Interview
Caroline Gray
Caroline Hawkins (known through her art as Caroline Gray) is a studio artist. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Heron School of Art at Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI). She also has a certificate in art therapy, and plans to continue her education through to a master’s degree in art therapy.
Caroline primarily works with oil paints on canvas, but also enjoys working sculpturally. Her work focuses on health, both mental and physical. In her work, she shows how genetics can significantly influence both your physical and mental health. She takes inspiration from both photographs and stories told by family. She also uses medical research and imagery in her work.
Caroline has shown her work at exhibitions in various galleries in Indianapolis.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have been an artist since birth. I have always loved drawing and using my hands to create. I recently graduated from IUPUI’s Herron School of Art and Design with a BFA in painting, and am looking to continue my education as an art therapist. As an emerging artist, I have been involved in several gallery shows and have begun working in vendor art shows throughout Indiana.”
What inspires you most?
“Because of undergoing medical procedures when I was much younger, my memory is not the best. This has inspired me to look past my own medical history into the memories of others. I was inspired to see what another's memory may look like. Seeing the strength between my grandparents made me very curious about my genetic past. I have become interested in learning what their past looks like, not only to help me look towards my own future, but also to look to my family’s genetic past and see how certain generations might influence others.”
“As I create my works of art, I look towards the message of memory. I hope that my artwork inspires others to begin welcoming curiosity and asking questions about those around them. I want to welcome conversation in order to find fascinating stories. I believe that photographs are one of the easiest ways to bring back memories.”
How would you describe your work?
“My artwork has evolved since I graduated from school. I’ve found that making portrait paintings from old family photographs was something I was inspired to do. I use these family photos to create paintings with limited block-style shapes. I typically use a variety of gray tones, or a limited color palette inspired by the photograph. The shapes used in the paintings are primarily formed from shadows seen on both the figures and objects found in the reference. I use oil paints to provide texture throughout the painting as seen through the shadows on clothing. I feel that this provides an extra sense of movement throughout the piece.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Most of the immediate inspiration in my work comes from research on photographs and spoken stories. An artist that influences my work is Michael Carson. This is because in many of his pieces, you see large flat shapes created with a limited color palette, and the figures along with their clothing become one with the background. For this reason, I also feel inspired by Frantisek Kupka.”
What is your creative process like?
“I was able to go to my grandparent’s house and gather many stacks of old photographs. I showed them the images I was most curious about. Each photograph sparked stories that they could now tell through memories which they had previously forgotten about. Learning these old stories was fun! It was very interesting to see how the stories correspond with each image, and how the images brought back a sense of joy through each memory.
After learning the memories, I was able to sketch each image. I was then ready to begin painting from the reference image. Each image was done by instinct, as I did not preemptively have a goal in mind as to what the end result would look like. I used a technique of block painting along with the oil paints to sculpturally mold out the shadows within the painting.”
“My favorite work is ‘Mom’s Wearing Pants!’ (shown right) This was one of my first paintings where I started building the technique of sculpturally using paint.
While working on this painting, I learned of individuals, several generations back, whom no one had ever talked about, and how their lives were both so different and so similar to my own.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The variety of artists in society brings different forms of beauty and excitement to others. Without artists, we would all look the same. We would not be able to have our own personality, as shown through the artwork we have collected, whether that is clothing, movies, or paintings. This helps people become confident in themselves. Many new types of artwork have begun to show up in society and will continue to emerge.
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have exhibited my work in the following galleries:
2021:
The Acceleration art Gallery in Indianapolis.
‘World Art Day Gallery’ the virtual Arts for Lawrence show.
‘Growing Pains’ at the Harrison Art Center in Indianapolis.2019:
Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis.
I have also been given several awards, including, the 21st Century Award, the Paul Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship, and the Nicholson Scholarship.”
Website: www.carolinegray-art.com
Instagram: @carolinegray_art
