Carrie Graber

(Slovakian, b.1973)

Raised amidst the warm and vibrant hues of Southern California, Carrie Graber's artistry is infused with the perpetual summer's glow, which has elegantly woven a sense of romanticism into her creations. Her mastery in handling warm palettes and her precise manipulation of light craft impeccably balanced scenes, where light and shadow play in harmony, bringing forth the allure of everyday scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed. The tender realism in Graber's work, bold yet intimate, resonates with the viewer, bridging a connection to the serene and contemplative moments captured by the Dutch master Vermeer, one of her pivotal inspirations.

In her unique synthesis of art, Graber marries the enchantment with light, characteristic of the 19th century, to her contemporary icons, forging a post-modern blend. The distinctive luminosity of Southern California's landscape is a tribute to the Luminist and Hudson River schools of thought, as Graber skillfully and fluidly replicates this golden-white brilliance in her canvases. Moreover, her depictions of the iconic Southern California way of life through the lens of Pop art are at once vibrant, sensual, and meticulously crafted.

A distinguished graduate from the Art Center College of Design, Graber honed her skills under the mentorship of the renowned Romantic Impressionist Aldo Luongo, who also encouraged her to cultivate her unique collection. Her profound appreciation for the human figure and form, set against a backdrop of intricate light and shadow interplay, has been vividly expressed in hundreds of her paintings.

"In my journey as an artist, the convergence of skill, attentive observation, and thoughtful contemplation is paramount. I am committed to chasing what brings me the deepest fulfillment and joy: a dialogue brimming with discovery and success. What does the medium, subject matter, or style mean? I am deeply engaged in exploring the essence of beauty, probing what draws us to deem something beautiful. I consider the notions that are preconceived and what could be subject to reinterpretation. I've always sensed, and now fully understand, that function assumes form, not forcefully but with the grace of a partner. This intimate exploration of art as both process and product is what I cherish presenting to the world." – Carrie Graber