Finding that Spark in Everyday Moments: Interview with Jaime McCarrier
by Christina Nafziger
For artist Jaime McCarrier, each painting is a snapshot, a snippet, a piece of a memory to hold on to. Using bold blocks of color, she creates vibrant portraits of special moments and people she holds dear. Her art captures the beauty in the everyday, using her paintbrush to find that spark that you feel when you experience the light and airy joy in the little things in life. For McCarrier, her painting practice is a way to treasure “that time you can never get back”.
Originally from Boulder, Colorado and now living in San Diego, the gorgeous scenery of coastal life inspires the McCarrier’s gorgeous palettes. Join us in conversation as she shares her experience balancing life and art, the emotions that feed into her work, and the ways in which motherhood shows up in her practice.
www.mccarrierart.com
© Jaime McCarrier
Let’s begin with why you started. Have you always created? What did the beginning of becoming an artist look like for you?
I think I have always just had a love for art and an interest in creating from a young age. Drawing has been something that has brought happiness since I was little, and was the beginning of my journey as an artist. It wasn’t until later that I evolved into more of a painter.
Did you study art at university? What was the process like learning your skill in art?
I graduated from CU Boulder with a BA in Fine Art with an emphasis in drawing. During college I was more focused on drawing in pencil and pastels which eventually evolved into working with paint. It took me a lot of practice with paint to get comfortable and find my style, which I believe is still always developing.
Are you a full-time artist?
I still consider myself a part-time artist, although when Covid hit and my kids were suddenly home from school art came more into the forefront consistently for me.
I love the emphasis on blocks of color in your work—they make your work so vibrant! Is color an an important element in your process?
Thank you! Definitely, I love color and creating combinations that play off each other. Color brings so much happiness. Oftentimes I try to just go with the flow when starting a piece instead of pre-planning color schemes, but if I see colors I’m inspired by that’s also a good starting point, so it goes both ways for me.
From your daily life to other artists, what (or who) inspires your style of painting?
I am inspired by so many things, but consistently coastal style, photography, fashion, and bright colors.
What is the main feeling that you hope extends from your work?
I try to paint with the intention of capturing the beauty of everyday moments because those are the ones I remember and miss the most as my own kids grow. Oftentimes, simply holding your child. Or their little hand in yours. That time you can never get back. I think that feeling is universal, and I hope other people can connect with it and can see themselves and their own memories through my art.
What emotion do you feel when you paint?
When painting portraits of kids or motherhood I always feel the nostalgia of childhood and carefree days. I try to just focus on those little memories you want to hold on to that bring happiness.
© Jaime McCarrier
How do you balance art-making with the other elements of your life?
I try to paint every day. I have three kids so it’s always a balancing act but typically when they are in school I can carve out time for creativity.
Whether through the act of creating itself or the internal battles experienced while navigating being a working artist, art can be very personal and emotional. How do you deal with the emotional effects of your art practice?
Putting your art (or anything creative) out into the world is always scary since it is tied to your identity. I think I deal with the emotional effects by putting it back into my paintings through color, motion, and imagery. I am often painting versions of my own children growing up and presenting my view of what motherhood looks like in hopes of connecting with others.
What are ways you decompress or express?
I like to decompress by creating something for myself even if it doesn’t end up going anywhere. Even if it’s just picking out paint colors or doing a few sketches, having the opportunity to create freely helps when I’m feeling stuck or need to unwind.
© Jaime McCarrier
