You’re Invited to Connect & Collect at AmFab Open Studios 2021! – November 13th & 14th

Calling all art lovers! Save the date! It’s that time of year again, time for AmFab’s 16th Annual Open Studios! Come visit with area artists & designers in their studios in a four-story historic factory building. This long-awaited event is a local favorite that is completely free for the public. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a good look into what your local artists are working on. After a year in quarantine, our artists’ studios are practically bursting with creative projects ready to be admired by the public eye.

Open Studios 101: What You Need to Know

The creative minds at Amfab have opened their studio doors for a whole weekend of fun times, new friends, and giving back to the community. Whether you are a passionate art collector, an art fan, or are simply looking for something to do on the 13th and 14th, Open Studios is an event you won’t want to miss! Between meeting your favorite local artists in person, listening to live music, and tasting some amazing Berlinetta Beer, Open Studios will provide a full day of fun for everyone.

A Weekend of Fun – and For a Great Cause!

Live music will keep our guests entertained while they browse the studios of our amazing and artistically diverse artists as well as a WPKN record sale. PLUS: to benefit our neighbors, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, we’ll be holding a food and coat drive, along with an art raffle! So, clear the calendar and round up you friends! Connect with some of your favorite artists in person and admire the works of some amazingly creative and talented individuals. For a sneak peek of what you’ll see at Open Studios, check out our website or @amfabarts on Instagram to see the contemporary art, design, and fine arts exhibited. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Importance of Having Your Own Space to Create Art

With the end of the pandemic within sight, artists are reflecting on their experiences working and creating from home. While being home for an extended period certainly has its benefits like seeing family and pets more often, it can also have its drawbacks for those who work in a creative profession. Nationwide, artists are buzzing with excitement to get out of their house and back into a collaborative space of artists or their own studio because having personal space to create is something highly valued for artists today. 

Avoiding Distractions

Having your own space to think and create in allows for a distraction-free process. Home life, while comfortable and familiar, is also riddled with distractions and sometimes even chaos. Whether it be a parent asking you to do a chore, a child screaming, or a dog in need of attention, not having a space designated for creating is not conducive to producing your best work. Avoid distractions by having your own space, whether it be a rented studio, an office in your home, or even the front yard or garage.

Art on a Schedule

If creating art is your career, it’s important to treat your creative process as if it were a job. These distractions caused by doing art in a non-designated space, often force artists to push creating to the wayside. A typical job has set hours for the employee to work. Having a studio or any sort of designated workspace can help an artist build their own sort of schedule. Walking into a studio provides space for the artist to think, work, and create, without distractions from the outside world. While an artist often has the freedom to create their own schedule rather than set hours, having any sort of schedule is helpful for making your studio space into a productive working environment.

Everything Stays Together

Working at home among the rest of the family is a recipe for disaster when it comes to keeping supplies together. The last thing you need as an artist is for your expensive brushes or tools to go missing in the middle of a project, or have your work that was drying on the kitchen table to suddenly become overruled with little fingerprints. Having a designated workspace is the best way to prevent disaster mid-project. In the middle of the creation process, only so much can be cleaned up between sessions, so it’s important that everything is right where you left it when you go to pick up working again. In order to prevent mess and stress, consider finding a designated studio or workspace to create in.

It’s Your Passion, Take it Seriously

Coming out of quarantine, many are excited to get back to the workplace, and the same should go for artists! If art is your passion, remember to take it seriously. Having a designated workspace for art, even if it is just a room in your home, where you can clear your head, keep your art together, and build a schedule for yourself can really help you as an artist to create your best work.

Need help learning how to stay on task with your work? Take a look at how our artists at the American Fabric Arts Building use their time and space for creating! If you’re looking for a place to set up your art studio, you can apply for space at AmFab here.

