We had the good fortune of connecting with Carole Degnan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carole, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It was definitely not something I chose.  I think my pursuit of creativity has been a very quiet and natural progression in my life.  Starting with early memories as a child, I experienced color, texture, and shapes such as my mother beating cake batter and me fascinated with the swirl of the batter in the bowl.  Textures in my clothing had a huge effect of what felt comfortable on me and representing me going to school.  I have always found ways to express myself in unique ways.  As I got older, I just got better at recognizing what made me happy!

For many years I worked in culinary arts.  I went to culinary school but didn’t graduate because we moved but I made a career of it working in kitchens, doing corporate catering and it was a comfortable job that helped me portray who I was as a person.  I learned so much about myself through this creative journey.
Now that I’m retired, I paint, but I’m still driven by a strong emotional pull to be expressive and I find myself continuing my journey through that.  Reflecting back on my life so far, it has been a quiet dance of creative expression through work and play.  I have no doubt that I am doing exactly what I was meant to be doing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started to paint 15 years ago, I started in watercolor.  A woman I met while walking my dog, told me she was a watercolorist and that she would teach me everything she knew.  She did.  Once a week for a year I would trek to her house for a lesson.  Then, I was yearning for more than she could give me, so we both signed up at Saddleback College in Orange County and continued learning together.

Everyone warned me that I chose a very difficult medium but for me it was a clear choice of how I was going to express myself.  Watercolor with its layers of transparency and blooms, reflected the delicate nature of my personality perfectly.  As I grew as an artist, and yearned for more again, I turned to pastels.  Pastels excites me with its bold texture, vibrant colors, and painterly way.  I love using both mediums to find my voice in art.  Every painting is a dance of struggle, emotion, and skill, but it’s always a pleasure for me.  Not every piece of my work is successful, but it always pulls out of me something that is gratifying and I continue to enjoy the growth and success that comes from it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love showing my friends where I live and what my surroundings offer me in my life. First, I would introduce them to life in the desert by taking them on several hikes so they could experience the beauty here that is so often overlooked. I would of course take them to tour Dorland Mountain Arts Colony which is an artist residency where I volunteer and have served on the board. Anyone who knows me knows my heart loves this place. I would drive them to Idyllwild and show them Middleridge Gallery where I show my work. I love the people there and the gallery which also is a winery and is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine and look at amazing artwork from artists all over Southern California. Lastly, I would cook for them and gather my local friends to share stories and laughter. To me, an end to a perfect visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many people to thank for my artistic success but I would have to start with my family who always believed in me and the countless professionals who pushed me along toward success. From chefs, instructors, family and friends, they all helped me find my way and I am so grateful for their part in my journey.

Website: Carolesuedegnanfineart.com

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