Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Funk.
Carolyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After graduating from college I worked as a mediocre-at-best graphic designer. I knew studio art was where my passion and talent lay, but I was convinced design was the only way I could make a living creating art. Eventually I realized design was never going to be a good fit, so I pursued art education. I quit my job and had to rely on my parents for financial support, but after a mountain of work and applications I was offered an art teaching position at a high school in Frisco. I just finished my eleventh year there.
For a decade I took portrait commissions and struggled to find any one medium, subject, or style I could call my own. Then, about eighteen months ago I discovered the book “Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide to Ink Making” by Jason Logan. Logan and I had a similar first step to our processes: To walk around and collect things off the ground. I had been doing that for years—always inspired by nature and using my finds as references for drawings, paintings, and printmaking. When I realized I could use some of the same items I collected to make natural ink, I was hooked.
As of today, I’ve made over 100 unique natural inks. The paintings I create with them are a mix of abstracted landscapes, color field, and chromatography. I’ve had a significantly positive response to my ink work, including purchases, requests for commissions, and being a finalist for the ‘Unique by Nature’ large purchase prize for the city of McKinney. I am part of a wonderfully supportive Instagram community of fellow ink makers, paint makers, and natural dyers—including Jason Logan. Best of all, I’ve found a medium with endless possibilities and have discovered my artistic voice.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m a teacher and mother to two small children, so I’ve found it difficult to find time to create art. Additionally, I had postpartum anxiety and depression with both of my children. Thankfully I started making ink right after the birth of my second child, and it helped with my healing. Foraging was done on family walks, simmering ink needed minimal attention, and my experiments and paintings on paper were safe and accomplished relatively quickly. The whole process is meditative and relaxing, and I’m grateful I discovered it. I’m also thankful my spouse understands the importance of my practice and supports me by keeping the kids at bay.
Carolyn Nelson Funk – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an artist; a one-woman business. My artwork is created with my own locally-foraged, natural inks. When collecting material, I am careful to disturb the environment as little as possible, primarily choosing items of abundance or material that has fallen to the ground. I offer workshops and am considering selling ink in the future.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been lucky to meet so many encouraging artists both in person and online who are willing to share their processes and insight. Because of this, I try to be supportive and open to those I meet as well.
Pricing:
- “Art Saves Lives” limited edition print, 9 x 12 inches: $40
- Natural ink paintings, 9 x 12 inches: $60
Contact Info:
- Website: http://cnelsonfunk.com
- Email: carolyn@cnelsonfunk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnelsonfunk_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnelsonfunk
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