Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Brady
Hi Carol, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always considered myself an artist, even before I began making tangible works of art. For me, creativity is an inherent part of being human, and everyone—whether we’re creating visual art or not—is an artist in their own way.
Growing up, I worked hard in school, but it was the extracurriculars that truly called to me. Art was always something I pursued on the side, but it wasn’t until after I became a mother that I started seriously working with acrylics and canvas. When my first child turned one, I began writing one poem a day, capturing my experiences of motherhood and parenthood. I shared these poems privately with family on Instagram, but once he became more independent, I felt a strong urge to reclaim my personal creative space. I wanted to immerse myself in messy paint—not just for him, but for me. That’s when I started painting on the floor of our shotgun house in New Orleans, using house paint and later transitioning to higher-quality acrylics.
My first large-scale series, Under The Trees, was deeply inspired by the walks I took with my son in the parks of New Orleans. As I followed him through the winding paths beneath the oak trees, I began to reconnect with my own thoughts and rediscovered my ability to see the world with new eyes. I became fascinated by the textures of tree bark, sidewalk cracks, and the rich colors of the world around me. It was as though I had started seeing color again for the first time in over a year.
I shared that first series online and sold many of the pieces to friends and family. Since then, I’ve released five more series, each one evolving in style and content. Along the way, I began exploring other forms of expression, including writing and recording music based on my poems and paintings. In 2024, I started learning piano and songwriting, an extension of my artistic process that allows me to weave together different aspects of my creative self.
My work is deeply personal, and often explores themes of transformation, motherhood, and the connection between nature and our own human experiences. One of my most profound experiences came when I painted a piece inspired by monarch butterflies. Afterward, monarch chrysalises appeared on our fence, an extraordinary moment that seemed to echo the very themes I had been grappling with in my art.
Art is something I have to do, not just something I want to do. It’s a creative itch that calls to me until I give in and create. I often tell people that art is a way of uncovering the spirit’s desire to externalize our inner worlds, and I believe that the more we create, the more life reflects art back to us. In many ways, my art has been about reclaiming my creativity, rediscovering who I am as a person, and seeing the beauty in the everyday experiences that shape us.
As I continue to grow as an artist, I feel more connected to the natural world and more attuned to the complex, multifaceted experiences that shape our lives. I’ve come to see my work not only as an expression of myself but also as an invitation for others to tap into their own creativity, to recognize the artist within themselves, and to see the world through a more colorful, fluid lens.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from smooth, and my growth as an artist has been slow but steady. At times, that slow pace can feel challenging, especially as my work gained recognition gradually rather than overnight. Early on, my art was deeply personal, created in small, quiet moments as I balanced the demands of motherhood. My first series sold mostly to friends and family, and I didn’t know if my work would ever reach a wider audience.
Space for creation has always been a challenge, as I work in a home studio that often competes with family life and other responsibilities. This lack of dedicated space can be frustrating, but it’s part of the reality I’ve had to navigate. The steady growth of my pieces, while motivating, also requires patience and persistence. Balancing family, career, and my creative practice is difficult, and there are days when it feels like I’m not making the progress I want. The vulnerability of sharing such personal work can also be daunting.
But over time, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet, steady march of progress. It’s allowed me to build a more authentic and grounded artistic practice. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, even if the road has been slower and more challenging than I initially imagined.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in large-scale abstract paintings created with acrylics on raw canvas. My style is often likened to watercolor, as I use watered-down paints poured in thin layers that gradually build over time. This layering process gives my work a fluid, floating effect that evokes movement and depth, making the paint feel as though it’s drifting or flowing across the canvas.
Recently, I’ve started sharing the poetry that inspires each of my pieces, adding another layer of meaning to my work. This has been a way for me to further connect with my audience and offer more insight into the emotional and conceptual foundations of my paintings. I believe the poetry serves as an extension of the visual language, providing context and narrative that deepens the viewer’s experience.
What sets me apart is my integration of different forms of expression. In addition to my paintings and poetry, I have an upcoming musical show where I will be sharing six original songs—each written, composed, and recorded by me. These songs are directly inspired by the paintings in the show, creating a unique, immersive experience where visual art, poetry, and music come together in conversation. This is the first time I’ve combined my visual and musical art in this way, and I’m excited to see how the music enhances the emotional depth of the artwork.
I’m most proud of how my work has evolved, from creating abstract pieces to expanding into poetry and music. The ability to share not just my art but also the stories and emotions behind it is something I’ve grown into over time. I’m proud of the connections I’ve made with others through my work—whether that’s through my paintings, the poems I write, or the songs I now compose. It’s these connections that really drive me to keep pushing forward and to continue experimenting with new ways to express myself.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with me, collaborate, or support my art. Most of my work is commissioned by collectors who want custom pieces for their homes. I specialize in creating large-scale abstract paintings tailored to fit the exact size and color palette that aligns with my clients’ visions. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to complement your space or a more intimate work that resonates with you personally, I work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. You can learn more about commissioning a piece through my website at CarolBradyArt.com.
In addition to commissions, I’m always open to collaboration. I love working with other artists, musicians, or creatives on projects that explore the intersection of different art forms. If you’re interested in a joint venture—whether in visual art, poetry, or music—feel free to reach out.
Supporting my work in other ways is also greatly appreciated! Sharing my art on social media, attending my exhibitions, or telling others about my pieces helps me reach a broader audience and continue to grow as an artist. You can find me on Instagram at @CarolBrady_art, where I post updates on my latest works, exhibitions, and projects.
Whether through purchasing a piece, commissioning a custom work, or simply spreading the word, your support means the world to me.
Pricing:
- Prints start at $50
- Commissions start at $1000
- Original pieces start at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CarolBradyArt.com
- Instagram: @CarolBrady_Art
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyTNmmuNUjo
