Artist Statement
In her artwork Carol considers it an individual challenge to use new tools, unusual materials and a combination of mediums and materials; it is all a vital part of her creative process. With this mindset there is no end to the creative possibilities, so much yet to be explored. Is she "reinventing the wheel?" Her "wheel" will always have her own unique combination often using "upcycled" materials that leave her own unique mark or innovation. Carol Gonzales was born in Lowell, Indiana.
Her earliest memories reflect on pattern and design depicted on the wallpaper just outside her crib - these images filled her dreams far into adulthood. She graduated Suma Cum Laude from St. Edwards University with a Fine Arts degree in August, 2004 and continued to embark on her life as a professional artist. Venturing into the unknown and unpredictable results in weird combinations that couldn't have been logically planned out without such exploration. Discovering new ways of doing things has been her challenge as well as an integral part of her creative process. Therefore the unexplored ever awaits.
Carol Gonzales is best described as an artist, creating art with wild abandon, everyday, everywhere and with every material she can find! Her healthy obsession drives her to recycle other peoples' scraps and endlessly explore technique and application.
"The philosophy for my artwork is always to be experimental in technique/process and even in tools and materials. It has become important to me to somehow create each piece with something really special and unique about it. If you'd like to know what is unique, please feel free to ask me about any individual piece.
It could simply be a perfect balance of color or design, some visual or actual dimension; often it is to add a bit a glitz. Something real like stone, or metal, jewelry or a chain, as well as found objects both from nature or as a recycled material can culminate in something uniquely unparalleled. In latter years I am finding the need to spend quite a bit of time on presentation, something I didn't do so much in the beginning with my eagerness to try so many new mediums and techniques. I still am open to trying just about anything that works well, but have also set a standard to have no flaws in any way for the piece of work to make the cut, even if other people do not readily deduce them.
Also in keeping with this philosophy, I would encourage anyone who finds they are not completely satisfied with a piece of my artwork to please set up a time with me to make an exchange from a vast array of work accomplished (10,000 pieces thus far) in which to trade, or settle the difference if the cost of the new piece is more. I'm betting though, that as most people have, anyone who tries is not able to sit through viewing all of the entire array - but I am willing if you are -- until you are completely satisfied with your selection.
I urge booth visitors to please feel free to leave their email address if they would like to attend further shows. I am in my studio working 24/7 but on occasion, usually in the Fall when it cools, I do participate in select shows. My website will be updated in the new year, and will reflect a larger variety of mediums I have completed. I am happy to meet with potential customers, but request a scheduled meeting time since I do tend to work into the wee hours, therefore mornings are the least likely time to reach me.
Please do feel free to contact me by my email or phone if you have a pending birthday or last minute Christmas gift you would like to fulfill, or custom work. Also note on the Exhibition History section of my website works currently displayed in the Austin area. I would love the opportunity to bring you bright colors, intricate designs, paintings of any size or medium as well as 3D works in various mediums. Thank you most sincerely for your past and future patronage!"