How to Set up the Perfect Art Studio

Whether you’re setting up a home art studio or renting space, it’s important to put some time into setting it up in a way that works for you. After all, this is your creative space, so you want to make sure it has everything you need so you can create your best work. As you start setting up your art studio, keep these things in mind:

Functionality

Making a space your own isn’t just about how it reflects your personality; it’s also about how well the space works for you. In order to do your best work, set up your studio in a way that is practical and functional. Don’t worry quite so much about what your studio looks like. What is most comfortable for you? Do you need a certain type of chair, table, or easel? Every artist has different needs. For example, Frida Kahlo often painted in bed after a streetcar accident and used an adjustable easel. Make your studio reflect your own needs.

Organization and Storage

While it can be tempting to leave everything just laying around, consider storage and organization options. It can be helpful to have even a simple organization system so you know where to find items when you’re looking for them. If you like mobile storage, try using carts or drawers with wheels. You can also invest in furniture that doubles as storage, such as lamps that have pen holders, or benches with storage underneath. Again, use what works best for you.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential when it comes to setting up your art studio. After all, you can’t create your best work in the dark. The kind of lighting you have is also a matter of personal preference. Maybe you like lots of natural light, so large windows are ideal for you. Maybe you like adjustable lighting that you can dim and brighten. If you know you’re going to show your work in a gallery, you might prefer gallery-style lighting.

Ventilation

If you are working with hazardous or toxic materials, ensure you have proper ventilation in your studio. You’ll want to make sure you can get fresh air circulating the room, either by opening windows or setting up fans. If your studio space is small, be extra mindful of your safety and how you will get the air you need!

Inspiration

Your studio is your very own personal, creative space. That’s why it’s also important to make sure you feel inspired when you’re in it. If there are certain items you need to spark inspiration, make space for them on a wall or shelf. Do your best to eliminate anything in your studio that might be distracting or bothersome. Make your studio space your go-to place for letting your creative juices flow.

For more studio inspiration, check out how our artists at the American Fabric Arts Building use their spaces to create! If you’re looking for a place to set up your art studio, you can apply for space at AmFab here.

Found Art: Using Everyday Objects to Create Something New

We all want to make something unique and original that’s never been done before. However, figuring out how to create something new is often one of the most difficult parts of being an artist. Surprisingly, the key to making something original is usually found in everyday objects that already exist. Many artists create by using what are called “found objects.” This is when an artist finds either a natural or man-made object and uses it as either inspiration, as part of a larger work of art, or as the piece of art itself. For example, Picasso used objects such as newspapers and matchboxes in his collages. Like Picasso and many other artists, you can use any of the following techniques to create found art.

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aneswede/5966426329/

Readymade

Readymade art is when the artist creates art from manufactured objects. This type of found art was first used by French artist Marcel Duchamp. His theory behind this type of art consisted of three important points: choosing the object must be a creative act, cancelling the function of the object makes it art, and the presentation and title of the object gives it new meaning. The most important principle of readymade art is that the artist gets to define what art is.

Assemblage

Assemblage art is exactly what it sounds like: creating art by assembling different objects. These objects can be found or specially bought if you know there’s a certain element you’d like to add to your artwork. Assemblage is used to create sculptures and collages, many of which are surrealist in nature. The idea with assemblage art is to present mundane objects in new and surprising ways so viewers question their relation to the world.  

Appropriation

The appropriation technique is when an artist uses pre-existing objects or images in their art without changing the original. In these art pieces, the objects represent themselves since they are not changed in any significant way. A famous example of appropriated art is Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. Pop artists like Andy Warhol appropriated by reproducing, juxtaposing, and repeating images or objects from pop culture. Since appropriation uses objects without changing them very much, this technique puts into question the concepts of originality, authenticity, authorship, and the definition of art itself.

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/562283586/

The Uncanny

In 1919, psychologist Sigmund Freud came up with the idea of “the uncanny,” which is when something seems both familiar and alien at the same time. When we experience something uncanny, we often feel anxious and unsettled. In art, the concept of the uncanny is when artists create something using familiar objects in unfamiliar contexts and unexpected ways. Something many people find uncanny is robots and manakins because they often present as human but are not.  

