Carole

Carole Dodson Bigot
Oil Paintings

Painting is like a wonderful rest after a long hike. My body is tired and ready to stop, but my mind replays what was precious and noticed along the way. While I’m painting, those elements are realized; sometimes as a color, or a shadow. Sometimes as an imperfect curve or a sharp edge. I thrive on capturing the details of life that, at times, go unnoticed.

Flaws within inherent beauty are elements that often prompt me toward a subject. Life is a collection of fragmented flaws in an outwardly beautiful display; if you see only the surface, you miss the opportunity to find real life. The themes of growth, reflection, connection and transcendence are all ideas that inform my painting. I love the symbolism that my natural subjects provide. Symbolism is ultimately where I find the passion in my work.

Metaphors are ever-present in art. I don’t always think of any particular metaphor or symbolism before I begin, but like a dream, it appears after I’ve experienced the piece – sometimes after I’ve completely finished the work. Mostly, I love realizing the symbolism in the midst of a painting. It’s enlightening, thrilling, consuming and inspiring. Painting allows me complete egocentrism; I get to see fragments of my own life journey revealed in two dimensional forms. It gives me the opportunity to relate to the artwork in a way that many people may grasp, but by which only some will feel intimately touched.

I’ve been blessed with finding a path on which I can travel with joy. It’s a sustaining path. It is even more rewarding to know that the light and breath of my journey will reach beyond my immediate circle of friends and family. I will always count myself lucky for the wonderful collection of people who have encouraged my painting and helped me chart my course. They too breathe life and passion into my art.

“Every artist dips his brush into his own soul,
and paints his own nature into his pictures.”
-Henry Ward Beecher

Painting is a wonderful, continuing adventure.

Carole Dodson Bigot
May 2006