Illuminating Interiors
Even as a child, Birmingham artist Carrie Pittman loved forging her own path, much like any true artist. “I didn’t like doing things the way everyone else did, such as taking naps, dressing like others or following rules. I think this was my creative thinking showing at a very early age,” Carrie reflects on her childhood, where she demonstrated both a strong will and a desire to feel uninhibited.
After a career in finance and banking, Carrie gravitated toward abstract art as the ultimate form of self-expression, harnessing light, texture and colour to illuminate the ever-evolving nature of her feelings. “When you are expressing emotion—including anger, fear, happiness, joy, peace, and confusion—for me, it doesn’t come out technically. I didn’t feel like painting a house, animal or person; it was all very expressive and often layered,” Carrie explains. “There is an unspoken language in art, and a subconscious element that can be deeply healing. Art has always been there for me, and I count on it staying with me throughout my life.”
“There is an unspoken language in art, and a subconscious element that can be deeply healing.”
Photo by Mary Margaret Smith.
Carrie’s luminous canvases, layered with soft washes of colour, invite gentle bursts of calm energy and brighten interiors—both indoor spaces and inner souls. Her art is born from a deep appreciation for beauty and a talent for emanating radiance on canvas. “My mom is very creative and taught me how to find beauty in everything,” Carrie shares. This gentle introduction to the arts, rooted more in the emotions that beauty evokes than in formal training, inspired Carrie’s artistic journey, allowing it to develop slowly and authentically.
A deep passion for beauty is central to Carrie’s work. “Our world often presents beauty as physical, visual and material. While there is certainly an aspect of outer beauty, inner beauty is far more important and enduring. As an artist, I contribute to outer beauty by making a space visually appealing, but I truly believe that art can speak to our souls, provoke deep thought and emotions and stir us internally in beautiful ways,” Carrie observes.
The artist feels serene when painting. “I feel calm in the sense that I’m most like myself. I feel free, and I am always alone. I don’t feel judged or worried, nor do I get frustrated much at all when I paint, which I think is important,” Carrie says. “It’s a haven from everyday life, stress and pressure. I know that eventually, whatever I create will evolve the way it’s supposed to, and there is no real deadline.”
Guided by instinct, Carrie’s creative freedom is best conveyed through watercolour, oils and acrylics. “Pencil, charcoal and pastel are great for extra accents, texture and detail over paint,” Carrie adds. The result is elegant abstracts that feel airy, light and intentional, with a stunning textured marble effect, inviting admirers to envision what most resonates with them, from soft clouds and delicate flowers to soothing ocean waves, or simply, gorgeous splashes of bright colour.
“I truly believe that art can speak to our souls, provoke deep thought and emotions and stir us internally in beautiful ways.”
Photo by Mary Margaret Smith.
Carrie possesses a keen business sense and an entrepreneurial spirit, which have enabled her to form collaborations with Neiman Marcus, Horchow, John Richard, HGTV and West Elm. She has also created art featured on a variety of products, including earrings, curtains, pillows, bags, Christmas stockings, napkins and much more. She enjoys helping complete clients’ indoor spaces with her artwork and creating custom paintings for anyone who asks. “Some of my closest friends are clients who contacted me for a painting and live across the country. I love getting to know people through my commission process,” Carrie says of the newfound friendships she has made through life as an artist.
Carrie continues to draw inspiration from her love of family, exercise, reading and travel. Guided by imagination, instinct and love of beauty, she hopes her creative perspective will encourage those around her to embrace openness, acceptance and freedom from the pressures of perfectionism.
Visit carriepittman.com.
Photo by Carrie Pittman.
TEXT BY FATIMA RIZZO