Watkins College of Art’s Inaugural Artist-in-Residence
World-renowned contemporary painter, sculptor and lecturer Tom Carr is Watkins College of Art’s first artist-in-residence for the fall 2023 semester. Carr has taught multiple courses this semester including Special Topics in 3D, Advanced Studio and 3D: Principles of Design; a mini lecture series titled "some food for thought;” and two full lectures as a part of Watkins’ Creative Professionals Lecture Series. Additionally, he presented a gallery titled “in between” in the Leu Art Gallery (located in the Lila D. Bunch Library), running through Dec. 1.
While his time as artist-in-residence commenced in August, Carr’s tie to Belmont began in 2014 when he visited campus to present a projection project titled “Tom Carr here and there” with his team tcteamwork.
“The role of the artist-in-residence is always a breath of fresh air and a rich part of learning. The energy is contagious, which is why I really believe in this type of program,” said Carr.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, he brings in knowledge and influence from his home city of Barcelona and works to expose students to various art forms from around the globe.
“He's introduced us to so many artists,” said Marion Williams, a freshman design communications student in Carr’s 3D: Principles of Design course. “He’s taught us to just keep learning and keep engaging with other artists. Never stop going to exhibits. Reach out to people that make you scared, get to know them and never stop being inspired.”
Photo by: Katie Mitchell
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
In September, he presented during the Watkins' Creative Professional Lecture Series and discussed how to maximize opportunities as an artist. Carr elaborated on his own experiences and offered insights on collaboration, venturing beyond one’s domain, and time optimization.
"I start an exploration,” Carr said of his creative approach. “It's a good idea to not be so rigid at the beginning... We go wild, and we try anything. Creativity is the extremes of being very introverted and extroverted, disciplined and indisciplined. It's that wide range of options in many senses, and that gives us more possibilities of having a richer result.” A week later, Carr was joined by his wife, Carmen Miquel, to expand on the topic for Watkins’ first ever all Spanish lecture, “Creando Oportunidades.”
IN BETWEEN
On Nov. 2, Tom Carr presented his gallery titled “in between,” showcasing the principles of exploration and dedication that he has taught to students this semester.
Miquel describes Carr’s work of seemingly weightless two-dimensional organic and geometric shapes by saying that “it takes some time to understand and enjoy them: the ambiguity of the different elements, the colored shadows contrasting with the evanescence of the material forms, their random movements, all the components seem to exist in a zone that intersects reality and magic.”
Light plays a prominent role in much of his work as well. Carr said each fragment within the project was conceptualized through two dozen decisions each, such as the type of wood, the sanding technique, the addition and removal of paint, the angle placement and more. The artist will continue to change the positions and lights slightly throughout the rest of its run.
“I feel like it’s alive,” he said. “It’s a bit of an adventure, a bit of a mystery.”
He painted each part differently, with the intent of opening up curiosity in viewers to see the installation from multiple points of view.
SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Carr’s series, “some food for thought,” was open to all students and aimed to bridge the gap between college and the professional world. The 12-minute lectures and Q&A covered topics such as visualization of thought, creating a portable studio, defining a finished project and moving into post-graduation.
“I thought I would coast and stay under the radar,” said senior art studies major Olivia Pulliam, a transfer student. “But I got to his class and noticed that he truly sees the specific potential of every single student. It’s helped me create things that I’m really proud of; things that are more beneficial for my portfolio.”
Carr is known for his open-door policy, readily available for office hours and personalized instruction.
“He leaves us room for our own creative paths in every project and it has helped me grow,” said studio art major Lily van Wijk. “When giving feedback, he encourages us to make up our own minds about where we are going.” This sentiment expands to her experience throughout the college. “I have met so many personable professors. It makes me excited to continue my time in Watkins.”