We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carolyn Wirth. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Carolyn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning the most from my art collective, FeministFuturist. I learn valuable skills about materials and media (everyone uses media largely different from mine), and, importantly, how to frame the present political moment without sinking into apathy or fear. Approaching adversity with joy and creativity, as well as critical thinking, diligence, and activism, is an ongoing process I learn from my collective members. At a time when many people feel isolated and driven apart by so many forces–social media among them–I find connection and purpose talking with my group. More specifically, I’ve been learning about new ways of engaging with our audience through workshops and discussions modeled on consensus-building, humor, and a shared quest to move society into a just future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a sculptor, and also do a lot of drawing and printmaking. I tend to use different materials for each project so that I’m forced to make something new all the time. For many years, according to my early training, I modeled in clay and cast in bronze or other metals. I branched out into casting in plastics, which I painted, and then into casting transparent materials like waxes. I also experiment with paper mache, cement, cast glass, and fired ceramics. Most recently, I 3D printed a series of 1/2-life size heads in colored PLA which is not only recyclable but colorful, shiny, and translucent–kind of my dream material.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandmother, who grew up on a farm in Lithuania at the turn of the last century, taught me so many things about life and work. She didn’t shy away from anything difficult, whether it was a difficult conversation or a difficult seam to sew. I don’t think it would ever have occurred to her to do something like hire a maid to do the housework. I never heard her complain, exactly, although she certainly made her opinions known. I always tried to be like her, to hold my head up and pitch in.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one kind thing I would say is–“don’t worry, everything works out, even if you can’t see the forest for the trees right now.” Also, “that dress looks fantastic on you!”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies is that people–especially very young people just out of school, and old people like me–aren’t capable. Just because someone isn’t experienced in a particular software version, or a particular brand image, doesn’t mean they can’t learn, or else have a too-long learning curve. Creative people can learn anything and contribute on so many levels to the art and design business.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. Many people, often very well-meaning, tried to talk me out of being an artist. I knew that I wouldn’t make much money, that I would need day jobs, and that my family would just shake their heads at me for being a lightweight, even an airhead. What I underestimated, when older artists told me that it was hard being an artist, was the lack of respect that women in the field–especially young women–routinely face.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolynwirth.com
- Instagram: @wirthcarolyn
- Other: https://www.feministfuturist.com
Image Credits
Some images (Sylvia, Reader) by Scott Erb (Worcester, Mass.)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
