Meet Carla Mintz | Portrait Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carla Mintz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my art business because I had family and friends – even strangers that saw my art – tell me I should be selling it. So, I started selling it and taking commissions. It’s amazing what support and encouragement can do for a person. When I first started selling I was no where close to the skill level I am at now (I’m still not all that good if you ask me, LOL). But because I had people cheering me on from the side lines, I thought, “Maybe this could actually work.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I mostly do portraiture that reflect women of color. I love drawing and painting faces! I could be walking down the street and see a woman with an interesting face and think to myself, “I want to paint her!” I’m too scared to actually ask a stranger if I could paint them, though. Creepy, much? (lol) I try to make the women I paint have relaxed and serene faces. I’ve never really sat down and thought about why I’m drawn to that look. I think because my mind is not a relaxed and serene place. I’m sure my inner most desires come out in my paintings. Even the dark pieces I’ve painted the face is calm.

What sets me apart from other artist is me. When you create something you always leave a piece of yourself in the artwork. Each art piece I have created reflects a little piece of me – whether I modeled for the reference photo or the theme of the piece is based off of something I went through in life. You will always get a little piece of Carla.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This really depends on what season we’re in. Regardless, we would have to do breakfast at J. Christopher’s! Their Blueberry Crunchcakes?! Chef’s kiss! Then I would take them to the Aquarium because what Atlanta tourist doesn’t like the Aquarium? Maybe hit up the Botanical Gardens. Talk about art inspiration! Maybe have lunch at the Vortex and admire all the pretty penises on the wall (LOL). For dinner we could hit up Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint for the delicious soul food and live music. Or Two Urban licks with a table near the Belt Line so we can people watch. Lastly, we’d finish off the night at the Buckhead Saloon to practice our dance moves.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Dwaynmon. He’s always there to critique my paintings for me. He’s always there to encourage me when I’m feeling down on myself. He’s my “work horse” who carries all my heavy boxes and tent at all my vending events. He’s given me the opportunity to become a full time artist. I love him with all my heart and can’t imagine experiencing this crazy, hectic world with him. XOXO

Website: www.ariedebrenart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arie_debren_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamintz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carla_Mintz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariedebrenart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCACe2Xwl7Wuu4WuEt2w9WwA