Meet Carol Santos | Visual Artist – Storyteller

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

Hi Carol, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
My husband and I are immigrants in this country, and my works feed on that. My approach to parenting and life is rooted in intelligence and intentionality. I am constantly seeking new ways to educate and empower my children, equipping them with the knowledge and wisdom to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. From teaching them about our ancestral traditions to fostering a curiosity for diverse cultures, I want to broaden their perspectives and nurture their innate curiosity.

In navigating the complexities of cultural adaptation and parenthood, I have found solace and inspiration in artistic expression. Through writing, painting, and storytelling, I weave together the threads of our family history, inviting my children on a journey of discovery and self-awareness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mom, wife, fried, daughter, sister, and have always been a creative soul. Despite a twenty-year detour navigating the realms of marketing and television production, my artistic calling persisted. Following the arrival of my youngest child, I embarked on a transformative journey, immersing myself in the pursuit of knowledge growth, through my MFA in Painting. Since then, my path has been a kaleidoscope of experiences – from exhilarating highs to humbling lows. The artist’s journey is often a solitary one, marked by relentless perseverance amidst a sea of rejection. Yet, it is in these moments of vulnerability that the true essence of creativity emerges – a resilient spirit fueled by the unwavering desire to tell my stories, to create, and to connect. On January 2023, I posted a recap of the previous year: I submitted to 54 art calls, I was accepted in 5 of them, which means 47 rejections. That is someone telling me at least once a week for the majority of the year that my work is not good enough. Whenever I feel down, I go back and look at that post and see that 5 times I was successful and that is what matters!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh so muc to see in Atlanta….Beltline, MOCA, the High, go down the Chatahooche on a float…. our family loves trying new foods and going out to restaruants. But I also love cooking, so we would need to split the time! A few of our favorites, Bartaco at Chastain, Hearth Pizza, Rumi’s kitchen, Nobu sushi, brunch at Cooks and Soldiers, The Chastain, or going down to Ponce City Market with the family, Botanical Garden, Aquarium is a good escape on a hot day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One particular project left an indelible mark on me. I had the honor of assisting Stacy Savatsky in cataloging the personal files of an esteemed Atlantan artist donated to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. Handling personal notes, old fashioned typed resumes, flyers for open call and exhibitions, and postcards dating back to the 1960s through the late 1990s, each piece felt like a chapter in a captivating novel. I encountered a cast of characters—artists, curators, and gallerists—whose stories intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of Atlanta’s art scene.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of art to preserve and narrate history. It also deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of art, culture, and community. The support of my village of friends and family has been invaluable throughout my journey, and each opportunity, such as this internship, strengthens my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and celebration of our shared heritage.

Website: www.carolsantosarts.com

Instagram: @carolAtlantaArt

Linkedin: Carol Santos

Image Credits
all photos taken by carol Santos