Today we’d like to introduce you to Carole Choucair Oueijan.
Carole, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
When I was young, I had imagined myself going to college for one of two majors; either music, as a vocalist, or fine art. I’m so happy to be a visual artist now to be able to play with colors, glass and stone and share my passion all over the globe.
After high school I went to study Interior Design. There, I found that painting is my calling. After three years, I went to the Institut National des Beaux Arts, the Lebanese University, and got my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Meanwhile, my Dad, who was a priest, was constantly encouraging me to study mosaic Iconography in Greece, so I finally did. It was a wonderful experience to discover the medium. I fell in love with it.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a visual artist who likes to do fine art and public art and am a teacher who travels all over the globe to share my passion. I’m always in the search of new things… I paint with watercolor and oil, I do mixed media work and I love smalti and other glass. I can say mosaic is my favorite medium. It has become my passion.
I was born in Beirut Lebanon, and grew up in the war… It was tough. I got married and moved to the United States 29 years ago. I was constantly thinking about home… Missing everyone… I longed to see them all again but painting and mosaicking really helped. I think that’s why you’ll see so much of my work reflecting Lebanon and its culture.
I don’t create art to please others, I just like to express myself and be happy, but very pleased to see the attention of others and their interest in my work. I feel that art heals, and mosaic has been a wonderful meditation to make me a happy person.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
It is always hard to pursue art and have an easy life… And it has been that way for a long time. It took me a while to get where I am now. I have been very fortunate.
As a public art artist, I can say that the opportunity now is great here in California when cities are encouraging more and more artists to participate in competitions and create new works on their streets and on commercial buildings. It is so nice to see the appreciation once our art is installed. The sad thing is that some cities are still shy about it or have maybe not yet seen how important public art is.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My public art work is available for anyone to see in person. You can find it in Santa Cruz, Temple City, Monrovia, Bellflower and Temecula. You can also find all of my Fine Art works, Commissions, Public Arts and of course a list of my Workshops on my website. I also have a Facebook Page and Instagram account. I also occasionally exhibit in galleries and museums. Getting commissions is a great support! I’m here to create forever pieces for outdoor and indoor art. Spreading the word about my art would be also a wonderful thing. Thank you for having me!
www.FineArtbyCarole.com
www.facebook.com/carolechoucairoueijanart
www.instagram.com/carolechoucairoueijan
Contact Info:
- Address: Hacienda Heights
- Website: www.FineArtbyCarole.com
- Phone: 626-290-0315
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/carolechoucairoueijan
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolechoucairoueijanart
Image Credit:
Carole Choucair Oueijan
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