Carol Radsprecher
Carol Radsprecher’s images combine figurative and abstract elements. She earned her MFA in painting in 1988 from Hunter College City University of New York (CUNY). A longtime painter, she discovered the wonders of digital image-making and found that media well-suited to her need to make a succession of rapidly-evolving narrative images based on distorted representations of the human body, especially the female body (her body). Her work has appeared in several solo shows and numerous group shows and has been published in print as well as in online publications.
Artist: Carol Radsprecher
Based in New York, United States
Instagram:
cradsprecher
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Hidden Eyes", April 18-May 27 2022, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
First and foremost, I want my work to be interesting visually. Most
of my work isn’t meant to be intentionally provocative, but many of
the images are related to the human body, especially the femalbody, so visual references to sexuality, disease, aging, and dissolution of the body can be provoking
Where does your inspiration come from?
Childhood memories and the resulting emotions I experience as an
adult are one basis for my work. Distortion of the figure gives meaning to me, especially as each work is developing. Awareness of
the human condition of fragility in a very uncertain world is an impetus to making work that may survive even after I die eventually. The computer is also a major influence of my work. I was and am a painter, but when I taught myself some Photoshop methods, I felt exhilarated by the ability to work very fast, save prior renditions of the work, and the infinite number of ways in which one can work digitally. There is so much I can learn. And the sheer pleasure of playing with line, volume, color and seeing a visual narrative appear — that aspect of art-making is the most rewarding (if the work is realized successfully).
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
Without being too psychological, I’ll say that an unpleasant relationship between my mother and me offer a font of images and emotions that are fruitful to my imagination. In addition, being a woman and living within a woman’s body definitely impacts what I draw.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
Not really. The barriers these days have been knocked down by
previous artists and present-day artists. That’s all good. I do think
my work can be somewhat challenging, as it is somewhat complex
and can be morbid; however, the pretty colors and small size can be
soothing as well.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
I want to show as much of my work as often as possible. I try to get
work published, too. I am very aware that I am old, the world is in
turmoil, and life is tenuous (as is my economic situation). I feel very
lucky to be able to do my work and gain some measure of
acceptance and exposure of it.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Persevere! Decide what your goals are. Don’t let teachers or any
one else deflect what you want to make. Figure out how you will
survive financially. Know you will get lots of rejections, unless you
are very lucky or well-connected or extremely gifted (or any combo
of those and other qualities). Don’t put yourself down. Be aware,
though, that competition is fierce. Know art history. Good luck, and
welcome to the club!