I was tutored in art by my father, a gifted sculptor who immigrated from Italy. My mother also had a significant influence on my art. She was a gifted watercolorist.  All this contributed to my pursuing the passive arts.

 

Other than parental influence, formal training was sporadic. I grew up in Queens, New York.  Although my talent awarded me a full scholarship to the High School Of Art and Design I did not attend. My parents declined the school for reasons I am not sure of. Perhaps delving into the art world was a problem place for anyone and they desired to shield me from it. The school was a four our daily commute so perhaps this was why.  I later was given a full scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology and attended there for one year.  The reason I left was because the education they provided did not prepare a person to make a living.   I heard that the military needed illustrators and so I signed on.  Years later I completed my education with a bachelor's of art from Goddard College in Plainfield Vermont. My drive to paint led to a personal approach in oil and pastels. I also pursued the spiritual art of iconography. A deep interest in the spiritual aspects of art has influenced much of my work.

 

Really, I would say that I was and always will be an artist.  When I paint my mind completes past thoughts and experiences. As a child I did not produce enough artwork. In our society passive art is considered to be play. For me it is an important part of who I am.  I am grateful that I now have the time and ability to work in oils.

 

My art has been collected by people from many parts of the United States. Many thanks for those who have supported me in my creative process over the years.

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Carolyn Ann Bartolini Steward

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