We recently connected with Caroline Wilkerson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Caroline 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 grew up playing basketball and carried that passion all the way into college. The sport taught me invaluable lessons—not just about the game, but about myself and what it truly takes to excel in anything. I remember the days when I didn’t want to get up and practice for hours, when taking a “sick day” felt so tempting. But I knew that skipping even one session would set me back.
That same discipline and dedication now shape the way I approach my art. My mediums are time-intensive, requiring patience and persistence, and I’ve found a deep appreciation for the energy they demand. I spend countless hours in the studio, not just out of necessity, but because I love the process. At the same time, I’ve learned to balance hard work with self-care, ensuring my creative energy stays strong. In the end, my work ethic isn’t just about discipline—it’s fueled by passion.
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?
My artistic journey has evolved in ways I never expected. As I approach graduation this spring with a BA in Studio Art from UNCW, I feel like I’m stepping into a new chapter—one where my work moves beyond the classroom and into the real world. The path to this point has been anything but conventional, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
In high school, I painted with watercolor, drawn to the way it challenged my brain to work in reverse—applying light before dark, planning ahead with every stroke. When I began college at Guilford, I had my heart set on digital arts, but that changed the moment I was introduced to sculpture. I fell in love with the physicality of it—the way it could make viewers move, interact, and engage. Welding, in particular, became something I could lose myself in for hours. It demanded precision, planning, and problem-solving, from math to model-making.
Transferring to UNCW opened another door: darkroom photography. I was instantly drawn to the process, the patience, and the meticulous planning—just like in sculpture. I found myself caught between two worlds, searching for a way to unite them. Over the next year and a half, I experimented relentlessly, pushing the boundaries of alternative printing to merge photography with sculpture. The connection was always there: a deep love for process, for craftsmanship, for the time and care each piece requires.
Now, as I move forward, I hope to continue embracing this journey—one rooted in process, patience, and discovery.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to schedule my projects and hold myself accountable to deadlines for each stage of my work. I think many young artists struggle with this, but developing that discipline has been essential for me.
Another important lesson is trusting what feels right and not letting others define my path. Art is deeply personal, and staying true to my instincts has helped shape my creative voice.
Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of staying open—open to learning, to asking questions, and to exploring the world with curiosity. It’s not just about seeking answers but about discovering my own meaning in everything I create.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
One challenge I’m facing is figuring out what making art will look like outside of the college environment. Many of the mediums I use will be difficult to work with without access to school facilities. Right now, my focus is on finding creative solutions and exploring ideas that fit within my budget.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: caro.customs
Image Credits
All original photos by me all film with exception of the hung up work on the white wall.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.