The next time you’re searching for inspiration, look at the everyday objects around you. Can you use them to create something new? See what kind of found objects you can turn into a thought-provoking piece. Art surrounds us, and the opportunities to create are endless!

AmFab Open Studios 2020

You’re Invited to AmFab Open Studios 2020! –November 5th through 8th

Attention All Art Collectors, Aspiring Artists & Lovers of Art: It’s That Time Of of Year Again!

Join us for AmFab’s 15th annual Semi-Open Studios 2020—where a few of our talented artist collective will be airing out their studios for art lovers, art collectors, and the general public alike!

AmFab’s Open Studios 2020 event is an amazing opportunity that allows you to see what your favorite local artists have been up to during these unusual times. Peer through the looking glass at what life is like inside the four walls of a professional artist’s studio as you join us to support your local creatives!

Due to the pandemic, the majority of this year’s Open Studios event will be held virtually—which means TONS of amazing artwork and expert insights from the artists themselves made available right at your fingertips!

Here’s What to Expect During AMFAB Open Studios 2020...

In-Person Studio Visits

Unfortunately, in-person studio visits will be held by appointment only this year due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As such, AmFab will be following all CDC guidelines for building capacity / masks/ sanitizer stations /etc. All those who wish to enter the building are required to wear a face mask or cloth face covering. In addition, handicapped access will need to be arranged in advance directly with the artist you are visiting.

Please see our event page for further details.

Virtual Tours

This year, enjoy virtual tours of our artists’ studios right from the comfort of your own home! Join art lovers just like yourself right here on AmFab’s website –as well as on our Facebook & Instagram pages—and see what life looks like inside the studios of local Bridgeport painters, sculptors, bookmakers, quilt makers, printmakers, ceramic artists, photographers, and more. Plus, tune into AmFab's website, Facebook, and Instagram to access exclusive video footage of the AmFab artists as they discuss some of their spectacular artwork!*

Website: http://amfabarts.com/open-studios-2020-virtual-tours

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amfabarts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amfabarts/

Check amfabarts.com or @amfabarts on Instagram to see the contemporary art, design, and fine arts exhibited.

A Call to Arms for The Creative Collective

““Art is not a mirror to hold up to society, but a hammer with which to shape it.””

— Leon Trotsky

Raise your paintbrush, fire your kiln, make ready your letterpress and prepare your photos. It’s time to speak out on social and political issues.

Between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent political and social events, there’s a sense of tension and uncertainty in the air that is nearly tangible. Something completely undeniable for the creative collective of AmFab, however, is the blaring sound of the societal trumpet calling all artists & creatives to arms…

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

““An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.””

— James Whistler

Throughout history, artists have used symbols and visuals to portray the past, make sense of the present, and influence future generations for years to come. Similarly, they have played a monumental role in influencing culture with their messages – especially in times of social revolution and civil unrest.

In these current times of dehumanization and isolation, art is more necessary than ever before. You see, art works to connect the disconnected, comfort the anxious, and inspire the individual thinker. Moreover, it helps to empower the dismantling of discriminative and suppressive old-world socioeconomic paradigms—and it does all this in a way that renders words and physical proximity unnecessary.

In addition, present-day art has a distinct opportunity that the early cave paintings didn’t have— the ability to reach hundreds, thousands, and even millions of individuals with the simple click of the button.

Using Art to Shape the Future

““Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.””

— Banksy

Because art has the power to mold and shape the future by encouraging others to think critically and independently of the powers that be, artists of today are faced with great responsibility. For this reason, AmFab challenges every creator around the globe to meditate on the two following questions:

1.     What does reality look like right now?

2.     How would I like reality to look?

Sit with the questions, observe the answers that come to mind, and think about future generations to come. Your vision can set passion aflame for all those who experience it. You and you alone possess the ability to conjure your ideal reality into existence, simply by breathing life into your artwork.

So, make a statement. Take a stand. Wield your artistic medium as weapons of honor and truth. Use your paintbrush, canvas, clay or camera to communicate a message of connection and community and shift reality into something truly beautiful.

