Can you tell us about yourself?
I come from a family with an inclination toward the sciences rather than the arts but my parents were collectors of things they found beautiful, so our house was filled with paintings, photographs, and ceramics. Without formal training, I have learned through experimentation. I experience a deep sense of peace and joy when I discover something new that allows me to create something that I find pleasing. Quality improvement is my day job which, like art, requires creativity and vulnerability to achieve an outcome that has value to the people involved.
What does your work aim to say?
My film and mixed media compositions involve a meditative process of layering, reflecting my perception and appreciation of the contrasts and interplay between the natural and the created world, and the relational impact of human beings on their environment and one another. I am fascinated by contrasting lines, shapes, and colour, and the beauty of industrial and organic forms as they age and decay. Finding delight in the inevitable marks made by time feels liberating in the face of large-scale veneration of youth and perfection.
Who are your biggest influences?
Anselm Kiefer and Lee Alexander McQueen (RIP) are my favourite artists. They are deep thinkers who approach their artistic expression with authenticity and integrity. They appear unafraid, and unapologetic when it comes to naming uncomfortable truths, and at the same time, they acknowledge the abundant beauty which exists in our world. They create work that balances strength and fragility and speaks of hope in the darkness. I am also very grateful to the women I view as mothers of abstract expressionism, in particular Janet Sobel who developed the drip painting technique.
How has your career developed and evolved?
My relationship with art practice has developed and evolved in line with opportunity. As a very young person, I spent a lot of time drawing, painting, designing, and creating art pieces with found objects. After a lengthy hiatus, I returned to active creativity; first through abstract painting and mixed media, and then by expansion into film. I started working with visual software in 2017 as a way of participating creatively in music and lifestyle festivals. Since then, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the design of stage and dance spaces and produce visuals for music and art events. In the last few years, I have moved toward creating layered compositions using film recorded in natural and urban spaces and working collaboratively with experimental sound artists. I am now at a stage in my life where I have a greater capacity to focus on creativity. I am very much looking forward to time spent experimenting and making a mess, and learning from and engaging with the work of others.
Describe your studio or workspace
I have a double desk in the main room of our house – one for computer work, and one for painting. The painting often extends into the kitchen and onto the balcony. My daughter is very patient with me and does her best not to trip over things.
What is your dream project?
For now, my dream project is a large-scale installation combining mixed-media painting with film.
What is the best piece of advice you've received?
To live a life more authentic to your natural self, come back to what brought you joy as a child.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I commit to working for just ten minutes on something and being open to what happens. Often, this is all it takes for me to become absorbed and inspired to continue. When there is no need to focus on one thing in particular, I will task switch – doing what brings me the most joy or satisfaction in the moment. Also important for me is to remember to stay detached from the outcome.
How do you stay motivated in your art practice?
I enjoy listening to the thoughts and the stories of creatives I respect, visiting galleries, and attending art events. What can work well for me is to commit to a collaborative project with another person. This encourages me to work through any barriers or challenges that present and into a peaceful creative space.
How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?
I hyperfocus on one, and then the other. It’s a happy day when I manage to integrate them.
Exhibition:
Connect with Caroline:
Instagram: @tenebrae_lxxi
Email: carolinefhenson@gmail.com
