Meet Catherine Carter
class of 1983
Join Catherine for a workshop on fashion portrait illustration on Friday August 21. Learn more →
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I am currently an artist and art educator. I run my own business, Catherine Carter Art Studio, an art school in New Bedford offering drawing and painting classes and workshops to students of all ages and levels of experience. I also teach at a number of area universities and art museums. As an artist, I create abstract acrylic paintings and collages inspired by textile weaves and calligraphic line. My work has been placed in numerous public and corporate collections including, locally, the Boston Public Library, the Four Seasons Hotel, and Berkshire Partners in the John Hancock Tower.
Catherine Carter with her work.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue fashion design?
I always loved to draw and sew. As a teenager, I watched the "Rhoda" show on television. I would picture myself dashing around Manhattan carrying a portfolio of my sketches, or dressing store window mannequins in my designs. When I was 16, I enrolled in the SFD summer program for high school students, and I loved it. So I signed up for full-time study there the following year.
What is one of your favorite things about what you do?
I believe that we all have the ability to be creative, and that doing so brings us sublime joy. When I teach someone to draw or paint, I help them discover that creative spark within themselves. I am teaching skills that my students will be able to use for a lifetime. It is a great privilege to be a teacher.
What advice would you give to designers who are just starting out?
To anyone who is beginning a creative career of any type, I would say to listen to your own inner voice. You are surrounded by a world of ideas and opinions, and it's worthwhile to listen to others and try their suggestions. But you must learn what works uniquely for you and follow the beat of your own drummer, even if it doesn't make sense at the time or seems out of step with everyone else. We are here to craft our own way of living, and our individuality is what makes the greatest contribution to the world.
What is one habit that you have incorporated into your daily routine to help you succeed?
I write in a gratitude journal every night before I go to bed, at least three things that happened during the day that I am deeply thankful for. It's a life-changing habit!
How can others support your work?
Everyone is welcome to sign up for my classes, which are detailed on my website. I also sell my original abstract paintings through my website, small affordable pieces that are perfect for decorating the home.
Check out Catherine’s website and follow her on Instagram @CatherineCarterPainting and Facebook.
Sign up for Catherine’s workshop at SFD
Portrait Proportions: Realism vs. Fashion
Friday August 21 10am - 12pm
$75
Portraits are a challenging but important subject to master, whether you are an artist who appreciates the human form or a clothing designer who wants to add a polished touch to fashion illustrations. We will practice drawing the basic proportions of the head and features, then discover how to exaggerate them to depict a fashion model. Participants will complete a series of practice exercises and then make two finished drawings, one of a realistic portrait and one of a stylized fashion face. Suitable for beginning or experienced artists.