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Cari Beattie (b. 2001, Canton, GA) is a multi-disciplinary fine artist; she paints with layers of vibrant oil paint, expressive gestures, and embroidered details to express passionate emotions of intimacy and nature. The environment of these works are set in open expanses that the viewer can get lost in. Experimentation is pertinent to her process of art-making, constantly integrating sculptural elements into her paintings. She utilizes techniques from fiber arts, as she was deeply influenced by watching her mother tentatively sew for hours throughout her childhood. This instilled a profound interest in fiber arts in her studio practice. Fabric scraps from her mother’s old projects and hand-embroidery are synthesized into her oil paintings.
Many of Cari’s intimate experiences are processed through these artworks. The immense level of repetitive marks and threading is representative of the obsessive nature of her affection towards others. There is a sensitivity and tenderness that is weaved and tangled throughout each of these artworks. Ominous figures such as her moss creature emulate a lurking presence, which is in part representative of the male-gaze and the monster she sees within herself.
photo via Nancy Nassiff
Education
Ringling College of Art and Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Minor in Art History, 2024
Awards and Scholarships
“Best of Ringling", Silver Medalist, Ringling College of Art and Design, 2024
“Dean’s Scholarship”, Ringling College of Art and Design, 2020-24
“Trustee Nominee”, Ringling College of Art and Design, 2023
Exhibitions
“To Hold, To Change, To Fade”, Ringling College of Art and Design, Crossley Gallery, Sarasota, FL, April 5th, 2024
“Big Girls Don’t Cry”, Ringling College of Art and Design, Crossley Gallery, Sarasota, FL, February 23rd, 2024
“CLUSTERF*#K”, Ringling College of Art and Design, Crossley Gallery, Sarasota, FL, January 12th, 2024
“Odyssey”, SPAACES, Sarasota, FL, January 11th 2024
“Untitled”, Ringling College of Art and Design, Crossley Gallery, Sarasota, FL, January 20, 2023
“Borderline”, Ringling College of Art and Design, Crossley Gallery, Sarasota, FL, November 11, 2022
“Freshman Exhibition”, Ringling College of Art and Design, Savage Gallery, Sarasota, FL, September 13, 2021
“Young American Creative Patriotic Contest" - VFW Auxiliary”, Painted for contest 2017-2019, 4th in state of Florida, 2018
Press
'When Is Art' in the Queer State of Florida? - Bradley Webster
