A year in review

Looking forward to 2023, I have some projects in the works and as I'm sure with almost everyone else, happy to close the door on 2022.

I just booked some new beer label illustration, a gallery show and am in the middle of another large painting. While the world is turning to AI, I'm looking to get back to my roots, to images and projects that inspire and create energy.

Here's a quick snapshot of personal and commissioned work:

Selling my first large painting was a real boost, but also a challenge to keep moving in that direction. I absolutely love working large, and have a workable studio space.

One of my favourite assignments was for North Caroline State, on the role of technology in advancing agriculture. The University recently built a new plant sciences centre complete with a rooftop greenhouse. Here are some illustrations from the feature:

Robot Pop

Some new experimental collages and creations:

Problem Solving: A mix of logic and creativity

Cognitive/Dissonance

Dissonance

Sixty to Zero

Man/Machine (pattern)

Have I been listening to too much Kraftwerk?

Thanks for stopping by!

Show and Sale

This spring I was able to launch two gallery shows in the area. The first was with Hri Neil at Carbon in Picton, with 'Step and Repeat' on display (see the post below for the full story).

I'm proud to have had my first sold out show, the painting moved quickly and was sold shortly after the opening. I know the buyers personally and they are thrilled to have it in their home, as a focal point in the dining room.

At this point in my career, I'm able to pick and choose assignments and who I work with. I'm making a point of having free time for purely creative pursuits and getting work ready for framing, gallery shows and selling. It's a joy to work with paint, wood, paper and brushes again, after years of creating art digitally.

Alice Mennacher at Blizzmax Gallery invited me to gather work together from my career as a working artist, so I chose one piece from each of the past 33 years. I decided to frame all of the pieces in the show and made most of the frames in the workshop/studio.

 

Rooster, 2003

Gocco print on vintage paper (found frame) 6" x 9"                                           Sold

Music track: Run Chicken Run - Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet

Wired Robot, 2010

Screen print on collage, 15" x 20"                                                                             Sold

Musical track: D U B dub, Tino

If you are interested in seeing available work (unframed), see my online gallery

Step and Repeat

This past year tested our patience, determination and resolve. It was up and down and monotonous, sprinkled with nasty surprises. Looking back, one thing stands out, a painting project I started in July. As an illustrator and educator, I spend too much time in front of a screen. Self-isolation and Covid restrictions raised questions and shifted priorities.

I set up a working studio space at home, including a full woodworking shop. This is now my refuge, a place where I can experiment, build and make art on my own terms. The ablity to get lost in a project is so satisfying, almost zen like, a chance to recharge and refocus.

This painting tested my technical ability, and solving the logistics was challenging. You can follow the process in the pictures below.

I started with a series of isometric studies of vintage Japanese robots. and incorporated 25 of the drawings into the layout. This allowed me to arrange and balance everything in the composition. I printed out a large version, 60 inches by 96 inches, and transfered the lines to two panels.

Blocking in blacks and highlights:

Colours blocked in and panels separated on different easels:

Laying in the details:

Once the panels were finished, I reassembled them and built a floating frame from cherry wood:

 

I started this painting in July and hung the painting in November. So many steps along the way! Nothing like testing your abilities as an artist and seeing hard work pay off. Looking forward to new projects.

The final step was to have the work documented, I went to Christopher Gentile, who did a fantastic job and gave this piece the start treatment! If you are interested in pricing, let me know, I'd be happy to show the work. I have an upcoming show, details to come.

Local Colour

I'm proud to live in an area with such creative energy and local talent.

Recently I was featured in the Quinte Arts Council's Umbrella, showcasing my work in a two page spread with a brief description of what I do accompanied by an imposing red robot. This is one of my experimental collages and a personal piece, so it's a joy to see it in print.

Here's the copy:

Belleville-based illustrator Carl Wiens has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 30 year, producing conceptual illustration for books, newspapers and magazines. He has been published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, Forbes, Barron's Weekly and Esquire. Locally you can find his design and artwork featured on Signal Brewery's signs and labels. He also creates prints and paintings and has had several gallery shows in the area. Carl has a number of children's books including the recently published 'Science of Song' for Kids Can Press, written by Alan Cross. In addition to his art, Carl teaches science and technology-based illustration at Sheridan College where his continually inspired by the dedication and creativity of the next generation of illustrators.

Carl finds his inspiration in science and nature and is fascinated by robots, insects and exoplanets. This piece was inspired by the film 'The Current War' about the race to electrify cities in the 19th century.