Meet Carmen Grier | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmen Grier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmen, how do you think about risk?
My paintings come alive when I take risks. When a composition becomes too tight, stiff or just not working, that’s when I need to loosen it up by taking chances with it: smearing paint, scratching away paint, altering shapes and influencing textures in a hopeful return to the looseness the painting had at its earlier stage. This process is risky. In the search and discovery, I can lose the very lovely favorite things that are currently happening in the piece. So the process involves close attention with quick decision-making – all very exciting!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A sense of place can be so influential. I begin each of my paintings with lines and shapes that are built from that which is all around me. The views from my studio – the wild rhododendron, a faded water tank, gnarly overgrown vines, the weathered garden shed, our vegetable plots, a wonky clothesline and the proliferation of hostas – these are all elements that I enter into my work as abstractions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take visitors to Penland School of Craft. Not only is the campus gorgeous, any time of year, but their first-class gallery is a must-see. The curated gallery exhibits work from artists who have a connection to Penland School. In addition to three distinct galleries of contemporary art, the gallery also presents historical information on the founding and early years of the school. The school also has a coffee shop where visitors can grab a delectable lunch while sitting outside overlooking a beautiful a view of “the knoll.” Just down the road are the artist-in-residence studios which are open to the public. Next stop would be Spruce Pine, NC, to visit the Toe River Arts main gallery with rotating exhibitions as well as a sales shop.
Toe River Arts hosts a twice yearly Studio Tour in which I take part. And just a few minutes away is Bakersville, NC, a small town that boasts of several galleries including Mica and In Tandem Gallery. If you’re in Bakersville, you’re halfway to Grandfather Mountain, a wonderful state park on the Blue Ridge Parkway with several attractions and some great hiking. But be sure to pack a scarf, hat and a raincoat because the weather at that elevation can change on a dime. There are many other hiking opportunities in this area as well. If you want to experience some city life, Asheville is just an hour away full of more art to see and loads of splendid restaurants. If you get hungry on the way though, a stop at Home Place in Burnsville, NC for wood-fired pizza and a craft beer will tide you over.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The beautiful place that I call home is just a few minutes from Penland School of Craft, in Western North Carolina. Thirty years ago, I had the privilege of being awarded a three-year Studio Artist Residency which included a huge studio and a place to live amongst a community of like-minded creative people. There I met my potter husband and we then settled here. The residency was such a gift!

Website: CarmenGrier.com

Instagram: @CarmenGrierStudio