Always Keep Creating: The Resiliency of Carol Rosenak

In her early work, Carol Rosenak exhibited a strong interest in balance and clarity, apparent in the etchings and lithographs she created in the 1970s. She wrote “One’s drawing skills have to be finely honed to do successful print work, and I feel that the discipline in print making forces an artist to create images extra carefully.”

She applied that extra care to the still lifes for which she was best known.  Created between 1979-1994, these rich paintings feature exquisite textures and intricate details. “For me, life just lacks that extra measure of fullness if I can’t be involved in creating something of beauty.” Capturing her attention for hours, she faithfully recreated each object’s shadow, fold, stitch, and dimple.

A stroke in 1994 impaired Rosenak’s vision and ended her ability to paint fine details. For a while she set aside her paints.  After a few years, unable to resist creating, she resumed her life’s work with a new and vastly different style. Characterized by bold abstract shapes and a striking color pallet, her interest in line, color and imagery still shines through. “Some people have difficulty choosing a career, but for me there was never a hesitation. It was always art.”