Candy Carver

Illustration by Kinari Council

Durham artist Candy Carver shares her love for color & excitement with bright portraits and dreamscapes throughout the Triangle and Eastern states.

What’s the role of the artist?

Artists need to be able to create what they want and make their own lane.

And I’m a happy lady. Stuff I make needs to make me feel good!

In turn, I realized I can help other people feel good too. If I can do something I like, and you can get some color therapy from me, that’s perfect synergy. If I can do that most days, I’m cool with that.

Who are your muses?

I’m not sure. A lot of students are taught to idolize the greats and use them for inspiration. Some might have One True Love inspiring them. I’m comfortable throwing most of that conventionality out the window- it’s not really applicable to me.

I would say it’s more of my inner voice than any person or thing in particular. Wouldn’t that be sad to lose a person and be stuck without a muse?

What's on your mind post insurrection?

I like to spend my time focusing on things I can control- things I can change or play a role in changing with my voice or otherwise. Pondering all the negativity without a clear solution I can involve myself in seems pointless.

Downtown Durham

How much of Durham is reflected in your art?

When I think of it, I have always been drawn to my subjects. I was making similar themes in art for awhile, even before living in here in Durham. My themes were consistent even living in Indiana, and I’ve always painted lots of black women.

I love my city and the people and our collective spirit. I like it a lot. That may impact my happy noodle and make me want to create more.

What’s your favorite candy?

Wow. I actually get that all the time. I don’t eat candy, and I’m not sweet.

No, I don’t have a big sweet tooth [laughter]. Maybe a chili dark chocolate.

How can we buy your art?

You can always find it at my website.