By Suzanne Simonovich
Carolyn (Swede) Garland, a Nebraska native caters to art ravenous individuals; she renders beauty in every living thing imaginable, from landscapes to seascapes, animals to flowers; in essence, from the intricate amazing everyday ordinary, and not so ordinary scenes of life.
Step inside one of her creations, make it yours, savor the colors, and salivate the rich textures. Allow yourself to get lost in each piece as they take you to that place in time you always wanted to tread. Her paintings will bring you home or take you on a journey your heart won’t soon forget.
Swede is a feisty, determined woman. This mother of three, Grandmother of four, and great - grandmother to her precious baby girl Lily, lives life without regard to others expectations. Although she would never want to hurt anyone, she is spontaneous in telling you what she thinks. She radiates a youthful exuberance as she listens to jazz while she paints and is the epitome of creativity as her art comes alive. Her sense of humor is deliciously real. She is the red in the strawberry, and the spirit in the wine…
We are sitting in Swede’s Studio, drinking jasmine tea, in her home in Bristol, where her life is undressed. Her paintings grace every wall, from the very top all the way to eye level. Funky cabinets, painted with bright primary colors, and odd shapes smile back at me. There is no rhyme or reason to the décor, just splashes of color galore… I notice an old easel…
I love your studio, tell me about it…and where did you get that easel?
I love to paint in here where my dog Sassy can be with me. She likes to crawl underneath the easel and take a nap while I paint, and Zorro (he’s a midnight black cat) likes to climb into his bed and look out the window to watch the birds and chipmunks at play. It is peaceful here; with my jazz in the background. I always like to light a lavender candle. It helps me release. The wind chimes in the corner tinkle when I turn on the ceiling fan and then I begin my journey…
The easel came from Janine winters, my French art teacher. It is a Bill Alexander original. It is considered a studio easel because as you can see there are places for my supplies, and look, there’s even a paper towel rack.
Where did you first get the urge to paint?
I have always been interested in art. But others things came first like raising my children. Back in the late sixties I drew a picture that was in all the magazines that said “draw me” so I sent it in. They (
www.artinstructionschools.edu) wrote me a letter and wanted me to take their course. Before continuing with them, I contacted George Pollard (www.wisconsinhistory.org/topics/pollard/) and asked him to take a look at my work to see if I had any talent. He encouraged me to continue, so I did. Now I have my work hanging at the Pollard Gallery.
Were there any other motivators in your life that made you pursue your work?
Actually yes, when a contractor was working on my house, I happened to be watching Bill Alexander on PBS. He (Bill Alexander) was painting pictures with big brushes and a palette knife. Mel, the contractor, asked me why I didn’t paint. I said I didn’t have anything to paint on. Later that day, one of Mel’s crew knocked on my door and handed me a sawed off 2×4 board, and said “here, paint on this.” I had no paint so I used white house paint and food coloring. When they reported to work the next morning I had a picture done. It will be on display at the Lemon Street Gallery when I have my solo show on Saturday, June 14th.
I understand you are partly self-taught, do you feel not attending an educational institution for the arts hindered you in any way?
No, it hasn’t. I am a free spirit. Art comes from your soul. So many artists have been ruined by the wrong instructor, they teach only their way instead of letting the student use their own creative juices. I enjoy life, so therefore it speaks in my work. There are several artists who have helped me along the way.
Who are some of these artists? How have they helped you bring out your personal style?
(Swede takes a Deep Breath) Oh wow, get ready Suzanne…
Bill Alexander showed me the unique use of the palette knife. That was in the very beginning; I met him at a seminar in Chicago and faithfully watched his show. I also did a one day seminar with
Buck Paulson; he came to Janine Winter’s studio in Milwaukee from California. Buck taught me landscape painting.
Then there was
Robert Warren who taught me how to walk in the forest, and how to listen to the animals. It was a fantastic opportunity to study with him.
