We were lucky to catch up with Carri Degenhardt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carri , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
That’s such an interesting question. My whole life I have been the only one in the room who looks like me. I was adopted at six months old in Rochester NY from a Planned Parenthood. I guess it’s always been that way so I know nothing different. When I was on Wall Street the majority of the advisors and clients i had were men. Being different is actually a great thing because you bring a totally different perspective and set of skills into the equation. With hard work, persistence and a thick skin i was able to excel on my own terms. As I have approached the art world it seems to be more of the same. Of course the people and clients are different but having a different background has aided me in connecting with people and I hope to utilize this in my growth as an artist.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
25 years ago, i started a retained Wall Street search firm that specialized in the placement of large retail advisors and also became a columnist for various trade rags in the industry. As time went on though I really wanted to try something new myself. Here I’d been flipping brokers all around for decades, but i hadn’t done it myself. So, two years ago I launched City Swipes Fluid Art Experience Studio in Downtown Jersey City, NJ. It’s an intimate studio that can fit 20 students along with both an indoor and outdoor gallery space (weather permitting). I also have my own artistic practice and have been in many shows thought out the state on NJ, as well as NY. People come from all over the North East to experience a date night, weekend workshop, team building, birthday or good old family fun and podcasters, as well. There’s nothing like the feeling of doing fluid art while discussing your most intimate thoughts!. These experiences transcends age, sex and ethnicity. My team is also available for travel, so whether it’s a NYC brokerage firm that wants team building or a Staten Island bday party we Make it happen. When Im not teaching, I am concentrating on my own art and brand. Whether it’s through pop up venues, galleries, or juried shows I’ve managed to stay quite busy. This past year We have started focusing on other emerging artists as well and provide space for them to sell their own work, either in downtown Jersey City or Western NY (Pittsford, NY).
The studio makes people feel good about themselves. With swirling colors and interesting effects and can relieve stress from people’s every day life. That’s what I love most about it the studio. In the near future I will be launching a condensed class on how to become a fluid art instructor with no experience needed and open a studio. We plan on taking this class to different areas of the country.
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?
As i look back at different phases of my journey, the skills or qualities that have brought me the furthest are definitely developing fortitude. Going down that sometimes very uncomfortable path into the unknown served me quite well. Listening to and taking advice (acting on it) from really smart people helped tremendously, as well….and still does today. Lastly taking that chance on myself. Starting that business, moving or whatever comes along, if you don’t’ have faith in yourself, others won’t either.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking for people and companies to collaborate with. They could be fellow artists or lovers of art and in any part of the country. Collectors, designers as well as charitable endeavors. If you are reading this and want to collaborate or talk about it, you can look up my instagram account @cityswipes , email at [email protected] or just call! 1-855-FLOWART
Contact Info:
- Website: HTTPS://www.cityswipes.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com@cityswipes
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cityswipes
- Other: https://[email protected]
Image Credits
The one in polkadot dress is by Jennifer Brown Photography…the rest are mine….city swipes
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
