Carolyn Marigold Stubbs is from Bristol, UK. Here she talks to Artists Info about her work as an artist.
'Joe and a dog called Mouse' Acrylic on canvas, light and shade project
Please describe your artwork style
Contemporary
What’s your background?
I have a BA (Hons) degree in Art & Visual Culture, HNC in Graphic Design, and Diploma in IT.
How long have you been an artist?
I’ve always drawn and painted as a child but didn’t become an artist until my forties. I was a nursing sister but contracted TB from a patient almost not surviving the illness it. Following such a close call I decided to do what I’d always wanted to do – art and took my degree as a mature student.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are the natural world. Aesthetic appreciation of nature doesn’t always mean ‘gentle pastoral landscapes’ but also deserts, ice floes, mud, seascapes and even objects made perceptible by way of microscopes and telescopes.
How have you developed your career?
I like to continue to learn and attend workshops, seminars and subscribe to art journals and magazines. I also was joint editor and writer for the Royal West of England (RWA) Friends magazine whilst it was in production. I interviewed artists, critiqued exhibitions and kept up to date with art events and trends in general.
Which current art world trends are you following?
I don’t tend to follow art world trends as I find this prescriptive and doesn’t allow for free thinking. However, as I’m currently painting on canvas this seems to be popular as ‘wall art’ and could be described as timeless.
Where do you create your work?
I create my work in my studio at home. It is light and airy and I have room to store my materials.
What do you feel is the role of the artist in society?
It varies from artist to artist, their country, their politics, their philosophies etc. I feel that part of my role as an artist is to raise awareness of environmental issues through the medium of art.
What techniques / mediums do you use?
I use ‘Sculpted Paper Technique’ which I developed for depicting 3D images. By first drawing an image, I then cut tiny slivers of paper with a scalpel and glue into position. The image looks like a painting from a distance but has a 3D effect when seen close up. I am currently working with acrylic paint on canvas.
Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed?
It’s both. The subject has to make me want to paint it but also the way it’s executed is just as important.
How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?
I usually feel a sense of calm when working on something that’s going well. It’s great to see the picture coming to life. It takes on a life of its own.
What project are you working on now?
I’m working on subjects that have strong elements of light and shade.
Any current or up-coming exhibitions?
I’m looking to submit some work in a couple of forthcoming open exhibitions. I’m also building a body of work to take into a new gallery.
Where do you find your ideas for your work?
Sometimes the ideas come by chance, but often it’s when I’m out and about. I keep a small sketchbook to hand and use my phone camera to capture something that appeals.
Is there an artwork you are most proud of? Why?
I’m proud of my triptych ‘Yesterday, Today, the Future…’ that was sculpted paper images raising environmental issues. I received the Wessex Watermark National Award for this work plus a personal letter from Nobel peace Prize Winner Al Gore.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I just seem to know. I can sense when all the elements are there and also it’s important not to ‘overwork’ a painting that can ruin it.
What is your most important artist tool?
Is there something you can’t live without in your studio? I value my Daler Rowney Stay Wet Palette that keeps the acrylic paint from drying out too quickly.
