Art piece by Carmen Gray
Carmen Gray paints inspiration on a canvas of opportunity.
By Brian W. Carter, Sentinel Staff Writer
Art is something that does not need an interpreter because you are the interpreter. Upon looking at the work of the artist, Carmen Gray, I can say it’s truly something unique and special. Under the title, Inspirations by Carmen, Gray truly does inspire with her unique, fun and colorful artworks.
Gray was born in a small town outside Frankfurt, Germany. She began to express herself through art at an early age. It definitely helps that art already flows through her veins. “I come from a family of artists,” said Gray. “I used to draw as a teenager…about two years ago, I just really started getting into painting. It’s really evolved over the last eight years.”
Gray, like most artists, started off in other genres of artwork. “I always wanted to do impressionism,” said Gray. It was the eye of a professor who saw Gray’s true talent lied in abstract art. In her pursuit of abstract art, Gray found a world full of expression and passion
“My work is very dimensional, very textural, and there’s lots of energy going on,” said Gray.” She calls it ‘circles of energy’ that flow through her paintings. Gray uses materials and brush strokes to create patterns of direction and movement. She blends colors to give depth, emotion and light to the pieces. “Abstract would be my favorite because it gives me the freedom to express myself and I don’t have any boundaries.”
She also described her artwork as being very eye catching and utilizing a lot of luminous aspects. “My art is very sparkly, we’re adding serious ‘bling’ to the art,” said Gray.
“People look at the art and they see different things,” said Gray. Her art allows for the observer to draw his or her own conclusions. Gray draws her inspiration from her environment. “Just about anything, I could see a beautiful dress which would inspire me.”
Gray is also inspired by abstract artist, Wassily Kandinsky, with whom she shares certain characteristics. “I really like Kadinsky, his art is happy, it’s colorful, really bright and vibrant,” said Gray. “I’ve always liked looking at his work.” Kadinsky is credited with painting the first modern abstract works of art. Gray’s art looks to join in the tradition of fine abstract art as well.
Her work can be found in homes, galleries and businesses throughout the country. They are currently on display at Kevin Barry Fine Art Associates in Las Vegas, Nevada. “We just finished a project in Irvine,” said Gray. “There were 15 artists involved in that at Gallery Bistango in Irvine. It was a 6 month exhibit.”
Gray is busy with future endeavors and is working towards new ventures. “Right now we’re getting ready to launch a new series,” said Gray. She also stated she would like to approach the entertainment community as well.
“I’d like to target a lot of the entertainers, the hip-hop movement, they’re very much into the ‘bling’,” said Gray. “I’d like to create a really nice, awesome series and get it going in that industry. I’d like to be the artist to the hip-hop artist.”
Carmen Gray’s art can currently be seen and purchased at the Sentinel. For more information please contact the Sentinel at (323) 299-3800.
For more information on Carmen Gray you can contact her at (702) 419-2230 or at [email protected]. You can also visit her website at www.inspirationsbycarmen.com.
