We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carol Sullivan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carol below.

Hi Carol, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Taking it alllll the way back to the beginning, I learned to sew and appreciate fabric at my mother’s knee when I was 8 years old. I sewed the majority of my clothes for many years. Jump forward to just about to graduate from art school when I did a project for a class that entailed painted fabric that was hand quilted (sewn/embellished). Mind you, this was 1978 and fabric paints as we know them today hadn’t even been invented. I used Windsor Newton alcohol based inks. And I give them a lot of credit. I still have that piece hanging in my studio and the colors haven’t faded one bit!

I continued painting on fabric and took it larger and for several years made and sold wall hangings that were also quilted. I moved over to art quilts from there. Hang on, I’m getting to the good part where I learn about silk painting.

One of my fellow quilt artists invited me to a 2-day silk painting workshop circa 1995 and that’s where the silk journey begins. I was absolutely smitten before I even finished that workshop. I had grand plans to teach that in my small hometown so I had bought all the materials to do so. Then my life took a turn for the tumultuous, (read: divorce) and everything went into boxes not to be reopened until 2014.

I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in this medium and fell even more in love than the first time. I haven’t looked back.

Knowing what I know now, to speed up my learning process, I probably could have sourced teachers and videos, but I just forged ahead and learned a lot by trial and error. After all, I had gone to art school, so I wasn’t clueless starting out. And really, learning that way has a way of “sticking” a lot better! However, I did find a magnificent teacher in 2016 and took two intensive weeks (at different times) of learning with her.

The skills most essential for this medium are understanding color, color theory, color mixing. None of these were/are my strong suit. I had one class in art school about color and the teacher was a dud! I didn’t take anything but the basic painting 101 class either. I had more credits in sculpture , photography, and printmaking so color mixing wasn’t in my world. I have learned a lot and mixed a lot of dye over the last eight years!!! My teacher was very helpful in this regard as well.

The only obstacle that stands in my way is time. There’s never enough! I learn something new every time I work in this medium. It’s always a challenge and one I look forward to every time I enter my studio.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My love of fabric/textiles and the amazing vibrant colors of the silk dyes drew me like a moth to a flame and has kept me here for all these years!

I currently create silk scarves in a variety of sizes, wall hangings, framed art, room screens, and pillow covers, I create my own designs and welcome special commissions of which I have done many.

Being able to create a special piece for a customer is the most terrifying and gratifying work I do. Terrifying in that during the process I wonder if I’m headed in the right direction with the design, using the right colors, etc. Gratifying when I see their reaction when it’s complete. So far, so good!

I love what i do and I’m pretty sure that my passion translates into the artwork I create, wether it’s a wearable or something that hangs on the wall or is used in the home.

In your view, what can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best thing folks can do to support the creative community is to forsake the big box stores as much as possible. It’s easier than ever to find artists, creatives, and artisans on the web these days. It may cost a bit more, but your dollar is going directly into the pocket of a hard-working creative vs. a corporate maw.

One thing I do that may seem insignificant but is helpful on several levels. I buy my soaps and shampoo bars from a local maker. It benefits their business so the money stays local and there is zero plastic involved and no harsh chemicals. So it benefits the environment as well.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of this life of an artist is that what I do makes people happy. AND it makes me happy! Win win. I’m never bored, there’s always more to learn, more experimenting, more mistakes to be made, and more people to make happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://foxrunstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolsullivan_silkartist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolsullivansilkartist/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/foxrunstudios

Image Credits
Carol Sullivan