Meet Carolyn Brann, an artist whose vibrant and captivating abstract paintings speak volumes about her journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and creative expression. Born and raised in Connecticut, Carolyn’s path to becoming an artist was anything but conventional. After a career in entertainment finance, she embarked on a new chapter of her life, diving headfirst into the world of abstract painting.
Self-taught and driven by a daily spiritual practice of meditation, Carolyn’s art is a reflection of her innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Her works are characterized by bold, gestural textures, vibrant colors, and the copious use of metal leaf, particularly gold. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, architectural shapes, music, and her own visions during meditation, Carolyn’s paintings invite viewers on a meditative journey across the canvas.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Carolyn’s artistic process is the element of spontaneity. While she often starts with a particular direction in mind, the act of creation often leads her down unexpected paths, resulting in outcomes that differ from her original intentions. This fluidity and openness to change are evident in her work, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of life itself.
Central to Carolyn’s artistic practice are her daily Vedic meditation and kundalini practices. During these meditative sessions, she experiences vivid visions of color and shapes, drawn from memories of the natural world or pure visual stimulation. These visions manifest themselves in her art through intricate dot patterning, which she describes as a form of meditation in itself. The asymmetrical, unbalanced, and meandering patterns serve as a visual representation of her inner thoughts and emotions, inviting viewers to contemplate the depths of their own consciousness.
A recurring motif in Carolyn’s work is the use of vibrant gold and other metal leaf, which she describes as symbols of positivity, strength, and interruptions from darkness. These metallic accents punctuate her paintings, adding a sense of luminosity and depth to her compositions.
Having lived and worked in San Diego, California, Carolyn has recently relocated to Berlin, Germany, where she continues to expand her body of work. Despite the geographical distance, her art transcends borders, captivating audiences not only in Europe but also in Asia.
One of Carolyn’s recent series explores the theme of rebirth, inspired by her own experiences of rediscovery and reinvention. With each brushstroke, she captures the essence of change—constantly evolving, shifting, and adapting to new circumstances. Much like the white winter snowberry, which blooms resiliently in the dark Berlin winter, Carolyn’s art celebrates the beauty of transformation and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
In a world filled with constant change and uncertainty, Carolyn Brann’s art serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and creativity. Through her bold experimentation with color, texture, and form, she invites viewers to embrace the beauty of impermanence and find solace in the ever-changing landscape of life.
