“Paddy whack”
32×48 inches, 2018 ,Oil on Panel

Interview with artist Carrie Pearce —

Carrie Pearce
Carrie is one of ten 2019 The Bennett Prize Finalists. The winner will be announced at the opening exhibition on May 2, 2019 at the Muskegon (Michigan) Museum of Art. See all ten finalists here: https://thebennettprize.org/finalists-2019

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Carrie Pearce, I am an oil painter living in Peoria, Illinois

“Robobo”
24×36 inches, 2019, Oil on Panel

2. Why art?
Art is the extension of my imagination and creativity.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
My earliest memories include a Walt Disney light-up table and asking my mom to draw pictures as I described them to her. My first major inspiration came from Ann Adams, an artist who drew with a pencil between her teeth. At the age of 6, I was amazed at her ability, and tried to duplicated her drawings with and without pencil in my teeth.

“Rococo”
24×36 inches, 2019, Oil on Panel

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
My favorite subjects are children, toys, candy

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
Typically, I start a painting with a figure from and old victorian photograph. Once I begin to paint the portrait or figure, an idea will come to mind. I work stream of conscious, allowing ideas to flow into my work.

“Lullaby”
15 x 20 inches, 2018, oil on panel

6. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
Some of my favorite artists are; Leonardo da Vinci, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, John William Waterhouse, William Bouguereau, Arthur Rackham, Ralph Steadman, Tim Burton, Stephen Mackey.

“What child is this “
24 x 36 inches, Oil on Panel, 2018

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
Ew! Creepy!

8. What do you like about your work?
I like the process, I like making shit up, I like the humor, color, improvisation, and embellishment

“Fair Game”
Oil on Panel, 14.5 x 19.5 inches, 2018

9. What advice would you give to other artists?
Never live beyond your means, know your weaknesses and figure out a way around it!

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Rich and Famous!!

Carrie Pearce

LINKS—

Website: carriepearce.com
Instagram: @1carriepearce
Facebook: Carrie Pearce
Twitter: @carrie_pearce

Artist’s Bio.
CARRIE PEARCE (b. 1969)  is from Peoria, Illinois, and has been drawing and painting as long as she can remember. Her earliest memories include a Walt Disney light-up table and asking her mom to draw her pictures as she described them to her. Carrie’s first major inspiration came from Ann Adams, an artist who drew with a pencil between her teeth. At the age of six, Carrie was amazed at her ability, and tried to duplicate her drawings with and without pencil in her teeth. Carrie attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated with honors. In 2007, upon seeing DaVinci’s portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci, she declared, “I want to paint like that.” Her paintings can be described as imaginary realism. Although dedicated to the 16th century techniques of the masters, she also finds room for the occasional scribble, inspired by children’s drawings. Pearce describes her work as emotional portraits rather than portraits of people. The people are inspired by turn-of-the-century photos that she finds at antique stores and estate sales. Carrie’s work has been featured both nationally and internationally. She is a living artist with the Art Renewal Center, a website dedicated to revival of realism in fine art. Her work has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur.

Lisa Freeman

Lisa Freeman is an Arts Illustrated’s Correspondent, representing the United Kingdom.
Lisa is also a Public Relations Director for – Quite Great PR & Marketing in Cambridge.