NOURISH
Cover photo by:
Carl Barnett
January 4, 2024 at 7:33:00 PM
What the creative mind can do
Featuring:
Carl Barnett
The interview
Let's dive into the depths of creativity. In your view, what defines art? And why do you believe it holds such significance in our lives and creative pursuits?
Art is a mirror to who we are and try to become. Who we are, where we are and where we desire to go. It is our way of storytelling and sense making, digging and sifting through the terrain of the self. Art inspires, informs and resolves. It eases our ways of being human, the perfectly imperfect and equanimous. To surround oneself with beauty as we work and pay bills softens the beat of the drum. Why we create and collect. This is the significance of art for me, meaning, purpose and contribution. To do better, to be better, to try.
Now, let's set the stage. Can you introduce yourself and offer a glimpse into your business realm? Paint us a picture of who you are amidst the bustling landscape of the design community, and perhaps give us a glimpse into your company.
A glimpse into what I do is a multifaceted lens as I am fortunate enough to do many things that I love. I am a multi-hyphened creator, a studio painter, writer, gallerist and periodically accept interior design projects. Though different arenas, they share a commonality of inspiration, beauty and what the creative mind can do. My focus these days has been on painting and my gallery NOURISH as a means to support the creative endeavor of others and to inspire better living.
Art comes in many forms. Are you a collector yourself, or what are your thoughts on the impact of collecting art in the business world? How does it influence or intertwine with your professional pursuits?
Collecting can be a troubling subject in our contemporary world. As a world of change and challenge, we over consume and over produce, vacillated by marketing that tells us who we should be and overshadows who we are. I am a collector, with a fewer better things mentality. I collect the handmade and momentos of family and friends. There is a saying that suggests we are the culmination of the five people we surround ourselves with, I feel the same way with what I collect and how I live in my home. To surround oneself with beauty as we work and pay bills softens the beat of the drum. I want to be inspired by beauty and nature and those within my intimate circle. To inspire and to be inspired by art, life and beauty. Collecting is a matter of supporting the makers and enjoying what the maker has made. A circular motion of creating, pursuing and enjoying the goals of business and life.
From brushstrokes to boardrooms, how does art weave its canvas through your career? Does it stimulate your critical thinking, guide your decision-making, or influence your approach to business challenges?
Art as weaving is an interesting thought, I like the idea of this, art as thread, stitching and tying together all the aspects of who we are and where we are, giving weight and illuminating. As a creative doer, art for me is a means to express my philosophies of life, my personal belief systems and challenges, my identity that I have chosen. Art and all my endeavors are tied together by a need to move forward from a difficult childhood, to take all my experiences and weave and stitch them into something that is useful, meaningful and of purpose. To shine a light and ring a bell. The creative endeavor for me as an artist and business owner has allowed me to give not because I have been given, but to offer something of value that is me, perfectly imperfect, trying.
Emotions and identity often mirror the strokes of artistry. How does art resonate with your emotions and personal identity in the realm of business?
Art as mirror. Art as sifter, storyteller, bandage and resolver. This is how I see all that I do. How I see myself in this world, what I have to offer. Art for me is an act of cartography, mapping the terrain of living and who I am trying to become. Who I am as creator and business owner, son, friend and neighbor. The resonation of art runs deep, echoing all that I do as I try to give life meaning. This is my means of way finding and sense making of life, love and perpetual pursuing of purpose and identity. To move past can't and hard and to never give up. To see beauty and feel its splendor. To know the equanimity of life and offer a map and a hand forward, or at least a light.
Let's gaze into the crystal ball. What are your insights on the future of art in the business domain? How do you envision its evolution and impact moving forward?
Crystal ball or Magic 8 Ball? It is difficult these days to predict the future with so much turmoil and change both within the states and abroad. But with the expansion of the internet, social media, and pop up spaces this the creative arena and how it is presented is changing. Art and the creative experiences are becoming more readily available and relevant to who we are as a collective. Museums are more diverse in their representations and themed exhibits, reflecting our changing and challenging times. The idea of holistic living has become more popular, bringing with it art, nature and self healing, an all encompassing pursuit of better living and self knowing. With this expansion we see our selves more clearly through the arenas of art and collecting and the opening up of opportunities to showcase art in all its manifestations. This is why I prefer to show work in my home, I love the relatability of it, the intimacy. If I ever were to open a brick and mortar space I would replicate this, complete with a kitchen and pantry, offering local honey, jams, and breads. Art as nourishment for the body, mind and emotion. This is what draws me to interior design, our private spaces as labs for replenishment, learning, love and the inspiration that art brings to each of us as individuals.
Well, thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to sit with us and share your thoughts about art and the future of art with us! Where can our intrigued readers uncover more about you, your creative ventures, and perhaps glimpse the artful touch that defines your design world?
Thank you so kindly for the invitation to explore the creative endeavor. I can talk forever and will continue my pursuits. My website if full of inspiration and insight. There is a link to NOURISH Gallery and a philosophy section with lists of organizations and inspiring people. There is also a link to my paintings and a blog.
I am represented by MAISON10 in NYC that has several of my paintings available. MAISON10 is a wonderful endeavor spearheaded by two men I respect and adore. With each purchase, 10% goes to a charity of your choosing. Such a great energy they bring to the arena of art.
Happy New Year.
Carl Barnett
Entrepreneur
NOURISH
Media Contact Info:
Carl Barnett
NOURISH
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