Carolyn McPike is an emerging American artist. She was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Growing up, she enjoyed collecting rocks, drawing plants, gardening, reading science fiction, and visiting the planetarium. Her study of art began as a child with pottery, weaving, and jewelry programs at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY. Carolyn’s artistic studies continued with painting, sculpture, and photography courses throughout her education in Irondequoit, NY. She attended SUNY Fredonia and earned a Bachelor’s with a minor in Visual Arts & New Media. Carolyn currently lives with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and two cats in Buffalo, NY.
Artist: Carolyn McPike
Based in Buffalo, NY, USA
Instagram:
carolynmcpikeart
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Beyond the Veil", May 29-July 30 2021, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
My art addresses the concept of infinite space. In my art, I want to transcend the limits of our physical world and create futuristic images that have never been seen before.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My artistic inspiration comes from my childhood hobbies of collecting rocks, drawing plants, gardening, reading science fiction, and visiting the planetarium. I am also inspired by my love for astronomy and music, especially ambient, electronic, new age, and post-rock.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
In my mid-twenties, I lost a few family members. I lost both of my grandmothers and my brother-in-law. My feelings of loss inspired me to redevelop a consistent creative practice, which is when I first began producing the work that I create today. I didn't want to one day reach the end of my own life without honoring my creative calling and making the art that I want to see.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
Creating my art challenges the idea of who makes art. I am a full-time, first-time mother who graduated college with a non-art degree. All kinds of people make art and it should be celebrated.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
As for the future of my art, I want to keep creating as much art as I can in order to chip away at my backlog of ideas. I'd also like to participate in art fairs and festivals in different cities someday.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
The advice that I would give to aspiring artists is "Make Your Art No Matter What." It's the title of a book published in 2021 by Beth Pickens. I read the book last year and it really helped me change my perspective about my art for the better. The book has twelve chapters about moving beyond creative hurdles including the hurdles of time, work, fear, and grief. I highlighted specific lines throughout the entire book to revisit when I feel like I need encouragement. The "Work" chapter focuses on how all kinds of people make art. One of my favorite lines stated "What if your art gives you life and your employment pays for that life?" It was reassuring to hear that many artists work non-artistic jobs to support themselves and their families. Ultimately, my advice is the advice that Beth Pickens gave me. "Make Your Art No Matter What."
