Artist Profile: Meet Carly Foulkes

Lose yourself in the imagination of artist Carly Foulkes.

We all find ourselves lost in the magic of dreams, images often left only to dwell inside our minds. Artist and photographer Carly Foulkes, through collage and photography, has chosen to make the unknown known, mixing the possible with the impossible. Uniquely, Carly maintains an endless quality to her art by never gluing the works down. Instead, she holds dear each piece and allows her starring characters to reappear in new stories over time. Photographing the story is how she locks down the moments of these hybrid worlds.

We visited Carly and asked a few questions to better understand this incessant dreamer.

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

Why art?

It’s made me who I am today. I cannot picture a world without art. It’s essential.

What’s your background?

I graduated high school in Toronto, Canada and, shortly after, started modeling. That turned into a seven-year career. Every time I was on set and wasn’t shooting, I was picking the photographer’s brain. It was like a free education. I was obsessed with the production side of things.

What work do you most enjoying doing?

Photography — capturing moments and memories. It’s everything to me.

What themes do you pursue?

One that doesn’t seem to leave my side is “playfulness”. I’ve never been able to take myself that seriously (maybe that’s the comedian in me). That’s how I started my first collage series called ‘Puurrfect World.’ I wanted to create otherworldly hybrid environments, worlds where you can surf in Central Park or find the big dipper inside of your refrigerator.

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

What role does the artist have in society?

The artist’s role is to inspire and stimulate. Artists challenge the boundaries of rules, society and imagination; yet also keep us in touch with the past.

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Those happen a lot. If you open your heart and mind, you will see inspiration in so many things. My most recent inspiration came from Bowie’s death. We were so lucky to be alive the same time he was. His inspiration was endless. It moved me to shoot a series called Culty Bowie. I hope he likes it.

What is your artistic outlook on life?

It’s about openness — seeing the world with new eyes, and no judgment. It’s transformation. It’s change.

What’s your favorite artwork?

Hardest. Question. Ever.  This is where I spontaneously combust just trying to narrow it down! I love so many kinds of work. Currently I’ve been inspired by the whimsical and abstract work of Eugenia Loli, when talking about collage.

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Brantley Gutierrez
Francesca Woodman
Tim Walker

Name something you love, and why.

I love Love — the ultimate.

What is your dream project?

I’d love to direct a feature film.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Create what you want to create. Let it come from within. There is no right answer.

What superpower would you have and why?

I would love to be able to fly. Travelling is a huge part of my art, so that would be nice. Carly Airlines.

When do you feel most free?

When I’m on the road with my dog and my man.

carlyfoulkes

carlyfoulkes

Follow Carly on Instagram.

Written and photographed by Melodi Meadows.

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8 years ago

Her artwork is so beautiful! I love how she makes collages, so unique!
➳ Jessica
http://rusticbones.com/

8 years ago

Wow, such beautiful pieces! Her work reminds me of Beth Hoeckel… Ingenious mixed media.
http://www.bohogenesis.com/2012/11/artist-spotlight-beth-hoeckel.html

Melody
7 years ago

Wonderful stuff. I also make collage thingys, and think in spirals and webs about all things. So happy that you are doing what you love and need most!
Sincerely,
Melody