Carylon Cooper
Using symbolism to uplift simplicity and the goodness of truth.
Carylon Cooper’s artist journey started in elementary school. After her fourth grade teacher told her she should be an artist, the resulting confidence stuck. She studied art in college, and after being a stay-at-home mom to three children, she went on to audit art classes at the University of Tennessee at Chatta-nooga. During that time, a gallery representing her work encouraged her to start painting on larger canvases, and she never looked back.
Large-scale subject matter and loose, expressive brushstrokes characterize Cooper’s style. Barns, boats, dogs, horses, and dresses are all important icons in her work, symbolizing themes such as hope, trust, loyalty, freedom, and abundance. In each painting, soft textures and nostalgic colors come together in a style she describes as “journaling on canvas.”
Her art-making philosophy is built on a foundation of faith. “For me, the nature and meaning of life is God,” she shares. “I believe in truth and honesty. The simple reason for my art-making is my devotion to responding to images in a clear, straightforward manner. We are blessed to live in the South and see signs of abundant life!”
Through the years, Cooper’s work as an artist has taught her the beauty of new beginnings. “At 75, I’m still learning. I hadn’t planned on starting over at this stage of my life, but I’m as excited as those hounds I paint. When I’ve painted something I’m not happy about,
I turn the canvas upside down and begin another painting. There are no failures – just more character to the painting. I’m betting that my new life at 75 will be richer, more fulfilling, and more worshipful than my younger days.”