildlife in their natural habitat, learning about the ecological balance and the importance of conservation.
These experiences sharpened my observation skills, enhanced my creativity, and nurtured a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. Today, photography allows me to carry just a little bit of nature with me wherever I go; it is always by my side even when I am not able to immerse myself.
You’re also interested in costume and makeup design. Please tell us a bit more about your interest and experience in this area.
Since I was homeschooled as a child, I had the opportunity to attend a variety of classes and activities in addition to traditional schoolwork. I attended programs at a center for performing arts where I learned all about costume design and makeup design. I was hooked from there. I asked my parents if I could continue taking classes on these subjects. I would go on to attend a traditional Makeup Design School where I received my MUA degree. I also took online classes in sewing, dress design and costume design. I volunteered at a local playhouse and teaching theater where I could continue to learn from the experts.
Your creative expression is diverse. Is there a woman artist (in any of the aforementioned fields) whose work you admire and take inspiration from?
Oh my gosh! There are so many!
In photography: Bernice Abbott, for her architectural photography; Jaymi Heimbuch, for her wildlife photography; Italian landscape photographer, Isabella Tabacchi; and Canadian landscape photographer, Rachel Jones Ross, to name a few.
I believe the following women painters are masters, or mistresses, if you will: Artemisia Gentileschi, Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, Sofonisba Anguissola, Rosa Bonheur, Angelica Kauffman, Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Evelyn de Morgan, Jane Morris, Elizabeth Siddal.
Clothing and costume designers I admire: Coco Chanel (of course!), Jean Lanvin, Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant, Edith Head, Margaret Furse, Gabriella Pescucci, Milena Canonero and Laura Montgomery.
As you contemplated a mascot for Sanctuary, did you envision a “bee” right away? Many of the judges were impressed by your literal approach to our mascot’s middle initial.
Yes, I immediately envisioned a bee. I knew that for a magazine of this caliber, and its readership, the Mascot had to be both symbolic and multifaceted. It needed to represent every woman – at any stage of life, encompassing every social strata, and comprising varied creative pursuits and healthy lifestyles.
How does a bee represent a contemporary woman of any age, race or culture?
The queen bee, the central figure in the hive, serves as a symbol of female leadership and empowerment, reflecting the pivotal roles women play in guiding and shaping communities and societies. Their resilience and hard work in constantly seeking nectar and pollinating plants reflect how women balance multiple roles, from careers to family. In their highly organized, cooperative societies, bees exemplify women's abilities in community building, collaboration, and significant contributions to social structures. From your perspective, how does a bee align with the general profile of a woman who reads Sanctuary? |
"The queen bee, the central figure in the hive, serves as a symbol of female leadership and empowerment, reflecting the pivotal roles women play in guiding and shaping communities and societies." ~ T.C.M. |
Of course, bees are synonymous with nature and the environment as they play a crucial role in it. They make a significant impact on the environment through pollination, playing a critical role in the health of ecosystems. Yet, they represent so much more. The global presence and diversity of bees symbolize the wide range of experiences and perspectives of women of different ages, races, and cultures, highlighting their diverse contributions to our planet.
Similarly, bees' adaptability to different environments mirrors the versatility and agility of women in navigating life stages and societal changes. The nurturing role which bees play in their colonies aligns with the caregiving roles women often hold in families and society. Bees' complex communication methods resonate with women's strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy.
In their remarkable process of building hives, bees create masterpieces of natural art. The intricate structures showcase an incredible level of precision and symmetry.
Finally, bees play a crucial role in supporting our health, primarily through their products like honey, propolis, and royal jelly, each boasting unique health benefits. In essence, the life and function of bees are a microcosmic reflection of the earth's ecological systems, demonstrating the importance of balance, cooperation, and sustainability in maintaining the health of our planet.
What do you appreciate most about our publication?
I believe Sanctuary magazine provides us with the opportunity to become a part of the world of contemporary art and healthy lifestyles. It opens a door that many of us might otherwise never have the chance to walk through. I particularly appreciate the annual Focus on Youth issue when Sanctuary provides opportunities for young, up-and-coming artists, working in all mediums, especially female artists. I find that it empowers young women to find their voices and learn how to use them. Sanctuary also provides the opportunity, skills and support to let those voices be heard.
Similarly, bees' adaptability to different environments mirrors the versatility and agility of women in navigating life stages and societal changes. The nurturing role which bees play in their colonies aligns with the caregiving roles women often hold in families and society. Bees' complex communication methods resonate with women's strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy.
In their remarkable process of building hives, bees create masterpieces of natural art. The intricate structures showcase an incredible level of precision and symmetry.
Finally, bees play a crucial role in supporting our health, primarily through their products like honey, propolis, and royal jelly, each boasting unique health benefits. In essence, the life and function of bees are a microcosmic reflection of the earth's ecological systems, demonstrating the importance of balance, cooperation, and sustainability in maintaining the health of our planet.
What do you appreciate most about our publication?
I believe Sanctuary magazine provides us with the opportunity to become a part of the world of contemporary art and healthy lifestyles. It opens a door that many of us might otherwise never have the chance to walk through. I particularly appreciate the annual Focus on Youth issue when Sanctuary provides opportunities for young, up-and-coming artists, working in all mediums, especially female artists. I find that it empowers young women to find their voices and learn how to use them. Sanctuary also provides the opportunity, skills and support to let those voices be heard.