Tips for Artists: 5 Ways to Appeal for Art Buyers/Investors

Being an artist can be difficult if you don’t know how to attract the right type of buyer. Every type of buyer has different tastes and budget, which makes finding the ideal buyer challenging. However, by understanding the different types of buyers and their motivations, you will be able to successfully appeal to your ideal art buyer/investor.

Different Types of Art Buyers Attract Different Types of Art

1.     Home Collectors – these consumers buy art consistently and have a passion for art. Home collectors have a specific taste and most likely will only buy from a few artists. Find home collectors who would love your type of art because they will likely turn into repeat buyers.

2.     Investor Buyers – this type of buyer loves taking a risk and will purchase artwork that is quirky, new, unique, or experimental because they think the value will increase.

3.     Trophy Hunters – they are more interested in the thrill of the chase and the pursuit of purchasing the artwork. They are usually at auctions and are more fascinated by cost than the art.

4.     People with an Immediate Need for Art – they are time-sensitive and need artwork as a gift, new home décor, etc. Artists need to make the sales process as smooth and stress-free as possible for these customers.

5.     Interior Designers – they are hired by businesses and homeowners to decorate their homes, offices, etc. They typically have a specific color scheme and theme in mind before purchase.

Core buying motivations – What Artists Should Know

People have never been more engaged with art than now. However, finding the ideal art buyer for your artwork can be extremely challenging. By understanding different buying motivations, you will come across the perfect buyer/investor. Here is a list of main factors that art buyers take into consideration:

·      Aesthetics & Desire for Art

·      Power of a Story (Tell the “Why”)

·      Affordability

·      Trends in the Art World

·      Buying Art as an Investment

What to be aware of when attracting buyers/art investors

To attract the right customer, you need to add value to your artwork. By adding value, many investors and art buyers’ doors that were closed before will open. One of the easiest ways to continue making sales and selling your artwork is by building long-lasting relationships with existing collectors. These collectors already love the work you create and appreciate the value of your art and most importantly, will share with friends and family. Stay in touch with your customers and keep them updated on new work, events, etc.

Are you an art buyer/investor or are interested in becoming one? Check out our artists at AMFAB and connect with them on Facebook or Instagram to view and discuss their outstanding artwork! For more information, you can reach and contact our artists here!

The Journey Can Be Challenging: Here’s A Guide to Becoming an Artist

Turn Your Dreams into a Reality

Since early childhood, people drill into our heads the importance of going to school, getting a job, and clocking in at 9 then out at 5. This is the way we are taught “things” are supposed to be done. But if you are not truly happy in your 9 to 5 job, then is it worth it? Studies show that by ditching the typical 9 to 5 to pursue your passion, people work better, live stronger and are happier in all aspects of their lives. There is no better time to embrace change and pursue your dreams of becoming an artist than now.

Quarantine Causes Changes in Perspective – Go After Your Dream to Create

Quarantine has forced a lot of people to slow down, look within, and gain new perspectives on their lives. Many are re-discovering their love for art and are willing to trade in their secure and stable 9 to 5 job to fulfill their dream. It may be time for you to take the path less traveled, even though it is riskier to follow your passion.

Credit: Chloe Crespi

Escape the Daily Grind & Do What You Love

Many people traded in their paint and brushes for a 9-5 on Wall Street but find that something is missing: Passion. Ask yourself these questions to discover your true dream:

• What drives you?

• What is your passion?

• How do you find inspiration?

• Why do you create art?

Engaging in something you are passionate about and that’s meaningful will have a lot of positive outcomes on your overall health and happiness. Step out of your comfort zone and make your dream of becoming an artist turn into a reality.

Explore Your Desire to Create

Listen to your heart, find your purpose, and pursue meaning. Are you ready to leave the world of 9 to 5 behind? Rent studio space @AMFAB! The American Fabrics Arts Building is the home to over 30 artists that are pursuing their dreams.

Follow AmFab on Facebook and Instagram to connect with our artists digitally and to start pursuing your passion in a creative environment. Discover ways AmFab artists have fulfilled their dreams of becoming fulltime artists and start your next adventure today!

