Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Land.
Hi Carolyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am what I call a “creative”. I was born and grew up in the New York City metropolitan area and was exposed to the creative process at an early age. I have a BA in Art Education, an MA in Education, and another 33 credits in administration and fine art. I have been a lifelong educator and artist. I have presented several papers on “Motivation for Learning: Through the Arts” and taught on all levels from pre-school through college. I now teach art classes at various art organizations in the Daytona Beach area and give workshops and demonstrations in both realistic landscape work and abstract art techniques. I have had several solo shows and participated in numerous small group shows, juried shows, and festivals. I’m honored to have been the recipient of many awards and have paintings in both private and corporate collections.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Although I started out as an art teacher, I shortly learned that when there are budget problems in public education, the first jobs to be cut are those in the arts. Being a single parent, I needed employment, and I loved teaching. I got a second certification in Early Childhood Education. I went on to develop and teach a transitional first grade for many years. I got very involved in curriculum development, and gave workshops and demonstrations on integrating the arts into general education courses.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
The most authentic experience I believe one can have is with nature. I am fascinated by the intricate designs created within the small space of one’s vision. The lines, forms, colors, and textures of the natural elements motivate my art. As an artist, I reach deep within myself to express an image inspired by nature or man’s interaction with it . I hope that my paintings will touch the viewer in a way that nature has touched me or cause the viewer to go on and look more closely at the wonders surrounding us. My work is heavily textured and reflects my love of the natural elements which center my life. l am best known for the art of collage and the textured surface. I dye and make many of my papers, embellish paper, and make new papers out of old papers. I enjoy using the natural elements in my collage work. I love the layers that can be built up, so there is a history to the piece, just as there are various layers and history to life and nature. I am grateful for the gift of creativity and try and spread my love for it by teaching and writing a blog called “The Creative Spirit,” which can be found on my website. I started it to answer questions my students had that needed more than class time. Over the years, it has become more motivational and philosophical than just dealing with direct art questions, and has spread to others who love the creative process. “Creatives” those who live a creative life and let it seep into all areas of their living. We are all born creative; unfortunately, many lose the ability because of lack of time or because it has been put down or stifled in some way by people who feel it is or was less important to develop than other academic areas or athletics. I try hard to bring back that aspect in people. Yes, I am a “creative”, in all aspects of my life, and I want others to experience that joy and that means of self-expression.
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
Some of my earliest memories are of nature’s textures and the strength and tenacity of trees. I am rooted in nature. I was born in the “concrete jungle “of Brooklyn and from my apartment I saw little of nature. When I was about 3 or 4 , coming out of Sunday school the fine grass caught my attention and I sat down and took of my shoes and socks to walk in it, much to the consternation of my parents. To this day I can close my eyes and still feel that soft fine spring grass. Gardening and being in nature “centers” me. It inspires me to go to my studio and celebrate nature in the special language of visual art. The HUB on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach represents me. My Studio, “Perceptions by cALand,” is in my home in Port Orange. It is open by appointment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.perceptionsbycaland.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Perceptionsbycaland
- Facebook: facebook.com/Perceptions by cALand
Image Credits
Carolyn Land Allen Land
