Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Staley.
Hi Caroline, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up with a creative spark. At a young age, I would draw on my walls. I went to the College of Charleston and studied Studio Art. I tried to sell my art but could not support myself from it so took a job as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines right after college so that I could travel. I then got married, had three children, and after my third child, felt the need to figure out who I was again. I once again ignited my creative spark and started painting again. Some friends saw my art and asked me to paint them some things. I then rented a booth at a local store and opened up a Facebook and Instagram account. I sold more online than in the store so pivoted to social media. I then found a store, Tres Carmen Boutique that wanted to help sell my art. It’s great to fit in because my target audience shops there! Since I paint out of my home it also gives me a place to send people to see my art in person. I also started doing some local shows and my favorite is Art on the Beach, each fall on Sullivans Island, which includes a whole tour, art, and food. I now do mostly commissions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first started painting, I was very fearful of “putting myself out there.” I did not want to put my real name on my art bc I did not want pity purchases from people that I knew. I really wanted to see if my art would sell organically. My husband used to say that all I did was gallivant all day. (I was really changing diapers and chasing my children all day). So, I signed my art “Gallavantor “and it has stuck.
I think it’s worked well for me as I have had some bumps in the road but I’ve also had a lot of wonderful opportunities just by getting out there and saying yes to a lot of things and challenging myself, as I did to the murals at Pacific Box and Crate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work mostly on canvas with acrylic paint and gold leaf. I’m obsessed with God leaf! I love the depth it gives abs hope it elevated each piece to the next level! I have done several murals at Pacific Box and Crate and Boomtown in downtown Charleston in their office spaces.
One is of a large squid.
Another is the history of the property
Another is a cheeky take on pointing the patrons to the restrooms. If you’ve read the book Everyone Poops, you’ll get the gist!
I love that my art is all over the world, from the Netherlands, Australia, The Bahamas, Maine, California, and Colorado. Those are just free places that I have shipped.
What was you like growing up?
I’ve always been outgoing and energetic. I absolutely love people and learning about their lives. I have always been drawn to the ocean and the salt air. Something about it is just so romantic and gives me the feeling of really being connected to the earth. I definitely excelled more in art than most subjects, as I had to work very hard for B’s and C’s. I know some of that can be contributed to my untreated ADHD. I really think that I’ve learned to channel my extra energy into my art. My art is actually the one thing I’m able to focus on without getting too distracted! It really is therapeutic for me.
Pricing:
- I do not ever do prints and like to think my pricing is very affordable for original one-of-a-kind art.
- 10×10 $160
- 48×60 $4500
- More specific sizes and pricing available upon request
Contact Info:
- Email: Gallavantorart@gmail.com
- Website: Thegallavantor.com
- Instagram: @gallavantor
- Facebook: The Gallavantor
Image Credits
Brendan Wesley
