Interview
Cara Cobb
Cara Cobb is an Alaskan- raised autistic artist and military veteran who paints wildlife, domestic animals, and birds in styles ranging from realism to impressionism and abstract. using acrylics to capture the spirit and detail of the subjects with a perspective shaped by solitude, service, and neurodivergence.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was raised in remote Alaska on a homestead. So remote that our school books were dropped by parachute from an airplane. I was raised without television and limited access to radio. I spent a lot of my free time drawing what I saw around me; animals, birds, mountains, and trees. I am a self taught artist and predominantly use acrylics painting wildlife and landscape. I am 54 years old and now have the time to focus on art and finding ways to share with others my perspectives on wildlife and animals.”
What inspires you?
“I am inspired by my love of animals and birds. I have always felt closer to animals rather than people. I work to bring life to the rich beauty of Alaskan landscapes, portraying animals in their natural habitats with both realism, impressionism, and emotional depth. I believe Each brushstroke reflects my profound connection to the environment around me, and I am inviting observers to see this world through my eyes.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I pursue artwork that I hope captures the essence of Alaska's diverse wildlife population and beautiful landscapes as well as domestic livestock and pets. I use vibrant colors and details not only showcase my art form but also to convey a powerful message about the importance of preserving these natural wonders. With every piece, I want to inspire a deeper appreciation for the wilderness and the creatures that inhabit it, encouraging others to reflect on their own relationship with nature.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as unique bold contrasts, with depictions of animals and birds. I use realism, impressionism, and sometimes combine those styles with some abstract to create bold contrast, that hopefully pull in my viewers to pause and reflect on the focal point of each painting.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Wildlife artists like Jon van Zyle, Bateman, and Harriet Mead. As well as abstract artist Jackson Pollock.”
“I am inspired by my love of animals and birds. I have always felt closer to animals rather than people.”
What is your creative process like?
“First and foremost is inspiration random Ideas or images that come to me when I think of the environment around me. Or see wildlife and birds in my yard and on my walks. I am diagnosed autistic and tend to see everything in pictures. I decide how big i want the image of whatever animal with be the focal point, then I draw it on the canvas then base coat and immersion in painting. Sometimes the background comes last, the ideas come as I paint.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe the artist's role in society is multifaceted. Artists works are like bridges to personal perceptions and unique insights into self and the world around us. Some artists works challenge the viewers to question their personal assumptions and opens up viewer's to new insights on many different identities. Like cultural, social, and environmental experiences being portrayed differently according to the artists personal expression.”
Website: caracobbsartstudio.com
