Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the person behind the product.
What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Carolyn Gavin, the artist behind our new City Prints.
Carolyn Gavin photo by Virginia Macdonald /Instagram
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I knew at a very early age–maybe 3 or 4–that I wanted to be an artist. It just looked like a really cool something to do. I had watched my aunt do her
graphic design thing and I was instantly hooked! I watched as she drew, painted, cut and paste, and created beautiful images. From then on everything I did was fueled by my desire to create and the joy I felt in the process. I also come from a very creative family and we all seem to do something with the arts so its in my blood for sure.
What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
Looking back, there have been many amazing milestones… here are 3:
1) Launching my family company Ecojot was incredibly exciting and very timely.
2) Getting signed by my fabulous agent Lilla Rogers Studios. I knew then that I had come a long way; not necessarily arrived but somewhere in-between.
3) Being able to actually earn a living from my design work. [It] is hugely possible to do if you have a great style and are willing to work like a “dog” to get there.
What does your typical day in the studio look like?
Paint, paper, brushes, computer, water, snacks, dog toys, bulldog, sunshine, and happiness.
Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
My studio is filled with colorful things and stuff to inspire me. I have a sweet collection of precious stones which I keep close by plus a tin butterfly pin from my childhood and a tiny brass whale my daughter and husband found at a garage sale in Montreal.
San Francisco City Print by Carolyn Gavin
Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartner for the first time. What do you think they would say?
“Mmm, colorful and good!”
What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
I have a few, but I LOVE:
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Gary Player
“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde
“Meet your needs and limit your wants.” – Gandhi
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[…] only do we get to partner with an insanely well-known organization who can help grow our artist, Carolyn Gavin’s vision for our happy earth friendly ecojot brand but they are a B Corp too! Meaning we share the […]