Artist of the Month March 2009

Carrie Zeidman

Cupertino, CA

I am an eighth generation Californian and have lived most of my life in Northern California. I got my start in the art field doing graphic design and illustration in the Santa Cruz area. In 1989 I moved back to the Bay Area and built my business up doing printed materials, websites, and illustrations for the high tech industry in Silicon Valley. In 2007 I decided to focus on my own fine art and worked to create my own style. Since then I have won many awards in shows and contests.

How and when did you start creating art?

I have always created art. When I was a child I created using whatever medium I could find. I used watercolors, fabrics, even mud to create my “masterpieces.” There was never any question about what field I wanted to go into as an adult.

What media and genres do you work in?

I do my art on a computer using digital painting software. I like the look, and I like the control that it gives me.

Who or what are your influences?

What has influenced me the most are the colors and diversity of nature in Northern California. I’ve always been inspired by the bright white of a snowy egret on a field of lime green grass, the intense, golden yellow of a mustard field in bloom, the rich, juicy orange of a patch of California poppies. I’ve never felt a lack of inspirational subject matter.

The inspiration for “Bubbles!” came to me when I saw these girls playing at a family party. They just looked to be having so much fun and were so into what they were doing that I started snapping pictures of them to use in a painting. I then used the photos along with other materials that I had to create the final composition. I wanted the painting to bring back that feeling of innocence and what it felt like to play in soapy water in the cool shade on a hot summer day.

Describe your creative process?

I come up with a composition in my mind, and then I go out and take photos of the main elements. I then create a loose layout of the composition, work with the colors, lighting, cropping, etc. until I have what I saw in my mind. I then use that as a template to create the final piece.

What are you working on currently?

I recently visited the concentration camps and death camps in Poland. I am currently working on a series called “ghosts” that incorporates scenes from today with elements from the past.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

I would love to have my work well known in the art world so that more people could enjoy it.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

I have a website at www.carriezeidman.com. Also, my work can be viewed at the Stone Griffin gallery in Campbell, California and at the Artistry in Hair salon in Morgan Hill, California.

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