Meet Your Artist: Carrie Fell

Where does your passion for art come from?

My passion for art comes from being a fourth-generation native of the great state of Colorado. It’s the love of the open range and a romance for the American frontier. From the early explorers and settlers to the pioneers who pushed westward braving the unimaginable in search of land, gold, adventure and love. The West also represents our national ethos of moving forward and seeking opportunity. We’re so used to being “American” that we forget how much opportunity there is in this country, and look to our Western heritage with nostalgia, even though that same spirit of adventure and opportunity still exists if you look for it. 

Describe your style of art.

---

---

I think if you asked collectors what drew them to my work (or the style that drew them in), they would say the bold colors, paired with impressionistic subjects which allow the viewer to interpret the thoughts and intentions of the piece. I think I would say that the subject matter alone does not define my work — all pieces share a boldness and style, using color in large motions through lines and shapes. I’m a “colorist” as much as I am an “impressionist.” My work evolves because I trust in the wisdom and experience I’ve gained — and I try new things. I am also grateful to collectors and galleries who have trusted in my evolution and in their support, have embraced the many different styles of work I have created over time. Without that support — both professional and financial — it’s hard to express yourself beyond what you initially created.

What are some of your favorite pieces or art you’ve worked on:  

---

---

Too many to mention all of them. But there are a few “greatest hits” that stay fresh in collector’s minds such as “Perfect Storm,” “BIG,” “In Between Light and Dark,” “Silver Tongued Devils,” “True West” and “Spring Fever.” 

I love creating new works that can be seen in the galleries annually, however, the larger-scale projects are some of my favorites, too. The most memorable was participating as the official artist for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and more recently, the 2020 publication of my coffee table book, “The Art of Carrie Fell.”  The book project reviewed over 4,000 images from my catalog and writings of 20 years into a 560-page full colorful hard-cover art piece.  

Who has helped you along the way?

I have been fortunate to have longtime galleries that continue to represent me together with museums most significantly, the Booth Western Art Museum adding one of my originals “Crazy Mountain Saddle Slickers” to their permanent collection. Other people who have worked with me for much of my career would be my partners in production like my lumber-mill, fine-art printer, graphic designer, photographer who have helped my catalog develop, introducing me to new technologies that assist in maintaining the best ideas that relate to my vision, products and ideas to keep the construction and quality steady and relative over many years.  I have an amazing team of people internally through Carrie Fell & Co., friends that help me to dream, originate, facilitate and fabricate. Media and community partners that have always kept me on the forefront for contributions. My collectors, many who have become my friends over the years who support me not only through their art collections, but also through their support in attending exhibitions and private events. No one does anything this long alone and I am gratefully aware of this each and every day. Every person that comes to my mind as I write this inspires me.

If you weren’t an artist what would you be doing?

My creativity runs pretty deep and I am a student of many things. I am certain the “art” would filter into another creative role of some kind.  

Anything else you would you like to say about yourself as an artist or your artwork? 

I like to speak to people through my art — in a way that draws them back again and again — the emotion, the movement, the shape, line, colors and textures — inviting collectors to a mesmerizing story that plays out on canvas. I appreciate the opportunity to do this work and my studio continues to be a place of inspiration for new expressions pushing westward, braving the elements of tricky hurdles in search of, with the presence of, intent… the love of the open range and the prospects that the wide spaces represent.  

Where is your work shown?

My work can be seen at the Galerie Züger at Solaris on the upper-level in Vail Village.