LET'S TALK SHOP WITH CARRIE PENLEY

Q:  When you go into your studio to work, is there a routine or ritual you like to stick to? If so, what does that look like for you?

A: Every day is a new day with a new experience. Getting into the flow of work is never automatic for me. I have to get my mind off the daily grind, which depending on what's going on in my life can take some time. I often turn on a book or podcast, if I am really struggling I turn on loud music, then inevitably start cleaning up collage material and organizing my paints from the day before... Usually I'll see something that sparks my interest and can get going. 

Q:  You use a lot of fun collage materials in your work. Do you have a go to source for what you use?

A:  Vintage shops are my favorite place to look for old book and print material, but also book stores, newspapers, and magazines are a constant source. I have used kids homework, brand packaging, vintage photos of my family, and craft paper.

Carrie Penley  "Land of Enchantment"  |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  24 x 48"

Q:  Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what’s been on your playlist lately?

A:  Alternative rock is my go-to... The Strokes, Coldplay, Fratellis, Foster the People. My kids make playlists for me also to keep me up to date.

Carrie Penley  "The Great Trek"  |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  36 x 48"

Q:  Your use of color is evolving from a more neutral palette to one that’s a little more bright. Has there been a shift in your relationship with color, or was there something that sparked inspiration for you?

A: Purely experimental. I like change and growth, and I felt it was time to branch out into more color. The possibilities are endless and that has been so fun. 

Carrie Penley  "Glamour Girl"   |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  30 x 30"

Carrie Penley  "In Pursuit"   |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  40 x 30"

Q:  Is there a specific piece from “The Vintage West” that’s your favorite and why?

A: "Which legend are you?" The bison skull. The collage material really came together on this one. The wild west is one of the most interesting and defining times in American history. One of the last places where untamed landscape clashes with civilazation. Several legendary characters from the old west are depicted in this painting; Annie Oakley, Sitting Bull, Wild Bill Hickcock, all of which are super stars of the west. Their lives demonstrate grit and determination both necessary for survival, and depict an adventure and a childlike freedom that is lost in civilized socialites.

Carrie Penley  "Which Legend Are You?"  |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  60 x 48"

Q:  What is it about wildlife that draws you in and inspires you to create?  

A: I have always had an interest in our animal world. As a child I spent hours in the woods and wanted as many pets as my mom would allow. Honestly I think it's something you are either born with or not. Again, it goes back to a longing to be free. Animals are not concerned with anything but their need for survival. They are free from the concerns of material possessions or in our case today having the best instagram profile or the most followers... We can learn so much by observing their behavior and habits. 

Carrie Penley  "I am Dandy"   |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  30 x 30"

Q:  Was there a moment early on that inspired you to pursue art as a career path? 

A:  Before I became a full time artist I was an interior designer who dabbled in art. My personal life changed in 2013 where I wanted a career that would allow me to work at night so I could be available to my children during the day. Being a full time artist was always in the back of my mind but it took a turn in my life to give me the courage to jump. 

Carrie Penley  "Unbroken Spirit"  |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  36 x 36"

Q:  How has your approach to painting changed during the course of your career?

A: I am now okay with "mistakes" and embrace them. When I first began painting I sweated over every brush stroke. Now when I am feeling bored with a painting I often try to "mess it up" to see what unexpected outcome will happen. Letting go is the goal and trusting my instincts. Sometimes it doesn't work but that's fine.

Carrie Penley  "A Way Forward"   |  Acrylic and Collage on Canvas  30 x 24"

To check out Carrie Penley's show The Vintage West online, visit her show page on our website here. 

If you're local to Santa Fe or in town visiting this beautiful city, we'd love to see you at our opening reception on Friday, Oct 25th, from 5 - 7pm. Located at 203 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM  87501.