Kevin Kirkwood traveled to Willow Pond in San Luis Obispo to visit the bright, light-filled studio of contemporary artist Carol Paquet. A South African–American visual artist, Carol works across photography, oil painting, and mixed media, blending analog and digital techniques to create fictional botanical landscapes shaped by memory, place, and imagination. After studying at the College of Art in Johannesburg, she spent 15 years as an art director before fully committing to her studio practice.
Kevin and Carol discuss the evolution of her work, the influence of landscape on her creative process, and how she navigates the intersection between the physical and digital worlds. With the stillness of Willow Pond just outside the studio, the conversation offers a thoughtful glimpse into Carol’s contemplative approach to art-making.
The episode also highlights upcoming workshop opportunities at Willow Pond, offering painters, digital artists, and multimedia creators the chance to work in a peaceful, immersive natural setting. Workshops for 2026 will feature artists Geoff Allen, Johan Barrios, Jason Hackenwerth, and Gorden Studer.
CAROL PAQUET
carolpaquet.com @carolpatriciapaquet
WILLOW POND – San Luis Obispo
Willowpondslo.com @willowpondslo
10 WEST GALLERY
10westgallery.com @10westgallery
MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART
www.montereyart.org @montereyart
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART
sloma.org @slomuseumofart
Produced by KEVIN KIRKWOOD
kevin-kirkwood.com @kevinwillpaint @strandpodcast
Listen to The Strand via all major platforms. Including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and Amazon.
This episode was recorded September 26, 2025 in San Luis Obispo, California.
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