Promoting Self-Healing Through Multiple Medias
Promoting Self-Healing Through Multiple Medias
Artist Carl Childs, former Gamma Beta Phi President, is a proud and successful alumnus of Gaston College class of 2012. Childs dual majored and graduated with an Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Arts degrees. In the fall of that graduating year, Childs taught his (BATS) Business, Art, Tactics, and Sales class through the Gaston College Continuing Education program.
Childs’ passion for art “sparked” at an early age. He says, “In kindergarten, I was recognized with a 1st Place Award from the school’s Valentine’s Day Contest. Being recognized for my talents, out of so many students at a young age, gave me a ‘can-do attitude’ toward the arts and life.” Childs’ passion and desire for art became a “fire” within him, which continued to nurture his artistic talents and expressions as he matured throughout the years. “I want everyone to know all my skills and abilities come directly from our Heavenly Father. I am a willing vessel to promote healing,” said Childs.
Childs, a US Army veteran who has extensively been in the media, including in interviews with, Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN) twice, Good Morning America, WNPR news; and he stays in the news featuring his art. “As an artist or with any position we hold, we are all Ambassadors of the organizations we are connected to,” said Childs. “Every time I am blessed to be in the Charlotte Observer, Gaston Gazette, Kings Mountain Herald, Lincolnton Herald, Belmont Banner, Shelby Star, and Cherryville Eagle, it makes us all look good. I was recently interviewed by the Gaston Gazette for my 4D Solo Exhibition, ‘Beauty & Fire of Art’, a 61-day show at Gaston County Main Library”.
Childs says obtaining his two art degrees played significant roles in unlocking his potential and opening doors to new experiences in the Art world. “Gaston College gave me the opportunity as a student to do my Solo Exhibition, ‘Adhesion de la Vie’ (Ascension of Life) at the Beam Gallery and ‘Mr. Childs Presents the Northern Sky to the Southern Woman’ at the Gaston County Museum. Plus, there were numerous opportunities for exhibitions, awards, and hands-on work within Gaston County. This gave me a solid foundation and confidence to approach other galleries and museums to do over 100 shows throughout NC. Additionally, as a community builder, I constantly stay connected in community events, such as the Romare Bearden Birthday Bash, Carolina Wine Fest, Belmont Criterium, and Beach Bash. I have also had artwork at Spirit Square, Uptown Charlotte, and Novant Health in Matthews over the past four years. A solid education, plus motivation will push an artist to achieve new heights in success.”
Childs developed versatility in printmaking, mixed media and 3D art which have significantly enhanced his career, expression of energy and emotion through multiple mediums. “I create a Leather Matrix and pull a series of prints off of it and mat them in exotic leather,” said Childs. “Leather is just another canvas,” he said. “When it comes to leather, there are different textures, styles, and categories including exotics. I am able to take leather to another level through pyrography, he said. I burn images and words into the leather in English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Greek. Burning images into leather create a tactile work that’s visually pleasing to the eye and designed to be touched as well. This work first appeared in my Solo Exhibition ‘Love One Another’ at Beam Gallery Gaston College last year. This show gained television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and internet coverage. The pyrography, had people blind and visually impaired putting down their canes and telling people what they ‘saw!’ The excitement from this exhibition brought over 5,000 people to Gaston College to see this show,” said Childs. He also incorporates semiprecious stones such as Amethyst, Tiger’s Eye, and Clear Quartz along with soft metals, silver and copper, into his leather creations.
Childs is a Master Leather Craftsman and Creator for More Than a Conqueror Art World, where he has been commissioned to teach and share rare art skills at all levels of interest. His role allows him to pursue his ultimate goal of providing an appreciation of art across the nation. Childs says, “When I create a work, it is designed to be a conversation piece. I want the audience to connect. It’s about taking them to a higher level. If someone is feeling depressed, sad or neutral, I want my work to brighten and encourage their day! Additionally, the goal of spreading my artistic message has gone global through my website with over 409,000 visits from 172 countries.”
When asked to name his most memorable moment while being a Gaston College student, he responded that “it was being selected for the Jeanne Rauch Art Scholarship three times. Each time built up my motivation and encouraged me to be the best Artist in the history of Gaston College. My current three awards for 2019 Art: 1st Place Award ‘Music Kissing Water’, 3rd Place Award, ‘Legion Commander’s Helm’ and 3rd Place Award, ‘Legion Commander’s Gauntlet’ are directly tied to my being encouraged.”
When asked what advice Mr. Childs would give to current and future Gaston College Alums, he simply said, “Continue to work in the field that you earned your degree in and become a subject matter expert. Get on television, radio, into newspapers and magazines in a positive way, and tell them you graduated from Gaston College. Partner with the Alumni team. Your accomplishments are gold that makes everyone and every organization that you are connected to shine.”
For more information regarding Childs and his artwork, visit www.childsleather.com.
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