You can find a listing of our artists and their contact information here.

The Power of Art During a Pandemic

Art is Demonstrating its Resilience Despite the Crisis

These past few months have forced many industries to shutdown and suffer immediate financial losses. Like many others, the art industry has been greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19 causing museums, galleries, exhibits, fairs, festivals, installations and more to either close or postpone to a later date.

Even though many cultural institutions and artists are facing uncertainty, art is bringing people together during this difficult time. Art provides an outlet to keep us together even though we are physically apart due to social distancing.

Distance Does not Mean Disconnect

With social distancing rules in effect, artists globally are required to adjust to a new environment if they are not able to work in their studio space. Social distancing may help artists come up with new ideas and push them to go inside and connect from within because they have more alone time to think. Our artists at AmFab have been adjusting seamlessly to the mandatory shelter-in-place order and have been making the best of the situation.

Take a look at what AmFab artist Jocelyn Braxton has been up to:

For over 20 years, Jocelyn has been working with porcelain, but recently has switched to working with red clay and layering surface treatments because of a workshop she attended. Prior to the pandemic, she wanted to explore this method more in-depth and planned to continue working on her project “Lost and Found”. Even with the pandemic, Jocelyn has made great strides on this project which is now her Pandemic Project. This project will be showed at a residency at Buffalo Creek Arts Center in Nevada in July 2021. Check out progress on her Pandemic Project here on her Instagram: @jbarmstrongceramics

AmFab artist Thomas Mezzanotte:

During the pandemic, Thomas has continued to create remarkable tintypes to go along with his large collection such as "Portrait of The Artist in the Age of Coronavirus".

AmFab artist Richard Killeaney

The pandemic certainly has not stopped Richard from crafting his beautiful quilts. He has been teaching classes online since lockdown orders and recently completed a quilt for a client, made of the client’s and her husband’s shirts. Now he has moved onto a few other custom orders that will be made from neck ties and repurposed leather tote bags. Richard has additionally used his skills to create masks for friends, artists and donates the rest to those in need.

The Importance of Staying Connected While Self-Isolating

Now is the perfect time to discover new ways to communicate and express your creativity. Take advantage of the peacefulness and turn this pandemic into a positive. Art allows you to process your emotions and helps you remain connected to the world and yourself.

Follow AmFab on Facebook and Instagram to connect with our brand and artists digitally and to discover new art created during the pandemic. Find out more ways AmFab artists have been remaining connected to society and their communities through art.

You can find a listing of our artists and their contact information here.

3 Things You Can Do to Help Support Bridgeport’s Local Artists During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched its arms far and wide across society, leaving most, if not all, industries and their workers vulnerable and perturbed. The art industry is no exception. Mandated shutdowns of artistic and cultural fairs, festivals, museums, exhibits, gallery shows, installations, classes, and more has put revenue on pause. Local and nationwide funding to artistic and cultural programs has been slashed dramatically.

With the current crisis jolting the artworld out of its orbit—Bridgeport’s creatives need your support.

After experiencing the humbling and incredible turnouts of AMFAB’s Open Studios events over the last few years, we have nothing but high hopes and positive outlooks for Bridgeport’s ability to step up to the plate and support the artists that help shape this community.

Here are 3 Ways You Can Support Local Bridgeport Artists During the COVID-19 Pandemic:

1. Connect with AMFAB’s Artists on Social Media

Connect with your favorite local artists through AMFAB’s Instagram & Facebook profiles! A simple follow, like, share, or comment goes further than you know.

For those interested in going a step further, we urge you to get in touch with your favorite AMFAB artists to find out if they are currently available for commission! With everything being “on pause”, now is the perfect time to commission your very own, original art piece that you can enjoy for years to come— created specifically for you!

2. Appreciate Their Artwork from New Perspectives

Check out our latest blog posts right here on our website! You can even share these on your social media pages to help grow our following and give your local artists some well-deserved encouragement & support!

