Tessa Hulls, an artist, writer, and adventurer, visited CSU Stanislaus to give a special presentation. She shared her fearless approach to life and art, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended. Hulls’ experiences living off the grid and embarking on solo bike rides across the country have greatly influenced her work, and she shared those stories with the Stan State community.
During her talk, Hulls discussed her new graphic memoir, Feeding Ghosts. It came out six months ago and is about her journey to reconnect with her family’s past. She felt a strong urge to do this after spending years trying to avoid it.
“I felt it was my responsibility to finish the story my grandmother started,” she said.
Hulls said that writing the book was very personal and transformative. It helped her understand the importance of family in a new way.
Living off the grid was tough. Hulls stayed at the Marjorie Davis Boyden Wilderness Writing Residency for six and a half months in a remote cabin without cell service. She had to depend on her skills, like clearing trees that blocked the road.
“It gave me the space and silence to dig deep into the story in ways I’ve never done before,” she said. The deep solitude she experienced played a big role in shaping Feeding Ghosts and gave her a one-of-a-kind outlook on storytelling.
Hulls talked about her book and how her adventurous life influences her work. She has worked as a bartender in Antarctica and painted murals in Ghana. Her life has been full of exploration, always seeking what lies beyond the next horizon.
“I’m always curious to see what’s out there,” she said. Her curiosity drives her creativity and enables her to discover stories in unexpected places. “Being in motion is when I figure out what I’m trying to say,” she added.
Students and faculty were captivated by Hulls’ down-to-earth approach to creativity, especially when she discussed how random skills and experiences had influenced her work.
“I accidentally became a feminist historian while researching female explorers because people told me women couldn’t do certain things,” she said. She found this funny, saying that when she travels, she often goes in new and unexpected directions.
Hulls selects her projects carefully and commits to a single one despite having many interests.
“I like to go all in,” she explained, revealing that her sweet spot for a project is three to nine months. Hulls dedicates herself to her work, whether writing, mural painting, or creating a new graphic novel. She is always learning something new along the way.
During her visit, Hulls also spent time with students and faculty, making her visit even more special. She shared a simple but powerful message with the audience.
“I want people to feel empowered to pursue their paths,” she said, “You don’t have to follow a set mold create in the way that makes sense to you.”
Tessa Hulls’ visit to CSU Stanislaus was very inspiring. She talked about how creativity and adventure go hand in hand, whether through her graphic novel or her stories of solo bike rides and remote residences. Her talk excited everyone to check out her work and consider their journeys.
