Arts in Atlanta: Carol Reynolds

I am very happy to announce the start of a series of interviews of artists from the metro Atlanta area. The first featured artist is my new and dear friend, the incredibly talented Carol Reynolds. Carol is an artist who creates mosaics on found and constructed objects, using ceramic tiles that she makes and fires herself. She is so successful that her work practically flies out the door of The Decatur Market and Gallery, particulary her manequin mosaics. One day Carol walked into the gallery with a mosaic I loved so much that I commissioned a similar piece before she even hung it on the wall! You can see my beautiful Euby Darlin' pictured just below. Carol says that the wonderful thing about mosaics is that they are "so versatile and so forgiving. Accuracy and perfection are not required. As a result, gratification can be immediate." Now, who doesn't love immediate gratification?




Which five words best describe you?
Openminded, flexible, easy, loyal, spacey


When did you decide to become an artist?
When my friend let me use her ceramics studio and didn't laugh at what I created


What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
To let things go if you can't do anything about them





What’s your proudest career achievement?
Hmmm....artistically..... the first time I applied, submitted images and got accepted to a show -- all on my own.

What three artists have influenced you most and why?
Dolores Fawkes (she's my mentor and a non-blood sister; most folks have no idea how many Artists she's helped. She let me use her studio, didn't laugh at my early efforts, and gave me the push to think about doing it on my own)
Kate Anderson (she's an instructor at the Spruill Center and got me hooked on mosaics)
I don't have a third...

What influences your work?
I’m always thinking of ways to combine as many types of tile as I can -- the more textures and dimensions, the better. And…I’m all about recycling. Fortunately for me, if I find a piece that’s a bit battered or scarred, I can still use it. That’s the beauty of mosaics…nothing has to be perfect!






What’s on your cd player while you’re creating?
Right now, I'm listening to The Braves on the radio. But...if I want music... I'm listening to Lucinda Williams, Howie Day, Matt Nathanson or Augustana, And...I'm always up for Warrn Zevon or Jackson Browne.

What are you reading?
Unfortunately, nothing at the moment. But I really enjoy Michael Connelly and Lee Child novels.

What’s been your best decision?
To marry the man I married.



Who would you like to trade places with for one day? Why?
This is a hard one...I'm really in a pretty good place right now. Yeah, I think I'm okay.

What inspires you?
Anytime anyone forgets about him/her self and just does what's right.




What are you passionate about?
The Golden Rule

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet?
Anyone on the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Louisiana Territory.


What dream do you still want to fulfill?
Travel to all of the continents. I've got South America, Africa and the Poles left.

What are you currently working on?
I’ve just finished getting things ready for two upcoming shows; so I’m taking a bit of a break – at least for this week. My next job will be getting more ceramic tiles made for a large mirror that’s waiting for me.




You can see more of Carol's art on display at the Decatur Market and Gallery on 153 Ponce de Leon Place and at the Chastain Arts Festival the first weekend in November.