Carol Santos

Blue Vase, 2019

Acrylic on Canvas

18 x 24 inches; framed: 20 x 26 inches

Courtesy of the artist 225 Lachaize Circle

Www.carolsantosarts.com

"My work explores the childhood memories as a form of preserving the family history, traditions and culture through works of art. It investigates the human relationships between members of my family, and how the experiences we have may shape our sense of self and affect our connections to others. In creating paintings in oil and acrylics, installations, textiles, and sculptures Ioffer a narrative of preservation; a homage to heritage. I am influenced by my mother's and grandmothers' experience and my Brazilian nationality. In my practice, I investigate the beauty of found materials that carry a past with them, including recycled and repurposed found objects, family heirlooms and used items. My repetitive mark making is a meditative practice, creating intricate abstract imagery reminiscent of the act of cataloguing the passage of time. The natural pigments of beets, coffee and turmeric relate to my childhood and find their way in my art. The laborious handwork of my grandma's rag rug are present in my soft sculptures. Some of the works have multiple layers and as they are peeled, sanded, and delicately woven together I excavate the layers of our contemporary world. In using different elements to tell an autobiographical chronicle, Iam interested in fostering connections with my daughters and son while preserving our family history. In this process, Iperform everyday rituals from my childhood in Brazil with my own children. It si an emotional archive. My work explores the childhood memories as a form of preserving the family history, traditions and culture through works of art. It investigates the human relationships between members of my family, and how the experiences we have may shape our sense of self and affect our connections to others. In creating paintings in oil and acrylics, installations, textiles, and sculptures Ioffer a narrative of preservation; a homage to heritage. Iam influenced by my mother's and grandmothers' experience and my Brazilian nationality. In my practice, I investigate the beauty of found materials that carry a past with them, including recycled and repurposed found objects, family heirlooms and used items.
My repetitive mark making is a meditative practice, creating intricate abstract imagery reminiscent of the act of cataloguing the passage of time. The natural pigments of beets, coffee and turmeric relate to my childhood and find their way in my art. The laborious handwork of my grandma's rag rug are present in my soft sculptures. Some of the works have multiple layers and as they are peeled, sanded, and delicately woven together I excavate the layers of our contemporary world. In using different elements to tell an autobiographical chronicle, Iam interested in fostering connections with my daughters and son while preserving our family history. In this process, Iperform everyday rituals from my childhood in Brazil with my own children. It si an emotional archive. Carol has participated in various group shows and solo exhibitions. She holds a MFA in Painting from the Savannah College or Art and Design."