Spotlight: Mary Anne Carter, Soft Sculpture and Installation Art

Mary Anne Carter has been an artist since a young child. Art is the way she communicates. It is her gift. Using many media and techniques, she creates detailed art installations that are a feast for the viewer.

How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?

I’ve always felt like an artist. It wasn’t always a “good” feeling–in fact it can be quite confusing and frustrating in modern society–but no matter how hard I’ve tried to shut down my creative pursuits in favor of something more “practical,” I’ve been reminded that I don’t have a choice.

Art is the way my brain works. It’s the way I communicate. It’s my gift. It’s my curse. It’s my life!

When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person? 

I never had an “aha” moment that I was creative–rather a few early incidents informed me that my creative disposition was “different” and sometimes, unacceptable. I had to change kindergarten teachers midyear because I couldn’t wrap my head around why I would use lowercase letters when I found them so ugly. I also spelled my name with all the correct letters but in order by preferred letter- MNNAARYE.

I tried to pull all nighters as early as first grade due to a self imposed pressure to make my art projects perfect. My parents were actually quite amazing through this and helped me find appropriate outlets for creativity so I could still succeed in a traditional school environment–but I know my creativity was challenging for everyone, myself included. I highly recommend Tomie dePaola’s book, The Art Lesson, for families with a fellow creative demon.

What different creative media do you use in your work? Do you have a favorite?

I love so many mediums–textiles, screen printing, ceramics, wood, painting, craft supplies, and most recently, glass. My favorite projects are art installations when I can use them all to create a completely immersive environment. 

When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?

Definitely an improviser. I get a picture of what I’m going for, generally by taking a series of walks and letting my mind wander, and then let the final product evolve as I make it.

How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?

I keep my schedule busy enough to have a blend of creative deadlines and creative work for clients that both enables and forces me to flex between projects and mediums as they best align with my mood and timeline. I’d love to be someone that goes to the studio to work on a single project without a deadline–but can’t see it for me in this lifetime.

Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?

 I do–I have a studio with hard surfaces and low risk for noise complaints which is the best investment I’ve made in myself and my relationships. When working with a variety of mediums or on a larger scale, it can really interrupt the flow by having to clean up mid project, so the ability to sprawl and not be in anyone’s way is key for me. I also like to work late and it is nice being able to do so without disrupting anyone.

Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?

For the past few years, I’ve been passionate about making canvas soft sculptures that look inflatable as a fixture in my installations. Generally, I take a theme or constraint and consider the best way to incorporate some soft sculpture, be it an accent piece or the main attraction. It combines my love of screen printing and textile art and has held my attention for longer than any other medium, so it feels good to continue to finesse it.

Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?

I love diving in, making a mess, working past the first set of experiments. and landing with a concrete vision. I hate the final hour, usually because I find it impossible to put something down and want to keep working it.

How has your creativity evolved over the years? What triggered the evolution to new media/kinds of work/ways of working?

I’ve become more interested in consistency than in constantly bouncing from medium to medium. I still love picking up something new, but try not to do that ahead of a show–rather as inspiration for a future show, once I’ve worked out the kinks. I attribute it to growing up and recognizing the beauty in pushing through the boring.

Have you had a “never again” moment, then gone and done it again?

I have a high capacity, but still tend to underestimate the limitations of time and space. I definitely find myself working late into the night thinking “I’m too old for this” or wondering “why I’m like this.” But at least the romance of being an artist isn’t dead!

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work? 

I love attending other artist’s shows as well as traveling to recharge and get reinspired. As much as I work, I do value down time to reup my ability to get inspired and experience new things.

What traits, if any, do you think that creative people have as compared to people who are not creative? 

I think creative people are just privy to more ways of communication. I think we are super communicators who can convey feeling in more concise and powerful ways than a standard word count. I also think we’re generally a lot of fun and less encumbered by the pressures of society.

Where can people see your work?

People can view my work on Instagram at @jesusmaryannejoseph and online at www.maryannecarter.com. I frequently show in the Seattle area and am excited to show work at Fresh Mochi in May; Fruit Super in July; Basecamp 2 in October; and AMcE in November.

Oh! And I have a line of furnishings and art objects in collaboration with a woodworker and lighting designer called Wishbone Industrial Arts. We design and manufacture everything in the heart of Seattle and love hosting events. Join our mailing list to be invited to the next one!

Interview posted May 2024