3. Attend Their Online Webinars & Workshops

A handful of Bridgeport’s local artists from AMFAB teach artistic classes and workshops! Connect with the artists you love via social media or their websites and find out if they’re currently offering online webinars or other virtual services at this time!

 You can find a listing of our artists and their contact information here.

Eric Chiang: Illustrating Humanity Through Visual & Auditory Art

“Whereas, Eric C. Chiang is a talented professional painter recognized for his art work that manifests his quest into the meaning and significance of existence and his empathy of panhuman desperation, love, connections and hope…”

-       Felix W. Ortiz, New York State Assembly Citation, September 2016

 Eric Chiang: A Multilingual Artist in Pursuit of Illustrating the Human Experience

Eric C. Chiang is a professional painter currently renting studio space at the American Fabrics

Arts Building. He describes himself as grateful to be fluent in a variety of painting styles—from completely abstract, to photorealistic, to expressionistic, to any combination of the three. Chiang approaches his artwork in whichever style(s) are best-suited for his theme at hand, and his themes run the gamut of the human experience—focusing on his quest into the meaning of our existence and expressing his immense empathy for panhuman desperation, connection, hope and love.

Chiang breaks down a number of his series and their significance on his website, which you can read more about here.

Chiang on His Love for the  Visual & Auditory Arts

Chiang recalls his childhood, during which he received art training from regular school programs in Taiwan. It was during this phase of his life that he was inspired to become an artist; spending most of his youth absorbing history and techniques for art creation and classical music composition from all sources he could find.  

For Chiang, music and painting go hand-in-hand. He has spent his life thus far developing his craft in both musical and visual respects. Though he describes a deeper love for the visual expression of art, Chiang can play the piano and notes how auditory artwork influences his creation process in regards to painting.

Transition & Transformation: From Programming Computers on Wall Street to Composing Works of Art

Eric Chiang himself is an illustration of the concept that nothing is ever etched in stone, and it is never too late to pursue your dreams. You see, despite his love for the arts, Chiang initially pursued a career in IT management, as it seemed the more practical career path in Taiwan during the late 70s and early 80s. This eventually landed him a successful position putting  his artistic skills to work as a computer programmer. “When you are composing for a piece of music, especially for orchestra, you must carefully plan out every note and instrument—the same kind of process takes place when programming a computer,” says Chiang.

Despite a successful career on Wall Street, Chiang’s desire to create art continued to burn brightly inside him year after year, until he finally resolved to become a full time artist.

After leaving the corporate world, Chiang spent 3-4 years sharpening his artistic skills in order to reach artistic maturity before networking with other artists. He started off knowing absolutely no one in the industry—no networks, no connections, no art professors. In 2011, he began his search for artists and auditions, slowly but surely building up a group of friends and artists.

When asked if he noticed a shift in his artwork from creating alone versus expanding his circle in the art industry, Chiang recounts how at first, he was totally self-absorbed—creating things he wanted to create with no particular influence. Once exposed to fellow artists and their work, he experienced a complete transformation, and in turn, his artwork transformed as well. 

Chiang on Present-Day Commissions & Goals 

In terms of noteworthy commissions, Eric Chiang is grateful to have, on average, three exhibitions taking place on any given day over the last year and a half. At the time of his interview, Chiang was working on three commissioned pieces; one from Taiwan, one from Connecticut, and one from Florida. 

These days, Chiang’s ultimate goal is to connect with people, to go into their hearts and resonate with their human experience. He does this through a mixed variety of artistic mediums, with musical composition and painting always at the center of his creative expression.

Looking Towards the Future: Using Interactive Technologies to Translate His Artistic Message

As far as where he sees his future heading as an artist, Chiang notes he is gradually leaning more and more towards multimedia projects that marry both visual and auditory art. He notes making friends with Yuan-Chen Li—a well-established Taiwanese composer who graduated from Chicago University. Chiang and Li collaborated on a multimedia piece that combined music and art to demonstrate an environmental theme, which they performed at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas in 2018 (recording of the performance below).

