Elizabeth Carnes
Medium: Basketry
Member of Granby Artists since: 2018
I have known and admired many of the Granby artists for many years and have found them all very supportive. Several of them encouraged me to join the association. After application review, I became a member of the Granby Artists Association in 2018. I also belong to the Northeast Basketmakers Guild and the National Basketry Organization.
What inspired you to become an artist?
I was inspired at an early age by a family friend who was an art teacher. Because of this early interest, I have pursued many artistic endeavors including painting, knitting, and basketry. I made my first basket at age 10 at summer camp. I loved it and was finally able to pursue basketry many years later when a workshop was offered at a local college. Part of being a good teacher is being a good student and I especially enjoy workshops to expand my knowledge and experience.
What made you choose your primary medium?
Basketry is one of the earliest crafts and nearly every culture throughout the world has its own traditional baskets. For example, the ash splint has a long history as a material for basket making, especially in the northeast where the ash tree grows. Having lived in an area in Connecticut that was once a Shaker community, I learned that the Shakers used ash to make beautiful baskets. Some of these baskets were utilitarian and used in the laundry or garden while other baskets were fancy and sold to the public. Native Americans also used ash in their baskets. I enjoy learning different techniques and practical uses. I also appreciate contemporary materials utilized in basketry. It is fascinating to see the wide array of materials used in basketry today including telephone cord, ribbon, paper clips and paper as well as natural materials such as ash, cane, reed, pine needles and willow.
Anne Winsor
Medium: Painting
Email: thewinsorhouse@cox.net
Member of Granby Artists since: 2013
What made you choose your primary medium?
I work mostly in acrylics and lately I have been painting artwork for a local sign maker. Acrylic paint is definitely my go-to medium. It’s very workable and forgiving. It dries quickly but you can use an extender to slow the drying time while increasing body to attain a consistency like oil paint. And clean-up is a breeze.
Do you work in other mediums?
I love to find time to paint in oils and right now it’s primarily for myself. I haven’t used oils for many years and I am now just starting to use them again and enjoying it very much but have a long way to go. I love the depth, tone, and color of oils. I enjoy painting land and seascapes and am looking forward to a lot of plein air painting this coming season. Maybe I’ll even have a painting for one of GAA’s shows.
Tell us a satisfying art accomplishment you have had.
It is hard to nail that down but I think two of the most memorable and enjoyable accomplishments were the Giddy Up to Granby and The Dog Days of New Hartford events. I painted two horses and designed the logo for the Granby event. I was sponsored by the Drummer after coming up with a design they liked and the second was by a private business owner. I really had no idea what I was going to create, but they trusted me to figure it out, which meant a great deal to me. For the dogs in New Hartford, I collaborated with a business owner and we worked together on the design and painting of our dog. Both events were great successes. The initial opening and selecting party and the parade and auction were well-attended and successful. It was great working with so many wonderful and talented people and having the whole community involved.
I am currently creating custom-made wooden humidors depicting scenes of the Connecticut Tobacco Valley or memorable places for the customer. This project is particularly meaningful to me because both sides of my family were tobacco farmers. It is very satisfying when the completed project is so well received by the customer.
And finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Welcome to Granby signs—it was an honor to have been asked to paint them. I so enjoyed the whole creative process and feel they add a special colorful touch to welcome all to our beautiful community.