Artist Spotlight: Carson Overstreet

Jan 22, 2020

Written by Liza Pruitt

I am so thrilled for Carson Overstreet to join the collective. And what a way to start the new year, with a new artist spotlight and new bodies of work! Carson is a fellow Richmonder and it was bound for us to meet. Her paintings embody so much of what I love: the rolling hills of Virginia and the coastline. After hosting a show together at Pillar and Peacock in December, a local design studio here in Richmond, we knew our visions aligned and that the collective and her work was a perfect fit! I have so enjoyed getting to know Carson: sharing our love for art, design and entrepreneurship. Therefore, it is my pleasure to share this fun Q & A with you so you too can fall in love with her!

1- WHEN DID YOU START PAINTING?

6 years ago.

2- WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

The natural beauty of the South—from the marshes to the mountains to the rolling hills. And, flora in general; I really do love painting trees and flowers. Occasionally, I’ll find inspiration in say, a textile or a wall tile that I might see in a magazine, but generally my inspiration comes from nature.

3- DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY?

No rushing! It feels that I am constantly on the go. A luxurious day would consist of lounging around in pajamas drinking coffee and reading the newspaper with nothing to do and nowhere to be. Then some time spent outdoors. Ending the day with exceptional wine, food and company would make it ideal.

4- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL TO?

Traveling someplace that I have never visited before would be my choice though a typical year includes visiting London, Bedford, Virginia and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

5- WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2020?

This past year I experimented quite a bit and hope to spend more time doing so in the coming year. In fact, the collection that I painted for Liza Pruitt consisted of bright landscapes—which I have always painted—but I took the opportunity to experiment with sunlight and also paint in high contrast using a more muted color palette. I always enjoy the challenge of trying something new and truly enjoyed pushing myself artistically for this release. It would be very difficult for me to always paint in the same style or subject matter—experimentation is what keeps this profession enjoyable for me.

6- TELL US SOMETHING THAT NO ONE KNOWS!

Before I started painting, I owned a catering company. Business primarily consisted of cocktail and dinners parties. It was hard work and became harder once I had small children, so I gave it up after operating for about 7 years, which, ultimately was the right choice for me. Actually, cooking and painting aren’t that far off from each other since they are both creative outlets. I guess I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to create.

SEE MORE OF CARSON’S WORK THIS WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22ND AT 9 AM EST. ON LIZAPRUITT.COM. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL LIZA@LIZAPRUITT.COM IN THE MEANTIME FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS.

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