Carolyn has practised art in many forms over the last 30 years whilst teaching in schools, the community and universities in Western Australia, New South Wales and the United States. Dance and performance formed the basis of many of her arts projects, where she collaborated with artists and musicians, youth and educators. In 2006 Carolyn began drawing and painting to maintain her creative arts process and her passion. Her work features in exhibitions and private collections in Australia, the U.S.A and Canada and has been shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Perth, the Central Coast N.S.W. Melbourne, and throughout Western Australia. She moved to the Central Coast in June 2014.
Carolyn’s loves to explore arts media and her open ended approach led her to experiment with digital techniques that have taken her to new and interesting ground. She now photographs her sketches and painted works that are layered and subtly reformed in computer programs to become new works. These are inspired by many varied locations on and around Lake Tuggerah and the Central Coast. Motivated by the process of painting and mixed media techniques, they remain abstract in nature integrating colour, line and texture to reflect the lake’s natural environment and its many moods. By using the camera and screen to capture new ways of seeing what’s around me, I make statements about the need to conserve and protect the lakes and their surrounds. My paintings and digital work is inspired by contrasts in light, energy, weather patterns, colour and reflections in the natural and man-made world.
‘Carolyn’s dynamic and unique blend of materials and techniques appear as statements about the nature of nature’. (David Giles Perth Artist)
How long have you been a practising artist?
I’ve practised art in one form or another for over 30 years, but took up painting and drawing in 2006/7.
Do you have any formal training - or how did you get your start?
From 2006-2012 I trained with various Western Australian artists in painting, mixed media and drawing. I also did short TAFE courses in drawing and mixed media techniques I also have an MA in Creative Arts from ECU in Perth, where my major was dance and digital media.
Do you belong to any other artist groups? galleries?
Beside Art Studios Cooperative I belong to the Central Coast Arts Society, NAVA and am represented by 100th Gallery in Melbourne, Monet Gallery in Perth, W.A. and Horizons Gallery at Killcare. Having only been here for two years, I am still getting to know the art scene and its many possibilities.
Have/ do you exhibit elsewhere? Online promotion?
I exhibit with the CSA and other arts events such as the 5 Lands Trail Connections Exhibition, in the Gosford Art Prize. Of course, my face book page is full of art, my exhibitions and any events that I can link to. I also belong to Australian Artists online and Community Central Coast Art Network.
Have you received any awards, been a finalist in any art awards / art prizes?
High Commendation, City of Bayswater Art Awards October 2010
Second Prize, Victoria Park Arts Centre November 2010
First Place, Northam Art Awards, 2012
When and why did you join Art Studios Co-operative?
I joined ASC in December 2014 to create art in a vibrant arts group, extend my arts practice through exhibitions, gallery experience, promotions experience, assist with community arts projects and to join the Central Coast arts networks. It’s so much more rewarding working with other like-minded artists towards common goals for art, which is my passion.
For you, what are the benefits of membership with this Co-op?
Many arts opportunities, being with other artists, discussing arts ideas, arts connections, meeting young emerging artists (Emerging Artists’ Program), participating in community (Australian Spirit) ASC exhibitions with a professional approach, gallery set up experience and much more. Having representation on the Gallery and Studio websites has been a real benefit.
Have you gained any new skills in your time here?
I’d have to say that stimulus to change my art to a new positive direction has come from my membership.
I have also upgraded my skills in promotions through Cath’s assistance. Interacting with the other artists has given me ideas for my art as well.
Carolyn’s loves to explore arts media and her open ended approach led her to experiment with digital techniques that have taken her to new and interesting ground. She now photographs her sketches and painted works that are layered and subtly reformed in computer programs to become new works. These are inspired by many varied locations on and around Lake Tuggerah and the Central Coast. Motivated by the process of painting and mixed media techniques, they remain abstract in nature integrating colour, line and texture to reflect the lake’s natural environment and its many moods. By using the camera and screen to capture new ways of seeing what’s around me, I make statements about the need to conserve and protect the lakes and their surrounds. My paintings and digital work is inspired by contrasts in light, energy, weather patterns, colour and reflections in the natural and man-made world.
‘Carolyn’s dynamic and unique blend of materials and techniques appear as statements about the nature of nature’. (David Giles Perth Artist)
How long have you been a practising artist?
I’ve practised art in one form or another for over 30 years, but took up painting and drawing in 2006/7.
Do you have any formal training - or how did you get your start?
From 2006-2012 I trained with various Western Australian artists in painting, mixed media and drawing. I also did short TAFE courses in drawing and mixed media techniques I also have an MA in Creative Arts from ECU in Perth, where my major was dance and digital media.
Do you belong to any other artist groups? galleries?
Beside Art Studios Cooperative I belong to the Central Coast Arts Society, NAVA and am represented by 100th Gallery in Melbourne, Monet Gallery in Perth, W.A. and Horizons Gallery at Killcare. Having only been here for two years, I am still getting to know the art scene and its many possibilities.
Have/ do you exhibit elsewhere? Online promotion?
I exhibit with the CSA and other arts events such as the 5 Lands Trail Connections Exhibition, in the Gosford Art Prize. Of course, my face book page is full of art, my exhibitions and any events that I can link to. I also belong to Australian Artists online and Community Central Coast Art Network.
Have you received any awards, been a finalist in any art awards / art prizes?
High Commendation, City of Bayswater Art Awards October 2010
Second Prize, Victoria Park Arts Centre November 2010
First Place, Northam Art Awards, 2012
When and why did you join Art Studios Co-operative?
I joined ASC in December 2014 to create art in a vibrant arts group, extend my arts practice through exhibitions, gallery experience, promotions experience, assist with community arts projects and to join the Central Coast arts networks. It’s so much more rewarding working with other like-minded artists towards common goals for art, which is my passion.
For you, what are the benefits of membership with this Co-op?
Many arts opportunities, being with other artists, discussing arts ideas, arts connections, meeting young emerging artists (Emerging Artists’ Program), participating in community (Australian Spirit) ASC exhibitions with a professional approach, gallery set up experience and much more. Having representation on the Gallery and Studio websites has been a real benefit.
Have you gained any new skills in your time here?
I’d have to say that stimulus to change my art to a new positive direction has come from my membership.
I have also upgraded my skills in promotions through Cath’s assistance. Interacting with the other artists has given me ideas for my art as well.