Interview with Carol Dalton
Carol Dalton grew up in Southern California. She explored ocean life and the coastal foothills before enrolling in The Santa Barbara Art Institute, a part of Brooks Institute. Majoring in painting from 1971-1974 and receiving several scholarships, she also studied printmaking and ceramics. Her exposure to nature has had a lasting effect on the artist. Her work has become more nuanced over time reflecting her quiet yet emotional connection to the environment. Natural colors, patterns, reflections, and texture inform her work. Carol builds up her paintings on wood panels with layers of paper and water based paints, scraping, sanding, marking, until distilled with a powerful presence. Dalton has been exhibiting for over thirty years. Carol lives in Benicia California with her husband, and maintains her studio along the Carquinez Strait.
What is one of your favorite quotes that you feel reflects your work or practice?
He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.
—St. Francis of Assisi
Do you have any other quotes you like?
When I think of art I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life. It is just not in the eye. It is in the mind. It is our positive response to life.
—Arn Glimcher
What are the biggest influences in your latest work?
Observing textural layers of materials, patterns in nature, the art of primitive cultures.
Where do you dream of going someday?
Deep into the sea.
What artists have influenced your work?
Agnes Martin, Anslem Kiefer, Hannelore Baron, Eva Hesse
What is one thing that has been a wonderful experience in your life.
Having the freedom to express myself. Maintaining a studio has to the best life long experience for me.
Name three things on your bucket list.
Traveling in the Southwest.
Visiting my brother and sister in law in Australia.
Having an unlimited amount of wood panels.
In what way did your upbringing impact your work?
I explored ocean life and the coastal foothills in California, lived on an avocado ranch, and spent time in the garden. Spending time in nature influenced my use of color, tactile application, and subject matter.
