During the coronavirus pandemic, Art Spiel is reaching out to artists to learn how they are coping.
Carole d’Inverno. Then and Now, 2019, vinyl paint on paper, 42 x 96 In. Photo by artist.
Carole d’Inverno is a Brooklyn based artist whose abstract paintings and drawings are drawn from research on significant locations, and events in American history. Recent solo shows include the Massillon Museum, OH, the Maitland Art and History Museums, FL, SUNY Rochester New York, and WCU Art Center, NC. Her work is in the public collections of Microsoft, Maitland Art and History Museum, FL, Massillon Museum, OH, Group Health, WA, Swedish Hospital, WA, and Seattle University, Seattle, WA.
Carole d’Inverno. Big Tops, 2019, vinyl paint on board, 12 x 12. Photo by Monica J Frisell
AS: How are you coping?
CdI : Like most of us I go from deep sadness to worry, to feeling OK, all in a matter of minutes. I worry for my family in Italy and Belgium, for my artists friends and how we are all going to survive emotionally, and financially. And the quietness in town really freaks me out. No hum in the air!
AS: Has your routine changed?
CdI: My studio routine has not changed much because my studio is in my house, so I am lucky not to have to hop on the subway!. I miss going to the art store, looking at art in galleries, and museums, meeting with friends for walks, dinners, a drink at the local hang out..all those things that make my daily life. Digital relationships don’t cut it for me!
Carole d’Inverno, Eons of History, 2019, vinyl paint on linen, 46 x 144 in. Photo by Monica J Frisell
AS: Can you describe some of your feelings about all this?
CdI: A mix of anger, and fear. Anger for the gaslighting of the nation, fear for those I love. I also find myself at loss as to why I should be painting at all. So many are, and many more will be living on the edges of survival. Throwing paint around does not seem to be very giving…it’s a confusing time. Hopefully some clarity will come to me!
Carole d’Inverno, Touchdown Town, 2019, vinyl paint on linen, 46 x 168 in. Photo by Monica J Frisell
AS: What matters most right now?
CdI : I think what has always mattered still remains essential to me, family, neighborhood, art, music, learning. They are all we have.
Carole d’Inverno, Gold, 2019, vinyl paint on board, 12 x 12in. Photo by artist.
AS: Any thoughts about the road ahead?
CdI: Things are blurred now. We can’t really know what to do until this ends. What are the pieces we can pick up, what to discard, what matters? In the studio, I will probably see the impact of this in the work but in what shape or form I don’t know yet. I can see how some of this is connected to our past history: most of the very rich easing their way through this, controlling the narrative, refusing to help, gaslighting us. When it’s over, how will we keep this in the forefront (along with so many other injustices) to keep pushing for a better world. In the end, and as always, the activists are the ones with the right mindset..it’s a long haul, and it’s all connected.
Carole d’Inverno, Big Betty-One Swell Lady!, 2019, vinyl paint on linen, 46 x 170 in. Photo by Monica J. Frisell
Etty Yaniv works on her art, art writing and curatorial projects in Brooklyn. She founded Art Spiel as a platform for highlighting the work of contemporary artists, including art reviews, studio visits, interviews with artists, curators, and gallerists. For more details contact by Email: artspielblog@gmail.com