Rising Stars: Meet Carly Wilhelm of Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Wilhelm

Hi Carly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was raised between the suburbs of Detroit and the suburbs of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I earned a BFA from the University of Michigan and lived in San Francisco and New York before moving back to Detroit a few years ago.

My paintings are a practice of color balance and amorphic shape. I naturally paint in a few varied styles- an expressionist flow, an examination of how shapes work together, and abstract landscapes of golf courses and sport courts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I moved to San Francisco (pre-tech boom) directly after graduation, so art was on the back burner until I found my footing. After being rejected from every single art gallery/museum job possible in the city of San Francisco, I started modeling for makeup, fashion and jewelry companies and managed operations at a start-up. My varied week to week schedule left me exhausted and unfulfilled. After a few years I found a creative community to collaborate with and began to curate music shows and pop-up art exhibitions. New York was a similar story. It took a many years to find the right community, encouragement and time, to establish an equilibrium that works. After nearly a decade working corporate jobs, I set out on my own in 2018. I’ve made many wonderful connections with clients, shop and gallery owners and other artists since but pursuing art is never an easy road. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As mentioned, I work in a few different, unique painting styles. I am probably best known for my “lils” collection- an ongoing series of smaller framed paintings that are colorful and expressive. Each piece is hand painted and framed so that everything is one of a kind.

I am most proud of my recent golf paintings. Golf has been a long, time hobby of mine and it’s been a treat painting particular courses and holes.

What makes you happy?
Family makes me happy! Very grateful to reconnect with my family after a long time living apart and only getting to visit for short periods. I also love to explore the outdoors, hike, and find dams.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlywilhelm69/?hl=en