Interview With Abstract Artist Megan Carty
Abstract expressionist and colorist, Megan Carty shares about her art career, her influences, and challenges with The Garnette Report.
CS: Why choose abstract art over any other type of art?
MC: Making abstract art allows me to connect on a deeper more spiritual level where I can create something based on colors, lines, marks, composition, and VIBES. The way everything is put together creates an energetic impression that evolves and changes with you over time. It is easy to re-create something you can see; but the expression and connection comes in when you create something you CAN’T see. That is what the viewer resonates with.
CS: What is your favorite time of day to create?
MC: I love to create in the early afternoon. I’ve gotten the chaos of the morning and admin work out of the way and I am free to concentrate for a few hours before my kids come home. I have the most quiet, even energy at this time; perfect to create with.
CS: Do you paint by deadline or individual choice of time?
MC: I usually paint by both! Having my own freedom of time is my greatest goal. It’s why I work for myself as an artist. I hate feeling the tightness and pressure from a time deadline. But that’s also how most of the world operates!
CS: Do you plan out all your paintings?
MC: My paintings are mostly unplanned. I often will have a burst of excitement over a color combination or an idea for a layout for a painting to start with. But I know it will always evolve and change after I begin; and that is the fun of letting the piece unfold as it’s meant to. Abstract art is about channeling the energy and letting it BE rather than CONTROLLING it.
CS: Do you have a specific starting point on each canvas such as the center?
MC: I begin each painting with several layers of “underpainting.” These are usually neutral colors that cover the whole white of the canvas. I add random colors and marks that add interest to the layers that will go on top. Once the background has texture and is interesting, I then add the more “fun” colors by adding them and removing them in a sort of “dance” with the brushes and palette knives. Once everything is in harmony and feels good, the piece will stop “talking” to me. That’s when I know it’s complete and ready. If I still feel a niggling desire to fuss with things, I know more is to be done.
CS: Which artists, if any, have a big influence in your work?
MC: In the beginning, the French Impressionists were my biggest influence. I was enamored with Monet, Toulouse Lautrec, and Van Gogh’s use of color and brush strokes. Now, I love looking at the work of Abstract Expressionists like Joan Mitchell and Lee Krasner and admire the brave risky energy of their works.
CS: Do you feel your art has changed over a period of time?
MC: My art has changed over and over again over time. As you learn and your skills improve, you begin to want to experiment more with meaning, content, composition, and colors. You realize there is so much to explore! I’ve really honed what I find most fun and meaningful for myself to make, and that makes all the difference. You have to allow for change so you don’t stay stuck and depressed because of it.
CS: How do you create the titles for your paintings?
MC: My titles are important to me and come intuitively when I’ve finished the work. So, my rule is that it must feel positive or from a place of whimsy or empowerment. I want my titles to feel fun and unexpected. I often look at the work and I think about its personality or what it reminds me of. A scene comes to my mind and I will make up a phrase from that imaginary scenario. It’s a fun process that adds more depth to my work.
CS: How do you build a relationship between your art and audiences?
MC: Building a relationship with audiences is my greatest challenge and my main job as an artist. The best way I know is to share the process of making art and to share my thoughts behind each piece. I like to be vulnerable in sharing personal stories about myself that others may resonate with. Art is all about story and connection. Each painting is meant for SOMEONE, not EVERYONE. Sharing it with as many people as possible via social media has been key to finding those connections with people who resonate with certain works. It’s certainly not easy!
CS: Do you often feel satisfied with the finished result of your art?
MC: Yes! That feeling of satisfaction is what I am chasing every time I make my work. When I’m not satisfied, I know the piece is not finished.
CS: Is it challenging to know when to stop adding more paint to each canvas?
MC: When I feel satisfied and the work stops “bothering” me or “talking” to me, I know it’s done. The whole creative cycle isn’t done, though, until the work has been shared with the world and a spark of connection and inspiration becomes ignited in another person. Until then, it’s an unfinished chain waiting to be linked. Success comes when the work has found its person.
CS: What will your next set of paintings be based upon?
MC: I’m excited to explore the idea that we are all alike in that we are on a soul journey that evolves and rolls along daily, much like the weather. There are heavy times, exciting times, sad times, worried times…times when we are depleted and defeated. These paintings capture these random moments using color, marks, line, open space and botanical/floral forms as a visual metaphor for this “soul weather.” My hope is people will remember they are always growing, improving, forgiving, and gaining wisdom each day. We aren’t meant to be perfect. Each painting is a wink and a hug that assures we will be ok. They will be mainly abstract with bits of realism in the florals. So, these feel really personal and meaningful at this time.
“She stopped giving away her power,” painting by Megan Carty megan_carty_art “Acadia June” by Megan Carty @megan_carty_art
More about Megan Carty’s new collection: Yaaas, Queen!
Megan Carty recently hosted an exclusive opening, Yaaas, Queen! Celebrating the Majesty of Mother Nature. Her latest collection showcases sculptural paintings inspired by the great outdoors. For instance, lakes, rivers, mountains, and valleys made from acrylic paint and pencil deliver colorful impressions. Thus, Carty’s inspiration for these paintings are from her travels to Acadia National Park, Maine, and Portland. Lastly, feel free to follow Megan Carty on her Instagram: @megan_carty_art for more updates on herself and her artwork! Also check out her online webpage, www.megancartyart.com.