He has begun to explore the world of virtual reality and how it might bridge the gap that exists between paintings and music. His hope is to integrate the two experiences in such a way that truly expresses his message in a manner that is most palatable for his audience.

He continues to explore 3D sculptures and interactive mechanisms.   

Eric Chiang on Renting Studio Space with AmFab

When asked about his experiences renting studio space at AmFab, Eric Chiang feels strongly that having a space dedicated specifically for creating art is vital. The very first time he visited AmFab, Chiang met half a dozen artists he had previously known from the Artist Collective of Westport. He describes his transition into his studio space as a wholly positive one. He spends six days per week at the studio, from 9am to 5pm each day. Chiang notes that having that special space for creating helps to keep work and home separate— which is a very healthy approach for any occupation.

Not only does his studio space serve him on a physical and mental level, but working around the other artists in the building stimulates Chiang to create, as at any given time he can walk through the halls and be inspired by the energy of the other AmFab artists. The sense of companionship he draws from working around artists like himself helps Chiang’s artwork to thrive and keeps him focused on his creative process. “I absolutely love it,” Chiang expresses, to which we at AmFab say: The feeling is absolutely mutual!

Sensation-Inspired & Instinctively Free: Painter Carole McClintock

“The main goal I have is to portray the essence of an image without giving away all of the answers to what you’re looking at.  Having some ambiguity allows the viewer to engage, reflect, and feel,” says McClintock.  “My wish is that people will find a piece to connect with and experience some of the passion that inspired the painting”.

-       Carole McClintock, Biography

Carole McClintock: Combination Neo-Impressionist & Expressive Painter

AmFab artist Carole McClintock recounts the moment she first fell in love with painting. She was twelve years old, traveling in Asia with her parents when she came across a herd of water buffalo grazing on the rice patty fields of Japan’s countryside. She remembers going home and painting what she experienced— conjuring up imagery from the most creative corners of her mind.

Today, Carole McClintock embraces her artwork without constraint as she creates with freedom and passion. She celebrates the beauty of nature in which she coexists, channeling the energy of the natural world through her paintbrush and onto her canvas. The result? Works of art that only she can create and share with the world around her.

McClintock paints in a beautiful combination of neo-impressionism and expressive styles.  Neo-impressionism is a style of painting achieved by strategically placing small dabs of neighboring primary colors next to one another to produce an illuminating effect. The expressive painting style McClintock exhibits in her work shies away from objective reality; working instead to illustrate the subjective emotional response that the object triggers within her. Famous artists like Monet, Matisse, and Cezanne evolved this spontaneous style of painting by utilizing the expressive possibilities of line and color to illustrate emotional themes.

The Evolution of An Artist: Painter Carole McClintock’s Personal & Professional Experiences 

Creating has always come naturally for AmFab artist Carole McClintock. As a small child in school, her mind often wandered to its own creative world as she would draw sketches of her teachers in her notebook. Today, McClintock’s work focuses primarily on a series of water themes, in which she depicts natural and instinctive interpretations of her time spent swimming, surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. Growing up on the West Coast of California has cultivated a strong appreciation of the sea in this talented painter. Her paintbrush is a tool that translates the vivid energy of the ocean and the intense spectrum of light that dances upon it onto canvas for herself and the world to enjoy.

McClintock majored in both Art History and Studio Art throughout her college education. She was fortunate enough to spend her entire junior year in Paris, France, where she spent two to three days per week studying at the Louvre Museum. Looking back, McClintock states that the experience helped her to understand where art came from, what we are doing with it, and how it got to where it is now.

Both time and experience have played a heavy hand in influencing McClintock’s painting style. She describes her artwork from the 90s as quite literal and objective; she tended to lean towards tightly translating an object onto canvas with a tangible focus. These days, McClintock cares more for honoring whatever feelings an object may evoke within her. McClintock’s paintings do more than merely illustrate her subject in motion; they illustrate the subjective emotion an object elicits within her.