I went to another seminar in Chicago and met
Bob Ross. He is a soft spoken man who showed me how to mix colors; and I’ll never forget the kindness of
George Pollard, who had faith in me….
Janine Winters, taught me how to paint neat. Eric Johnson taught me how to handle the clay; you know how to work it into a creation. And Peggy Bozon… she always made me feel good about myself, you know…she gave me confidence.
Which local artist has inspired you?
Peggy Bozon, without a doubt. I feel she has done more for the arts than any one person in Kenosha County. She made me really look at things. She put her heart and soul in teaching. She never made anyone feel like they did not belong. She taught me how to see.
How did Peggy teach you how to see?
I once drew a ketchup bottle and thought it was very good; when I got to class she stood in front of my desk and looked at it, of course, it was upside down from her perspective. Her whole body turned to laughter and said “you have to see what I see.” She then turned it so I could see it upside-down, the left side was horrible, but the right side was pretty good. That is when I learned how to see. I’ll never forget that day.
Tell me about neat Janine?
Janine is from France. She had an art studio in Milwaukee. I would call her a perfectionist. She would slap you if you had paint any where but on your bristles, they had to look like new brushes; they needed to be clean - period. She was fun though; she served us wine and French biscuits. She found pleasure in our progress.
What inspires you to create a work of art?
Things I see in life. I sit and think a while then put it together in my head, then on paper. Many of a painting has went by the wayside…I think I have a great idea then I try to put it on canvass only to end up scrubbing it all off. Then the process starts again, and I finally get it right.
Why do you choose one medium over another?
My all time favorite is oil. It is the most forgiving medium. You can use any medium to create as you feel. Sometimes I use a mixed medium. I put acrylic on the bottom of a piece and the oil on the top, or mix it up to intensify the colors.
How do you know when a piece is finished?
Hmm… This is hard to explain. I like to turn the piece upside down to see if the form is right and if it holds together. If there is something I don’t like, it will pop out at me, and I can make it right. When you look at something you use one side of your brain, so when you turn the piece over it makes your brain see the other side, or anything you might have missed. Then after that, I just know, and I am satisfied. A good book for any artist is Drawing on the Right Side of your Brain, by Betty Edwards. It explains what I just tried too, I strongly recommend it.
What do people say when they first view your art?
Basically they are amazed that I have such a variety and intense color in my work. I mean, I don’t limit myself to say lighthouses or flowers, I like to challenge myself.
Tell me something about your work with clay. What have you made and what is your favorite piece?
Clay is such a wonderful thing! You just get an idea and start hand building. I make floor vases, faces, cowboy boots, flowers, diffusers, and anything that might inspire me that day. My favorite is a multi color floor vase; it was my first clay piece. I used the coil method, when I fired it, the side popped out about the size of a nickel. I wasn’t discouraged; I just took a hammer and a chisel to make the hole bigger. I glazed it, fired it again and put some flowers in it.
What challenges have crossed your path as an artist?
My biggest challenge is finding time to be totally free to create…
What is your biggest ambition as an artist?
Every painting or clay piece is my biggest ambition at that point of creation. It is hard to translate to others what I have done. It is such a thrill to see others enjoy my work.
Have you sold any of your work? Where is it on display?
Through the years, yes, tons of it! Once a man came into my studio and picked out the ones he wanted, I believe there were eight of them, he said here’s a blank check, fill it out. I was ecstatic! I sold some in an art show in Zion, IL. Also, when Pat Moran had his book store, I sold a few pieces there. Then there was a little place called Grandma’s Attic, on the Mississippi river. It was such a cute shop; I sold a lot of chicken pictures there. It’s not there any more. I think they sold more aprons than anything!
Right now, here in Kenosha, I have my work on display at
Lemon Street Gallery, Common Grounds, (Kenosha, Harbor side and Pleasant Prairie, at Lake Andrea), Jockey International,
Pan American Mortgage, Secret Garden, Forever Christmas and
The National Society of Credit Restoration. I also have pottery at the
716 Gallery in Racine.
Wow! That’s awesome! Your hands are never idle… Have you received any awards for your work?
