Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carson Fox. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Carson with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I came from a family with not much of a work ethic at all, and my response was to go the polar opposite. I also had a friend in college who was an excellent model for hard work, and I am indebted to him. I observe one certainty: there are always people in the room who are more fortunate or gifted, but I can outwork any of them.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been a professional visual artist for thirty + years and I maintain a studio in Brooklyn, NY. My career is defined by exhibitions and commissions, and my production centers around sculptures and site-specific installations. One of the things I love about installing sculptures is that I get to travel to new places I may never have journeyed to otherwise. My installations are permanently placed in many environments, including public, corporate and residential venues. It is supremely satisfying to hear first-hand the excitement people express when they learn they will be living with a new work of art. People want art in their lives, and I am happy to oblige!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I try to be very organized, but I also have a terrible memory. In undergraduate school I noticed one of my professors carried around a small notebook so he could jot down little things- a kind of perpetual “to do” list, always in one place. I adopted this habit when I was young and at this point, I probably have filled hundreds of little books. This practice has proved to be essential for the practical organization of my time and goals. It gives me a place to put the nagging distractions of life so I can concentrate on my work, and every morning when I review it, I feel such satisfaction when I can cross things off my list.
Habits are also an essential contributor that support my career. It is not so glamorous, but I must schedule my time very tightly, and it helps if I have routines in place that form a bullwork that allows me to be as efficient as possible. On a typical day, I get up around 6AM so I can address my list book, my email and “computer stuff” for two hours or so, and I arrive at my studio no later than 9AM. I do not check my email again until mid-day and only respond to things if absolutely necessary. I eat lunch in the studio and leave around 6PM. I do social media on the subway and to respond to emails. At night I eat dinner, do some chores and relish laying on the couch (when I am lucky) watching excellent TV until it is time to go to bed.
Reliability is another quality I cultivate. If I commit to something I deliver on time, no excuses. To ensure this, I keep a record of how long it takes to do certain aspects of my work so I can make educated predictions.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents did the best they could considering who they were. Both suffered from addiction, and my childhood was a bumpy ride. In a strange way (that I do not recommend) this was invaluable, as it impressed upon me the need to be resilient and self-reliant. These qualities have served me throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carsonfox.com
- Instagram: carsonfoxstudio
- Facebook: carsonfoxstudio