McClintock is currently working on images inspired by her travels to Madrid and Morocco this past June. From bull fights in Madrid to the people, monkeys, teas and culture of Morocco—this artist has been truly inspired. She plans to revisit her underwater series with fresh perspective upon wrapping up this most recent project.

McClintock’s Most Memorable & Rewarding Experiences as an Artist

Perhaps one of McClintock’s most memorable projects involved a koi fish pond she happened to come across in 2006, while supporting her family after her father-in-law had fallen ill. Carole and her mother-in-law would sit and sip coffee on the grounds of the establishment her father-in-law was residing in. They would reflect on what life would look like once their loved one had passed. She recounts the immense peace that the pond’s presence provided; McClintock was, once again, struck with inspiration by the waters surrounding her life.

McClintock states – and most artists will agree – that it often takes a long time for ideas to marinate, or percolate, before they can become tangible works of art. As such, a few years came and went between the passing of McClintock’s father-in-law and the start of her sentimental, koi-fish-pond-inspired project. But once the artist began painting the koi pond and the fish within it, she could barely put down her paint brush.

As it turned out, McClintock’s natural way of painting —which was entirely inspired by her subjective interpretation of the koi pond – ended up bursting at the seams with meaning for its viewers. On more than one occasion, viewers of McClintock’s work noticed messages in her paintings that the artist had previously been entirely unaware of. This was extremely validating for her to experience—as in her mind, all she had done was translate her own interpretation of her subject.

When asked about the most rewarding commission she’d ever received, McClintock recounts a very fulfilling experience. The artist had a few 10x12 pieces on display at a small show in Connecticut, when she was approached by a group of ladies commissioning artists to complete paintings for a new hospital in Stamford, CT. The women requested that McClintock paint her original 10x12 paintings on a much larger scale, and the artist did so happily.

McClintock’s heart was full when she saw her paintings hanging on the walls of the new Stamford hospital. She explains how incredibly fulfilling it is to know that she created something that could potentially spark joy in an otherwise suffering individual.

McClintock on Renting Studio Space at AmFab: “I Felt Like I Hit the Jackpot”

McClintock spends a decent amount of each winter season in the Caribbean—soaking up the sea and the magical world that lies beneath it. Her time spent there serves as inspiration for her artwork—which she then creates in her studio space at the American Fabrics Arts Building.

She describes her excitement upon discovering a building filled with studio space for artists just like her in Bridgeport, CT. The artist had been searching far and wide for studio space for about a year when she finally found AmFab, “I felt like I hit the jackpot when I found this place…” she shared. “It’s clean, well-lit, safe, and affordable.”

McClintock goes on to demonstrate an excellent point about how before the age of social media, artists would mostly approach gallery owners with their artwork. This process has since changed. Today, gallery owners and art buyers prefer to discover artists via digital and social medias. This makes it imperative for an artist to be discoverable on the internet and various social platforms. McClintock agrees that renting studio space is truly worth every penny. Her studio at AmFab allows her to channel her creative spirit with reckless abandon. She shares that she is constantly inspired by the creative energies of the other artists in the building, and how they help feed her creative mind and increase her drive to reach her artistic goals.

Career Outlook & Some Advice for Aspiring Artists

Currently, the ideal professional situation for McClintock’s artistic career would be getting commissioned to complete a series of paintings with free range. As her career continues to evolve, she sees her artwork being even more consistent than it is now in terms of style and subject matter. She aspires to fine tune the balance between what she loves to paint and what people love to collect. “That’s where it would be going naturally”, she explains.

Carole describes that pursuing the artist’s lifestyle is not always an easy journey, but it’s an incredibly fulfilling experience. The saying “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life” certainly rings true for this talented painter. She’s truly in her profession for the love of it. Being paid for creating something that she truly loves is when she feels most lucky and blessed to have chosen this career path.

When asked if she had any advice for aspiring artists, McClintock explained how, if you’re lucky, the apprehension of what others think of you as an artist begins to dissipate with time and experience. She continues with confidence,

“It takes a lot of guts to go down the artist’s lifestyle – but when it’s successful it’s totally worth it, totally fulfilling – well worth the risk.”