How did you get involved with the Brookline Arts Center?
A good friend and I participated in the 2018 Wicked Strange exhibition. It was indeed wicked and strange, and terrific fun. I was honored to have my fire-breathing turkeys among all the unique and beautiful pieces.
Tell us about your background. How did you become interested in art? What inspires you?
Drawing has always been part of my life: my childhood was one of doodles, cartoons and drawing classes at the MFA. I think for a lot of children, when words don’t come easily, drawing is an opportunity to convey emotion and create a world where thoughts can flow. Art also surrounded me growing up; we have painters in our family tree, so it was probably regarded that I had inherited the “art gene.” I embraced it, and continued by studying art and biology as an undergraduate and later receiving an MFA in Printmaking.
I am inspired by nature–particularly animals–and humor. A naked mole rat is therefore a thing of chucklesome beauty to me. Moving to Brookline close to twenty years ago, I recall seeing my first wild turkey. With its pin-sized head, enormous body and misguided audacity, it naturally became my muse. They’re ridiculous. And fierce. I love them for that.
What passions do you bring to the BAC community?
Through my art I want to share a sense of humor, a sense of our community and an appreciation for nature. We may be stuck with these huge turkeys pooping on our patios and pecking at our cars, but we should be honored that nature has returned to this urban town, however exasperating at times. We should pause to admire our truly wild neighbors–the turkeys, the foxes, the coyotes, the rabbits, the hawks–and appreciate the beauty in their diversity.
What do you enjoy most about the BAC?
I love that the BAC offers so many opportunities to everyone! The children’s art classes provide imaginative ways for kids to decompress after a long school day or year. And the adult classes enable us to continue a passion or try something entirely new! I also enjoy the range of events held at the BAC. The Hops & Crafts event and the Halloween pARTy, for example. These all create a fun sense of community and familiarity. And, of course: location, location, location! You can’t beat the charm of the BAC’s sweet site on Monmouth. It’s almost magical.
What was your favorite childhood art project?
It wasn’t a specific art project, but rather the pleasure of illustrating in my sketchbooks. I loved going to Pearl Paint and buying a new Strathmore 4×6-inch sketchbook. The feel of its cover, the smooth turn of the spiral binding and the promise of all those empty, beautiful pages…
Who are some of your art heroes?
I’m inspired by the poster artists–the affichistes–of the early 20th century. Illustrators like Roger Broders and Cassandre. They encouraged us to journey on a train, play tennis, or simply relax with a glass of beer. Their posters tell wonderful stories and of the hopes for the time…and the color palettes are always striking.
I’m also a big fan of Amedeo Modigliani, Marc Chagall and Oskar Kokoschka for their dynamic use of color.
Do you have anything exciting coming up that you’d like to share?
I’ll continue to have prints at Vinodivino in Washington Square and at the BIG studios on Tappan Street. In the coming year I look forward to exhibiting at other Brookline venues. Gotta share the hometown heart!
Caroline will be selling original prints of her Brookline Turkeys posters at our annual Artist Marketplace, November 23-24 at the BAC!
