Talk Shop: Caroline Boykin // Caroline Boykin Fine Art
About Caroline
Caroline Boykin is a fine artist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Having honed her craft for nearly 15 years, Caroline utilizes elements of nature, architecture, and form through many mediums to create tensions of weight in color and balance the delicacy of the subject. She is inspired by the spirit of everyday life and a love for a sense of place. Boykin's original works can be found in noteworthy homes and collections nationwide as well as at Anne Neilson Fine Art in Charlotte, NC.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless, warm, and layered.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My upbringing in Alabama, my love for art, and the simultaneous desire for comfort and style.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I graduated from Ole Miss in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an emphasis on ceramics, and I launched my company immediately after. I brought the artwork from my graduation thesis show to my hometown and sold it all. With that money, I was able to purchase a kiln and have been making art full-time ever since! It’s been such a crazy and fulfilling ride.
There are honestly so many favorite things about my job. I love that my job is also my hobby. I love meeting clients and getting to know those who resonate with my artwork. My very favorite, though, is having the luxury of making my own hours so that I can spend as much time with my family as possible.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I don’t have a specific mentor in my career per se, but I have many contemporary artists that I greatly look up to. The art and design world is filled with inspiring women who are paving their own way and making so many beautiful things! I adore my “art friends” who I can look to for advice and vice versa.
What does your home say about you:
I hope my home reflects how inviting my family is! It is filled with music, laughter, art, and yummy food. We enjoy entertaining and loving our people.
Where do you find inspiration:
Nature and the relationships around me.
Who are your style icons:
LSD forever and ever. I also love everything about Deeda Blair, from the flowers to the hair!
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Cold drinks, candlelight, fresh flowers, and good tunes.
Do you collect anything:
So many things! Silver, shells from beach adventures with my family, art books, china, tabletop linens - I really could go on and on!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@bittybromley, @jkathryninteriors, @beckynielseninteriors, @blairedesignsllc, @alexkaehlerdesign, @cathykincaidinteriors, and @thelsd.
What are you working on right now:
A new series, “Le Pointe”. The paintings are color fields of acrylic and gold leaf on canvas and I’m absolutely crazy about it! The subtle textures and reflective qualities are magical together.
Wardrobe staples:
Shift dresses, sandals, and ponytails.
Best art advice you ever received:
Stay in your lane.
Best career advice you ever received:
Under promise and over-deliver. This was given to me by my dad when I first started my business and it has shaped the way I tackle every project and commission.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
One in the same! Antiques always. Sometimes they are such a necessary splurge and other times they are the best way to save some money.
Types of art purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in all. I personally know what goes into an authentic piece of art. I particularly love to support my contemporaries!
Your greatest extravagance:
Haha, ART!
Favorite places to shop for art:
Trips with my husband. I love to have memories to go along with the art piece. The sentimental value adds to the beauty!
Most prized possession and why:
Old photographs of my late best friend because they provide fantastic memories of someone I loved very much.
Your art motto:
Be you! Everyone has their own unique perspective and voice to share.
Your life motto:
Enjoy every single moment.
Advice for someone looking to define their own style:
Be authentic!! What's the fun in copying someone else??
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Anything carb related!
Drink: Spicy Margarita
Film: Something's Gotta Give - anything Nancy Meyers
Hotel: We recently had the most wonderful stay at Casa Cipriani New York. The hotel is on the water so you almost don't feel like you are in NYC and the private club atmosphere was very, very fun! Fantastic people watching!
City: Aspen, CO
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, black.
Playlist: Nancy Meyers Kitchen on Spotify
Weekend Activity: Kid activities all day long & dinners with husbands and friends at night. I also love a good Sunday afternoon tennis date with my husband!
Design Book: Anything by Gil Schafer