We were lucky to catch up with Carol Oldenburg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carol thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

There have been many meaningful projects throughout my career but the ones I like best are the ones that challenge me to learn something new. The ones that keep me up at night figuring things out. I am known for portraits and oil landscapes with atmospheric skies but I love experimenting in new materials for our classes. The 1928 historic hotel in our downtown was being completely renovated and a call went out for local artists to submit ideas for art in the public spaces. I had just started playing around with alcohol inks and I loved the vibrant colors so I submitted an idea using the inks and glass. I did some small panels on the glass with multiple layers and sent my idea in for review.

The review of the 80 ideas by 35 artists went to a panel who knew nothing about the artists or their names. Twelve artists made it to the next round where we would present our ideas to the architect, designer and numerous other bigwigs involved in the hotel project. I was told that they loved my idea but the place my framed pieces were proposed for was no longer available. Could I make panels to “float” in the lobby windows? I, of course, said yes not knowing a thing about how to make that happen. Thus began a journey of discovery in materials and people who could make my vision into reality and many sleepless nights trying to figure out the engineering aspects of the project. Doing the art it self was the easy part!

A totally different project was an installation in a small gallery. It was an installation that had been brewing in my mind for decades. Over decades my brother and I exchanged letters and postcards many of which were collaged. He always said I should have a show of the postcards which were humorous. After he died I found all the cards I had sent him along with all my letters. I had saved all of his letters to me as well. The installation became a giant love letter between us encompassing a timeline of our correspondence, a wall of my collaged postcards that could be viewed front and back, postcards mailed to him from others and supplies for people to make their own postcards. Those cards were then placed in a mailbox on site to be mailed by me at the end of the exhibit. I had 105 people make cards to be mailed and numerous visitors moved to tears by remembering mail they had received in the days before email. A letter in hand is so much more of a connection than email.

Carol, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I made my mind up in first grade to be an artist. That was 62 years ago. It has been a varied career taking in my personal ambitions to grow as an artist and also working on a variety of projects for clients over the years. I started as a portrait artist creating drawings in pencil, pastel and colored pencil. When asked to do oil portraits my oeuvre expanded to include that medium. I have never been one to want to do the same thing over and over again so when asked to paint a mural for a Designer Showhouse I got in there and discovered the joy of working with big brushes and not having to get a likeness. It was so freeing and led to painting landscapes and gardens and skies.

In my own work, I paint what moves me. It could be a face or a cloud. I’m not out to make anyone happy but myself. For a client I will paint, sculpt, design or create just about anything. I love the challenge. Versatility and a willingness to stretch my creativity has been the key to earning my living in the arts.

Seven years ago we founded OMG Studios in downtown York. It is a working studio space for three artists, myself, Cheryl Migliarini and Kara Oldenburg-Gonzales. Getting involved in downtown and having a working space where people can see an artist create is important for educating others. We also have classes to help people tap their own creativity. These classes are designed to help attendees explore for themselves and not just copy what an instructor is doing.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I went to college in the seventies and it was not really said you could make a career in art unless it was advertising or teaching. So I learned electron microscopy and worked in a Biophysics lab. I sculpted body parts for cosmetic protheses. I painted houses. I lived many different places and traveled to other countries. I did art on the side carrying my desire to create with me on all those adventures. I was restless. Finally, on a mountaintop in England I asked ” Is this all there is?” It was time to stop running and see if I had what it took to BE and artist instead of playing at it. That moment and decision was pivotal to where I am now. I’m not saying it was easy from then on but a determination had been made and I was sticking to finding a life of creativity for myself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

What is most rewarding is seeing the joy I can give people through my work. Working with a client to pull off a surprise to a loved one is the best! Once in a while I get to be there when the surprise is unveiled and what a gratifying moment it is. Usually tears are shed by me and the giver with the emotion and anticipation of it all.

Having your hard work and vision validated and appreciated is the ultimate reward. I had the opportunity a number of times to have my work in the Art in the Embassies Program and pieces in the ambassadors home in Togo, Africa. One of my favorite emails from the ambassador was telling me of President Carter visiting and asking the ambassador to tell him about the painting over the couch. My painting. I still smile thinking of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carololdenburg.com
• Instagram: carololdenburgstudio
• Facebook: omgyork