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Carolyn Canty
Carolyn Canty is an active member of Hunter Island Press. She is an experienced potter and printer, incorporating the two art practices into her work.
- L.L. How long have you been working in printmaking?
- C.C. I graduated from the Tasmanian School of Art in 1989. Prior to that I had dabbled in screen printing. From my arrival in Tasmania in 1973, I had been a practising studio potter.But I always felt that I needed some formal structure and expansion to my skills and experience since I had come to ceramics in a non traditional way, hence my time at Art School and the change from 3D to 2D.
- L.L. Do you concentrate on one medium, or do you use a few different techniques to create your work?
- I am a spontaneous mark maker and prefer the freedom of relief and etching media. Incorporating clay in my work seems natural too. A third element is the juxtaposition of these.
- L.L. Why do you choose this way to work?
- C.C. Basically I like working with my hands. The last few series of work have been constructed environments. I may be ready for a change of direction.
- L.L. 4. What inspires your work at present?
- C.C. I like the quirky , the unexpected, and appreciate the serendipitous. As well I incorporate text as an extra layer along with titles that give the viewer food for thought. I love language. The ordinary aspects of life around me are constant sources of imagery too.
- L.L. Has this been the basis for your work for a long time, or is it a recent passion?
- C.C. I think I have always been observant and visually stimulated, so working as I do helps me to process what I see. A life long therapy perhaps?
- L.L. How much do you think living in Tasmania influences your work?
- C.C. Good question but no clear answer. I love living here. It was a deliberate choice. Fresh air, small distances, accessibility,a comfortable well equipped studio at home help me do what I do, but can’t say that the environment plays a particular role in my thinking. One thing for sure is that I do not cease to appreciate the beauty around me, views from my beach-side home, the scenic drive to work etc. However my actual inspiration is closer to the end of my nose, more internal.
- L.L. Are there any artists that you look to for inspiration?
- C.C. The way I have been working in the last few years has probably been influenced by an exhibition I saw in Chicago many years ago, of the work of Joseph Cornell. More locally I am always warmed by the poetry and craftsmanship of Patrick Hall.
- His work makes me think both forward and backwards. Furniture maker Linda Fredheim also captures elements of creativity that I find appealing. The work of Arthur Boyd and Jeffrey Smart are also stimulating in so many ways. Melbourne based Printmaker Belinda Fox, too. So much stimulation! There is also a two way flow of ideas in being a teacher. I like that potential.
- L.L. What ambitions do you have for your continued development as an artist? Travel? Residencies? International exhibitions?
- C.C. I am fortunate enough to have a teaching job in the areas of my interests.
- This means that I am constantly exposed to things visual. As well I am able to travel, visiting and re-visiting places which stimulate me visually and spiritually. I take opportunities to expose my work to new and distant audiences as they arise.
- L.L. How important is study for you?
- C.C. I have often thought about the motto of my first university (Monash): ancora imparo. I am still learning. I place a fairly high priority on following my curiousity, so informal investigation is important and on-going, formal study less so. I have had my share of that.
- L.L. Where do you see yourself in three years time?
- C.C. The plan is to spend more time enjoying myself, doing the things I like, simple as that.
Alice and SP…, Carolyn Canty
