You may know Carol’s work by her Instagram name @dogsitter80 (yes she owns a dog walking and pet sitting business!). When I first visited her gallery I thought I was looking at photos of her original paintings. When finding out these were painterly edits of photographs, I became an instant follower and huge fan of Carol’s work. After interacting with Carol, I also learned that she’s quite hilarious. This is a gal I could be best friends with! I’m thrilled to be interviewing her to find out more about her life and work.
The Lake in Winter (above)
Colorful City (above)
Geri: Where do you live?
Carol: I live in Coastal New Jersey now, lived in Denver for 22 years.
Geri: How long have you been creating mobile art?
Carol: I started "messing around" with pics on my iPod Touch 2 years or so ago. My first efforts consisted of putting hats and funny noses on the faces of friends. Soon no one would give me any pics I was sad. I then practiced on photos on the Internet. I never posted anything during this time.
Flapper (above)
The Lady Cardinal (above)
Geri: Do you have an art or traditional photography background?
Carol: None at all. I never took a pic in my life before getting an iPhone about a year ago. (Geri’s note: Carol is proof that it’s never too late to become a fabulous artist!)
Geri: How did your painterly style evolve?
Carol: It started to evolve after I got an iPad. The larger screen helped me to do more complicated edits. I started to look at sites like iphoneart and Flickr. I realized what was possible. I tried every app listed by every artist whose work I admire; and there were many. I practiced and practiced...
The Ride (above)
Babes in Starbucks (above)
The Look (above)
Geri: What are your favorite apps?
Carol: SHOCKMYPIC, PHOTO COPIER. PHOTO TEXTURE. PHOTO FX by TIFFEN, SNAPSEED and IMAGE BLENDER. I use these on most images. I seem to be using fewer filter apps lately. I am starting to make my own textures too. I have much more control that way. I have hundreds of apps. Some I use just once in a while, many have only one or two worthwhile effects.
Geri: Please tell me about your process.
Carol: I take the photos on the 4s and edit them on iPads 2 and 3.
Pink Evening (above)
Decimation City (above)
Lost in Thought (above)
Geri: Who or what inspires you?
Carol: Nature always inspires me. I find the street of NYC wildly inspiring! I must mention here my collaborator, Oliver Reckert @oliverlovesit. He provides many great shots of Germany for me to edit. He is a far superior photographer; but doesn't do extreme edits. I am also inspired and constantly learn from other artists, particularly those on IPHONEART
An Infinity of Kitties (above)
What Cats See (above)
Where do you think you are…Grand Central Station? (above)
Geri: Have you ever exhibited your work. If not, any plans for the future?
Carol: No I haven't. If the opportunity arises I will have to think hard about it. This is a hobby for me. I don't know if I would want that to change.
Geri: What would your dream app do?
Carol: Hmmm. You know, I am pretty satisfied with the apps I have. If there was one perfect app the fun of searching for new and exciting apps would be over.
Street Scene (above)
Waiting for the Train (above)
Brooklyn Bridge (above)
Geri: Anything you’d like to add?
Carol: Community is such a big part of this experience for me. I have been met with such generosity and kindness here! Having friendships with the best Mobile Artists in the world is mind blowing. It makes doing this rewarding. When I see the caliber of art produced by others it motivates me to practice my craft, to become better, to produce art worthy of this community.
Another Little House (Above)
Thank you Carol for your endless inspiration – You make me want to work at my craft even more! You can follow Carol on Instagram @dogsitter80 and view more of her work at iPhone Art Dogsitter
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