CAROL REYNOLDS, a British artist living in Restábal, Lecrin Valley, is presenting her diverse feminist artworks at a popular Dúrcal venue on the night of Saturday 24 August. The event, ‘The Female Gaze – Art by Carol Reynolds’, takes place in Salon del Monte, from 8pm until late.
Carol, 63, a mother of two, wasn’t always an artist and has had a varied personal journey to reach her current profession and accomplishments.
During her early career, she worked diverse jobs. Aged 35, she decided to study ‘Drama and Education’ at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London. She graduated and became a drama teacher for 25 years. Aged 55, she moved to Den Haag in the Netherlands and worked at an international school for six years. This is where she met her current partner, Angela, an estate agent at Hola Properties.
Carol had been visiting the Lecrin Valley since 2004, as she owned a house in Saleres that she completely renovated. Carol and Angela decided to move permanently to El Valle in 2017.
“This is the best decision we ever made – we love it here,” says Carol. In September, the pair return to Den Haag for their wedding ceremony and celebrations.
Becoming an artist
Carol explains how she became an artist. “I started life drawing classes a few years ago. I’ve always been creative – building sets, making costumes, designing tickets, flyers, etc. I love house renovation and the learning process. I’m proud to call myself a feminist, socialist, and a lesbian. All those elements appear in my artwork.”
“About a year ago, I decided to work on the many pencil sketches that I have created. My own style started to develop. I’m self-taught and love researching new skills and techniques online. As I was creating prolific work, the logical step was to start promoting it and embrace my role as an artist.”
Some key artworks
These two images , selected from a series of four, address how the addition of a corset can change the female gaze into a toxic male gaze.
Creative process and influences
Carol explains the concept behind her works, which are very individual. “My drawings are always naked, raw, and of women. They depict the wide range of emotions experienced on our day-to-day journeys. The nakedness shows us at our most vulnerable and powerful and is never sexualised or objectified. This is my definition of the ‘female gaze’. Our bodies tell our stories alone.”
“My style isn’t really influenced by other artists but rather by my strong beliefs – although I’m inspired by the philosophy and workings of contemporary British artists, Jenny Saville and Tracey Emin.”
Saville has said: “There’s a thing about beauty. It’s always associated with the male fantasy of the female body.” Emin has said: “There should be something revelatory about art. It should be totally creative and open doors for new thoughts and experiences.”
Carol explains: “I think both these artists draw from raw experience and learn about life, and themselves, through their work. It’s strongly linked to the objectification of women and the toxicity of the male gaze. I like to combine that concept with a prettier form that you can hang on your wall at home.”
She adds: “My work is quite visceral, cathartic, and feels like I’m doodling and colouring-in. The pencil drawings are usually five-minute sketches taken straight from my drawing book. I then choose colours and marks to reflect the emotion or memory portrayed. Sometimes, the marks can be heavy and thick, the colours dark and gloomy. Other times, I use lighter strokes and pinks and yellows. I usually use water colour and marker pen, but I can add charcoal and pastels.”
Seeing Carol’s work
Carol’s work is currently displayed in several venues. These include ‘El Armario de Freya’ on Calle Correos in Órgiva, a vintage furniture shop in Lanjarón’s main plaza, Cortijo Alba Rosa in Saleres, Vitalba Apartments in Lanjarón, a concept store in Frontera de Jimenez, Salon del Monte bar in Durcal, Ruth Elisabeth Hardy’s dance studio and private club in Órgiva for musical and cultural events..
On October 18, Carol will be having a solo exhibition called ‘Raw’ in Chicken Shed Studios, Órgiva.
Her first event, ‘The Female Gaze – Art by Carol Reynolds’ takes place at Salon del Monte, 2 Calle Sol, Dúrcal, on Saturday 24 August. Starting at 8pm, it features eclectic music from Fauno. The bar is open for drinks and tapas. The nearest carpark in this residential area is at Calle Jazmin.
Social media and enquiries
Carol’s work can also be viewed on her social media:
Instagram @carolreynolds44
Facebook @carol.reynolds.509
TikTok @carolrara4
For enquiries or to buy art, Whatsapp 0034 603 124 188