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

Hi Carylon, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
The first risk is staring at a vacantly white canvas. Problem solved by picking up a piece graphite and mark making with broad spontaneous unthought movements. There, not scary anymore! Every piece of art makes me vulnerable. Never quite knowing if my heart is too exposed. It’s high risk to abstain from people pleasing to authentic work.
I thrive on risk taking. Life feels full and exciting that way.
As far as risk taking in my life outside of my art, I welcome risks. I’ve had a long history of God doing amazing things if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m very passionate about life…all of it. I love way too many things and struggle to find enough time in my day. Even at 74 , I can’t wait to jump out of bed in the morning. In my art, I have that same passion for many images. I have categorized my work into icons such as figurative, boats and water, creatures, and still life….because I love them all!
I studied art in college and put it on the back burner to devote my time to raising children. When I felt like it was time to get back to art, I audited classed in intaglio printmaking. It’s a very disciplined form of creating and i wanted the structure. After I gained the tools ,I was introduced to monoprints and fell in love. Ann Jacob Gallery picked up my work but suggested their clients wanted larger art than the press bed could accommodate. So, I turned to large scale work on canvas.

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.
Wow! I live on Signal Mountain just outside of Chattanooga. We have wonderful hiking , rock climbing, and every outdoor adventure you can imagine. There are two hang gliders over my studio now!! I have several groups of friends. One group I,
I’ve “done life with for 50 plus years. We gather often to play cards, eat and sometimes golf. Another group are my creatives…writers, artist and musicians. We d
feed off each other and travel together.
Chattanooga has amazing restaurants but getting in the kitchen together to create something collectively is my favorite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wolf Kahn was a mentor in many ways. I studied under him at the Vermont Studio Center for 2 separate residences .When asked if he painted when he was inspired his response has made a impact on my career. He said he was a painter by trade. He got up in the morning and put on his work clothes and went to work.

Many days inspiration occurs AFTER I enter my studio.

Shoutout to my forever supportive family.

Website: carylon.art

Instagram: carylon cooper

Image Credits
Chattanooga Scout Magazine and In His Image Photography

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