Carolina Hewett was born in 1975 in Seattle, Washington. She received her BA in Interdisciplinary Visual art and her BFA in Painting from University of Washington. She received her MA in Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University. Carolina participated in the Studio Art Program in Rome, Italy through the University of Washington. She has been included in various solo and group exhibitions throughout the Greater Seattle Area.
Statement
Born and raised in Northwest Washington, my art is rooted in the sense of place and draws inspiration from the Northwest School Art Movement. I am captivated by the use of symbols and natural imagery found in the Pacific Northwest, elements that often find their way into my own creations. Exploring the visual expression of internal states of being, my art seeks to evoke emotions through an interplay of color, imagery, texture, and mark making.
Blending abstraction with representational elements, I merge my personal life experiences with my artistic practice. At times, my journey and past encounters with mental health issues subtly or overtly influence my work, as I delve into emotional and psychological themes. Through my art, I strive to create a space where the expressions of the psyche can unfold.
Approaching my creative process as an evolutionary journey, my work undergoes various phases, transforming and developing over time. Each phase builds upon its predecessor, leaving traces of the initial stages within the final piece. Often commencing with a specific palette, imagery, or pattern that resonates with me in the moment, I employ a diverse range of media including ink, graphite, charcoal, acrylic paint, collage paper, and water-soluble oil paint.
Influenced by the artistic creations of Alberto Giacometti, Emily Carr, Jasper Johns, Morris Graves, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Susanna Coffey, I find inspiration in their unique approaches. Emily Carr's connection to place resonates deeply within me, while Jasper Johns' skillful amalgamation of materials and abstraction with representation intrigues me. The attention to detail in the works of Susanna Coffey and the transcendent quality achieved by Morris Graves both captivate my imagination. These artists and their artistry serve as guiding lights during my own creative endeavors.
Through my art, I aim to evoke a sense of connection, introspection, and dialogue with viewers, inviting them to explore their own emotional landscapes and engage with the nuanced depths of the human experience.