Carol Paik grew up in Sudbury, Massachusetts, and now divides her time between New York City and Pound Ridge, New York. She began her professional life as a lawyer, quit her job in order to be a full-time parent, earned an MFA in Creative Nonfiction once her younger child started school, and discovered her true passion as a visual artist thereafter.

Carol loves to explore different media and is committed to using only repurposed and found materials in her work. Her artwork has been shown recently at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY; Galerie Étienne de Causans in Paris, France; Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition in Brooklyn, NY; Westbeth Gallery in NY, NY; Silvermine Gallery in New Canaan, CT; Yellow Studio Gallery in Cross River, NY; SVA Flatiron Gallery in NY, NY.

Can you tell us about your background and how you started your artistic journey?

When I was a kid it seemed to me there could only be one artist in the family and my older brother was clearly it—he had great natural drawing skills that I did not possess, and so I thought I had no artistic talent. I always loved taking art classes, however, and finally, as an adult, I began to understand that my definition of art had been unnecessarily limited, and that a broader definition allowed room for me within it. I learned that my weaknesses, as well as my strengths, are what make my work unique. Once I accepted that, I gradually became able to call myself an artist: having said that, however, I am always working to improve my drawing skills.

What draws you to working with textiles and tapestries as a medium?

I have always loved fabric of all kinds. I love the wide variety of textures, its versatility, the way it moves, the way it can protect, adorn, and also conceal. I love its history, meaning the history of textiles as a whole, as well as the history of specific, individual pieces. Textiles hold stories of places, people, processes, and time. I hoarded fabric long before I even thought about using it for artwork. 

How has your artistic style evolved over time?

I used to think that the ability to create accurate likenesses of real world objects was what made a true artist, so that was what I strived for. Now, I’m much more interested in somehow being true to my own idiosyncratic vision. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience? 

Being creative means that, if left to my own devices, I am never bored.

What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?

Because I do not have a formal arts degree, I often feel at a disadvantage compared to those who do. I feel as if they have knowledge and discipline and a rigorous understanding of and confidence in what they’re doing that I do not have. I’m not sure I’ve overcome this particular challenge, exactly, but in general I do try to avoid engaging in this sort of direct comparison with others and their work – it’s never helpful!

Do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’d like to share?

This summer, I’ll have work in the School of Visual Arts Continuing Education Student Summer Showcase, 7/1-22 at the SVA Flatiron Project Space, 133/141 West 21st Street, NYC.  I will also be participating in The Future Belongs to the Loving project with an interactive installation on July 19 at MAPSpace, 6 North Pearl Street, Port Chester, NY.

Text & photo courtesy of Carol Paik

Website: https://carolpaik.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capaik670/