Meet Carmen Crawford | Artist

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

Hi Carmen, what do you attribute your success to?
Success, to me, is loving what you do and putting in the work. I am very ambitious. I want to get better at painting, at making art, at everything. Staying hungry and curious are important, and I want to get smarter, more articulate, ask better questions and find better answers. I am interested in so many things. I read a lot, travel when I can, and seek out great artwork. A continuous desire to observe, learn, and translate is the most important factor in the success of any endeavor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been an artist. My work is inspired by Old Masters, like Vermeer and Caravaggio, as well as modern artists like David Hockney and Frida Kahlo. Over the years, my work has changed from gestural figurative work to realist paintings based on my own experiences and life around me. The focus has revolved around light, water, and figures, often women.

I started my career in engineering and finance. These industries are still very male dominated and I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to knew what I had to do- to start my own company. I had the academic and practical background to run a business but it took ownership- owning my art and owning my future- to write my own story and pursue art as a career. No, being an artist is not easy. But a career in art allows me to lean into vulnerability and redefine success and power.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is an incredible city for art and food. Experiencing James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany at Rice University and visiting art/ light installations at The Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park are at the top of my list of must-do’s in Houston. There is an old movie theater in River Oaks that shows classic films late at night. And the food is great in Houston- from hole in the wall restaurants to staples, like Goode Company Seafood, Houston has it all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends and family are the main reason I can do what I do. They have been an incredible support system and have taught me to celebrate my individuality and the importance of investing in myself. There have been many times of doubt and fear, but with the encouragement of friends and family, I continue to bet on myself, take criticism as fuel for motivation, and know that I have been provided with the tools that I need to be successful.

Website: www.carmenrussellstudios.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/carmenrcrawford