Caris Reid (b. 1983, Washington D.C), lives and works in Los Angeles, California.
What core principles influence your practice as an artist?
Attunement. Harmony. Intuition. Through painting, I can access an idealism that I don’t always feel outside of the studio. I often feel overwhelmed and frustrated by all the injustice in the world, but in the studio, those feelings have space to alchemize.
How has your artistic process evolved?
I’ve always been fascinated by the subconscious, the power of symbols, and archetypes. Although my earlier work was more figurative, I began to find that subject more limiting. As my practice evolved, the protagonists have shifted from people to animals, birds, and flowers.
What do the elements symbolize in your paintings?
I view my paintings as a bridge between the spirit world and the material world, a place of mystery and possibility. I don’t see the symbolism within my work as fixed. The symbols can mean more than one thing and as an artist, I want to leave space for people to respond to the work.
How do your relationships and community influence your artwork?
Growing up I was a sensitive queer kid who didn’t want to be sensitive or queer. My family moved a lot and I often felt like I didn’t fit in. Drawing, dreaming, listening to music, and engaging with my imagination were always my forms of escape. So much of my life has been a journey to embrace the sensitive queer kid within and learn to recognize the people and spaces that accept and love those parts of me. Within my work, this journey shows up as themes of yearning and seeking connection. Two flowers coming together in a dance of intimacy. A singular snail reaching towards the stars. A bird longing for its mate. When it’s painted my story becomes universal….we all so badly want to be seen and known.
Who is somebody currently living that you have the most respect for in the art world?
I have a lot of respect for Jennifer Higgie who has spent her career highlighting the work of female artists and spiritually within art. I admire her sensibility and how boldly she’s championed work she believes in.
Is there an institutional collection that would be meaningful for you to be in?
There are so many institutional collections I’d be honored to have work included in but what I want more than anything is to see a shift in who is being included. Too many institutional collections are still predominately filled with work from straight white male artists. There are so many incredible female artists, artists of color, indigenous artists, and LGBTQ+ artists who deserve a place in these collections.
Describe what an ideal public or private space would look like for your artwork to reside in.
Somewhere peaceful with soft light. The presence of plants nearby. A sanctuary-like environment. Free and open to the public.
Which artists would you like to be in a group show with in the future?
There are so many artists I admire that I’d be honored to show work with: Agnes Pelton, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gertrude Abercrombie, Leonora Carrington, Betye Saar, Ellsworth Kelly, David Hockney, Claude Cahun, Judy Chicago….
What progress would you like to see in the arts for the queer community?
So many things. We need more inclusion, more trans visibility, and more support for queer youth in the arts. I’d also like to see more awareness within the art world of just how devastating and dangerous the current legislation, particularly the legislation aimed at queer and trans youth, is.
Which part of the art ecosystem excites you the most for the future of your practice?
The space of ideas and creation. It’s where the life force is.
