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Featured Artist: Carolyn Cole

This month's profile is of Carolyn Cole, a favorite artist of mine... which is obvious since I own three pieces of her art. Whether an abstract, metal or figurative, each piece engages me in a conversation on every viewing, asking me to take a moment and look deeper; I know I will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

How did you get your start as an artist?

About twenty years ago a friend asked me what I really wanted at that point in my life and without any hesitation I said "Be an artist." I thought about my response for a short time then enrolled in classes at the local art college since prior to that I had no formal training. I did very well. Well enough for me to believe that I was indeed an artist.

I was asked to enter my work in a show at the Art Society and won first place for a pastel. I received additional awards and from that exposure was invited to show at a gallery. Since then I have been in numerous solo and group shows.

Who are some of your artistic influences?

I clearly remember being utterly enthralled by the work of my earliest art influence, Jacob Lawrence. I didn't realize before seeing his work that art didn't have to be shown as realism and that it was alright to paint from your imagination. His images had a story that I could relate to, being African American. He painted with such power and strength that he pulled you into the environments he created. I could feel the love, the heat and the emotions as I stood transfixed viewing his work. To this day, he is still one of my heroes.

What would you like to share about work that you are presently creating?

In recent years I've been concentrating on abstracts. I discovered I love using recycled materials … rusty metal. I find beauty in what others have discarded as useless. The exquisite coloration and texture of this material intoxicates me. I began working with metal about three years ago. As I drive or walk through the streets of New York City, I fish through piles of waste, in abandoned buildings and empty lots, as these discarded metals call to me.

What is inspiring it or what inspires you generally?

A solo show I had with mixed media pieces was aptly titled "Rebirth from Decay." This was fitting because it took place in the South Bronx in 2005. In 1975, the South Bronx was considered the most devastated urban landscape in the United States. Urban renewal, relocation and rebirth have taken place by leaps and bounds. The parallel between the discarded and rusty metal in my work and the once discarded community dramatically shows this rebirth. Working with metal in my mixed media pieces still continues to be my main focus.

Feel free to contact Carol via email.

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