I received best in show for a rooster I painted. It was also the judge’s choice. I have so many ribbons from different shows, I am thinking of making a quilt out of them!
Are you working on anything special at this time?
(Huge smile, excited giggle)
Yes! I am working on my solo art show, and I have some new pieces that will be on exhibit. Come to Lemon Street Gallery from 6PM-9PM on Saturday evening, June 14th to view them. I am very excited and I’d like to invite all for a taste of great food, wine, and art.
What advice would you give to someone who wishes to draw, paint or sculpt?
I would say, go for it all the way. Find someone or something to ground you. Research some art classes. You can find some great inspiration local, or if you are lucky enough to get a scholarship, or can fund an education yourself, seek out a good university.
Swede, what is your favorite color?
Purple! It is such a rich color.
Yes, I believe it symbolizes kingship and royalty. And you Carolyn, Swede, Garland are rich. You are rich in talent, rich in friends, laughter and love.
(Now that I’ve flattered her, we both laugh hysterically…)
Thank you, Suzanne! I love this quote about the color purple.
All the other colors are just colors, but purple seems to have a soul. Purple is not just a noun, and an adjective but also a verb – when you look at it, it’s looking back at you. ~ Uniek Swain
Well Carolyn, Thank you for the tea and this amazing private showing. You are a blessing to me and the art world. I’d love to stay and curl up next to Zorro; but it is time for a wrap. Do you have one last thought…any regrets?
I want to thank all the wonderful people in my life, because without their help I could never have accomplished all that I have. I regret that I was not able to start painting earlier. So I’d like to say if you have that burning desire, do not be afraid to pick up that brush and create…something…anything at all ~
I’d like to add that Swede is now making flowers out of gumdrops! If you want to know more, and see them, just come to her opening reception at Lemon Street Gallery, 6-9 PM on Saturday June 14th! You’ll be pleasantly surprised…
9 comments ↓
I bought one of your paintings! You do GREAT work! Great interview. You have a cat named Zorro? LMAO! My cats name is Tiko.
What a wonderful interview of an interesting lady. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was so excited to read this interview. It is well done!!!I like to go to one of my favorite coffee shops to look for Swede’s latest works hanging on the wall. It has become a tradition for my daughter and me. Keep painting girl!!!!
I just want to say the interview and the chance to look into the side of you that is the artist was amazing, the writer captured your essence.
As I was drawn into the story I had to stop and think who was this person names Swede I just know her as my sister. Amazing interview I even learned things about Carolyn that makes me want to go out and buy watercolor and brushes.
Suzanne great story you captured her on paper which I thought was impossible.
Great interview! Suzanne captured all of your excitement into words. Don’t ever lose your excitement for life and art and keep the brushes moving forever.
The interview was wonderful. Dottie speaks highly of you. And now I can see why. You are truly blessed with a great talent. I’d love to see some of your work in person.
Carolyn has always been an inspiration in many ways. Her optimistic outlook on life has helped many people through challenging times and her art makes the world a more beautiful place. She’s not afraid to try any artistic medium and she is brilliant in all of them. Her work has been decorating the homes of many people I know across the nation and I’m happy to say I’m the proud owner of many of her wonderful works. Suzanne’s article is a perfect description of this wonderful lady!
Was great reading your life and your interest in art. I only wish I had that same desire in art as you do. I did notice that we each enjoy great jazz.
Wonderful interview and website. I wish you the best.
Thanks for letting me know.
Carolyn,
What a fabulous article for a fabulous person. You opened up my world to what a paint brush , paint and a canvas can create! I look at the paintings I painted “with You” and cannot believe my hands did that! I love my “happy” clouds!
You are an amazing and lovely person!
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