Carol Van Zandt is a designer offering future forward art and design collections for the home, from San Francisco. Carol loves to use colour that melts you, as well as clean modern forms merged with retro motifs. She has been formally trained in both fine art, textile design and CAD. She also holds a BA in Studio Art from Boston College, has studied at Massachusetts College of Art and the Rhode Island School of Design. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Carol Van Zandt.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I am at heart an abstract artist. So within that I love color that melts, and clean modern form merged with classic, retro or future inspired motifs. I can go either minimalist or layered complexity.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Usually concepts for design collections percolate up from my imagination. Executing the actual designs and colors that make up the collection is a process of drawing, gathering palettes and keeping my eyes open for inspiration.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Diana McClun is a mentor and friend who gave me a lot of sage advice when I first started in textile design and I always pass things by her. As an artist, quilt designer and best selling author and teacher for decades her experience and generosity has been such a gift for me. We all need someone to guide and encourage us along our paths! And she has such a beautiful eye!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I need space and quiet time in the studio to allow things to take place. Whenever any little thing inspires me while traveling, out in nature, or online—I write it down or take photos.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
As an artist and designer I have worked in many mediums. Right before I studied textile design I was doing large paintings on paper with huge brushes. After one of my last exhibitions I decided it was time to go digital and not have to deal with all these large objects (framed artworks) And I wanted to make art that that goes on things we can use. There is nothing more fun than learning a new medium. My advice? Do it! Whatever it is.
