Meet Andrée B. Carter | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrée B. Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrée B., what do you want your legacy to be?
” Everyone always remembers artists more historically who stayed true to their vision rather then chase the next cool thing” A quote by my friend and art colleague, William J. O’Brien

As an artist who investigates many mediums besides paint, I have followed my gut throughout my career. Although I am academically trained, I have allowed my inner child to reach out and pick materials that speak to me in my creative process. I am constantly exploring and asking questions but never thinking I have all the answers. The audience makes the work come alive, I am just the conduit.
I want my legacy to be that I stayed true to my vision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My choice of media is what sets my work apart from others. In the last several years, my studio practice has expanded to include both needlepoint, an important part of my paintings, and a unique color palette that I have created using natural powdered pigments, gesso, and marble dust. My creative process takes the history and tradition of art & handicraft and moves that process into a contemporary space.

I got to where I am today simply by working 7 days a week and not letting trivial distractions get in my way. Has it been easy? Not really, The hardest part is to believe in yourself in spite of lack of financial success at times. Of course, no true artists makes art for financial success. If financial success was the motivation, most of us would be selling cars or swimming pools.

I overcome challenges like any one else. Keep pushing and working in spite of the obstacles!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first spot would be my studio in The Perez Art District, Building I, Studio 17. Once I captured them there, I would insist that they visit all of the other artists in my complex. I am in an incredible spot with about 35 other serious artists who support each other. We all want to see each other do well, so we welcome visitors constantly. Of course, The Palm Springs Art Museum and Artist Council in Palm Desert.
El Paseo for art galleries and dining. I don’t go out much so my friends would have to figure dining places on their own.
Of course, Joshua Tree and other parts of the Coachella Valley depending on the time of year. This area really lends itself to exploration. The surrounding mountains and trails are never disappointing.
Downtown Palm Springs is a must along with its galleries and unique shops.
I am afraid I would not be a good tour guide for my friends as I really only like to go to my pool at my clubhouse or my studio.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, my two sons who love me unconditionally in spite of my moods and my insecurities as an artist. My youngest son photographs all my work, updates my website, and edits a lot of my artist statements, etc. My older son constantly promotes me by coming to openings, sharing my website, and bragging about me to his colleagues and clients.

Secondly, curators such as Peter Frank, Robert Benitez, and Peter Mays for promoting my work and selecting me for several exhibitions. Bill Schinsky, Executitve Director of the Coachella Valley Art Center for choosing me as one of thirty artists for the Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts,

Then, my artist friends in Los Angeles and Palm Springs area who continue to have great discussions with me about the philosophy of art.

When I really think I may go off the deep end and quit painting, I read my Agnes Martin book which sits on my coffee table in my studio.

Lastly, my two sisters who constantly encourage me through our long conversations about why I want to spend my life making art.

Website: www.andreecarter.com

Instagram: @abstractabc

Facebook: @abstractabc

Youtube: One Journey by Eric Minh Swenson

Image Credits
Hogan B. Carter