Jacqueline Carr, a self-taught artist from Elmont, was named Artist of the Month at the Elmont Memorial Library Gallery. Through trial and error, she refined her techniques and showcased 15 pieces at the Elmont Memorial Library throughout September.
Carr described art as a hobby which was sparked by a museum visit and a library of paint-and-sip events. With ongoing support from family and friends, she decided to pursue her work and showcase it at the library.
She described her style as nature-driven and said she is most often inspired by nature. Carr shared her first painting, created during the library paint-and-sip, as “a beach with two beach chairs, birds flying, a coconut tree, and the sea.”
Throughout her artistic journey, Carr said her artwork, ‘Two Face’, is her favorite and most complimented piece, reflecting its contrasting colors and theme of inner conflict.
“There's a piece that I call “Two Face” that I have drawn,” she said. “A lot of people seem to like it because the woman's face is split: one side is yellow, one side is red, and she seems to be in conflict with herself.”
Last month, she was named Artist of the Month. Carr described the moment as one of her proudest. “That was amazing. I was really proud of myself. When the artwork was on display, I told a few friends. I'm also in a book club, and they were there to celebrate,” she said.
Moreover, Carr told the Herald that revisiting work until it feels complete is challenging, but taking a break before returning can help. She advised young artists to practice, seek ideas from other artists, and be patient and persistent.
“Just stick to it. It takes time. I wasn't always as good as I am, and I am still looking to get better,” Carr said. “... Talk to the artists, get ideas, and you'll get better as you keep practicing your craft. The whole thing is perseverance and patience.”
