Carole Degnan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Carole, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Besides the job of artist and gardener, what really has been joyful for me lately is spending time with my oldest grandson who is stationed at Camp Pendleton. I am so proud of incredible commitment he has made to himself and our country and I absolutely find joy in every moment I can spend with him.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carole Degnan and I am a visual artist working in watercolor and pastel.
I was born and raised in Northern California. My mother worked for the Forestry and my dad was a logger so it makes sense that I have a deep love for nature which I believe is the core of my creativity. I didn’t start painting until my late 50’s but creativity has always been a part of every job I’ve done up to this point. Painting is just another outlet for my creative expression. I started with watercolor because a lovely neighbor was willing to teach me in her spare time. I later studied pastel online with artist Alain Picard. Both artists taught me so much. I’m mostly inspired by nature’s landscape and animals, but also enjoy the challenge of doing portraits as well although I’m not always successful.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Wow, that’s a hard question to answer because I have always been such a sponge when it comes to learning and shaping myself into who I am today. I would have to say my relationship with my father has shaped me into who I am today. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and how I mirror his personal values, his sense of adventure, his caring of others and humor. The lessons I learned growing up next to him were so tender and loving. I would like to think I am carrying on his legacy and making him proud.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I have been a fearful person for as long as I can remember and I truly don’t know where that comes from. I have fought to overcome it all my life and not until I was in my 60’s did I realize that I had power over it. I believe that my willingness to succeed, to be a better person today than yesterday, was my driving force to overcome so many obstacles in my life. I have a horrible fear of failing but I’ve never really bombed out of anything. I have a horrible fear that I’m not enough, but I am enough because I have a drive to be the best human I can be. When you reach that tipping point of not letting anything hold you back, it is a very freeing experience and you really start to grow as person.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends know me best for being honest, doing what’s right and being forgiving. Being close to me, they also know that I have boundaries and I demand respect. What matters most is that I am a kind and loving human, who is traveling softy through life and they are always respected and safe with me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace as the sun peaks up from the horizon and becomes this soft golden light that dances in my garden. I am usually at the window every morning ready to burst open the door and get out there to be a part of it. Just at the right moment I grab my coffee and go outside where I can breathe deep and observe nature. I play with the Scrub Jays, the California Thrashers and the Red Breasted House Finch’s because they love it too. The jays feed from my hand and the others bounce about with excitement around the feeder bowl. Everyone is busy and chattering. It only last 30 minutes or so, but it’s pure magic to step into nature and ground myself before my day goes forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @60cdegnan
- Other: cdegnan@mac.com
