Interview with an Artist: Carter

1.       You use a lot of flowers, scenes of nature, and even a butterfly in one picture.   Is nature an important theme? or touchstone for you?

Yes, I am drawn to incorporating botanicals and animals in a lot of my portraiture. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, and it has always helped to think clearly.

3.       What makes you laugh? What’s the last funny thing that’s happened to you?

Myself, when I do something stupid.

4.       How long have you been drawing?  Why did you start drawing?

I have been drawing and painting as long as I can remember. Art has been with me since I was a toddler spending hours every day drawing in the metal-insets in my Montessori kindergarten.

5.       When are you the most creative?

I like to think that I can find inspiration anywhere, from school, from books, from random people I see on the street. But when I am alone is when I process that inspiration best, and I am able to create meaningful artwork.

6.       What’s your least favorite thing to wear? 

My least favorite thing to wear is probably anything that doesn't allow me to do a handstand in it. 

7.       What is something that most people misunderstand about creating artwork?

That great artists don't make mistakes. I am still a learning artist myself, and every time I make a mistake, I am given an opportunity to improve my technique and my creative voice.

9.       How was making artwork different in the hospital?

I had to work with whatever materials I had access to, which was sometimes difficult. I also had hours on end to work on my pieces, and it gave me a lot of time and freedom.

Carter created prolifically while at the hospital— both during her art therapy sessions, and in her own time. She spent a week at BCH and is 14 years old. She worked in printmaking, watercolor, and acrylic while in the hospital. This interview happened over email.