Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Farnum.
Carol, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have been painting for as long as I can remember…I had my first group show at age 12 at Tarble Arts Center in Charleston IL. I paint mostly landscapes and nature inspired images–sometimes they’re realistic, sometimes they’re completely abstract and sometimes they’re a nice combination of the two.
I have lived on the west coast and on the east coast and everywhere in between and began cross-country traveling and camping with my family at a very young age; I was a natural traveler by age 5. I think because of that I am very connected with my environment and the natural world, and also because of that I am lucky to have an encyclopedia of images to draw from in my head. I am learning to put down roots where I am, now at age 44, and I think that shows in my work…maybe it’s a little more grounded now or maybe I’m searching for ways to tie all of my typically *separate* elements together.
Actually, I did my undergrad in Ecology and did a lot of outdoor labs and traveling research studying how the environment works and how we relate to what’s around us. I never left painting (how could I!?) but ultimately made the move to full-time about 5 years ago. My undergrad stuck with me though, and I definitely draw on what I learned and saw in my work. I draw from my time in the woods and time I spent in the US Virgin Islands frequently.
I still try to spend as much time as I can in the woods, but because I have 3 kids who I absolutely adore, I spend more time in my backyard gardens. This is a different kind of inspiration because I find myself teaching them things about nature–plants, insects, life cycles, animals–and it gives me a fresh perspective on things.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make fine art pieces, street murals, jewelry, miniatures, painted furniture, skate decks…basically, I paint just about anything I can get my hands on. I am heavily influenced by nature as I said, but I am also influenced by music, counter culture, other artists, and the basic human condition.
I think that today we are all so disconnected. From each other, but more importantly–from ourselves. I hope that in my work people will feel something. Anything. And they may not even realize my work has affected them until they’re sitting in traffic or having a conversation with a friend or walking their dog. But I hope maybe my work will spark a memory for them, or a “good” feeling or a “bad” feeling…anything at all. If we can reconnect with ourselves in a way that we listen to what’s happening in our own heads we learn to trust…ourselves first and each other second.
If my work can help people feel something and then that really is everything, because that’s where the human condition starts.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Trust your gut. Have thick skin.Listen to constructive criticism from other artists but if it doesn’t work for you throw it out, and if it does then you have a new tool in your belt. Don’t compare your work, yourself, or where you are in your career to other artists because we all have our own path, our own journey, and our own unique perspective and story to tell. Always remember that what is meant for you will come to you. I know that’s a terrible cliché, but I have found in my 30+ years of painting that even though sometimes I have to remind my ego to slow down and be patient, it is 100% true. Don’t undersell yourself and never ever do anything “for exposure”. BE BRAVE AND CONFIDENT. ALWAYS.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I post a lot of studio shots and progress images on my Instagram. People can buy direct from my studio here and also keep up on my current shows. I participate in Boneyard Arts Festival every April in Champaign Urbana, which is put on by our wonderful arts council, 40 North 88 West. But I also try to do a few other shows throughout the year and have been dabbling with art fairs and markets.
I try to keep up with my Facebook page for people that prefer that particular platform, and that is also a good way to learn about my shows because Facebook has that nifty “event” feature.
I have an online shop at both Etsy and Society6. In my Etsy shop I list original work and my S6 store has Merch like phone cases, prints, pillows, shower curtains and duvets, and a million other things. In the summer, you can frequently find me painting outside at our local skate park, while the rest of my family is skateboarding. I am actually an old skater but I prefer to paint the park now and watch everyone else cruise.
Contact Info:
- Email: carolfarnumart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @carolfarnumart
- Facebook: @carolfarnumartist
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/carolfarnumartshop
Image Credit:
Carol Farnum
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