Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Otero.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am the youngest of four children, born in a family almost totally made up by artists. I grew up in an incredibly motivating environment surrounded by visual artists, musicians, writers, dancers and educators.
For as long as I can remember, I loved to paint and draw, and I constantly did it. When it was time for me to go to college, and in retrospect with a rebellious attitude, I decided I wanted to become an architect. I needed to do something different from what my parents did. Even though I liked many things of my first year studying architecture, I went back to my first love: Art.
I moved to New York City with my family and I applied to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a very competitive, and at the time, free college. I was totally satisfied and enamored with my decision. I undertook being an artist with utmost passion and dedication. Since then, and after I finished my studies, I went back to my country of origin, Venezuela. I developed my career as an artist and I combined my studio practice with teaching, training in education and, on the side, doing some cultural management work.
I lived in Venezuela for most of my life except for a few of years spent in Norway, France and the U.S. In 2013 I returned to this country and have been living in Houston since.
Please tell us about your art.
First of all, I would say that my work is my way of living. This is in a very literal way. If I do not do my Art Work, I am simply not myself. My work develops organically, it is not preconceived, it is created in the process. I am a nature lover, I consider myself a compassionate and curious person, everything that happens around me and in my life, informs my work. That could be a book I am reading, a movie I watch, a relationship, a trip, an art exhibition, the news…
I love paper and printed images. For many years now, I have been working on collages and mixed media. Found images attract me greatly, they suggest work paths. I would say my work is bold and strong and also fine and subtle. It expresses multiple realities, dimensions of space, time and movement. It refers to my interior world and also to what surrounds and interests me.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
As I conceive and practice it, the Art work is very lonely. Strictly speaking, I do not see it any other way. However, I do not only love but absolutely need to collaborate with people, artists and non-artists. Working with other people nurtures my soul immensely. In the past, education would give me the possibility to work – teach and learn – from different people. Last year I did a collaborative project with a videographer and it fascinated me. I definitely would love to do more of that.
Talking to artists friends is also very motivating. In fact, I belong to a small art collective called Tarraya. We decided to get together precisely to talk about our work, share ideas, work on projects collaboratively. We discuss our work in a consciously respectful, intimate, constructive manner.
As an artist, through your work, you share who you are, you open yourself up to others. It is an act of generosity. Being able to honestly and respectfully talk about your artwork can be very rewarding. I definitely think that teaching and learning with artists (and other people) is a wonderful way to build a community.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a web page (www.carolinaotero.com), but I believe it is crucial to be able to see the work in person. I show in art galleries and related spaces. During the month of December 2017, I was invited to participate in the 11th edition of Pinta Miami, an international Art Fair held in Florida. I showed two large scale digitals prints, a series of intervened small linoleum prints, and in collaboration with my Venezuelan friend Carlos Pelayo Martinez, a video.
In 2015, two years after my arrival to Houston, I had a one-woman exhibition at the Galería Regina, which is no longer in town. Besides that, I have been in several group shows in the city. I am planning another individual exhibition to be announced soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolinaotero.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: carolinaoteropardo
- Facebook: Carolina Otero´s Art work
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