About Me
I am Carl Evanson, a dedicated full-time artist based in Oswestry, UK. My artistic repertoire includes oil paint, watercolours, and pastels, with a specialization in cityscapes, landscapes, and nature paintings. I was born with a life-altering condition called Cystic Fibrosis, but I didn’t let that get in the way of pursuing a career as a full-time artist - it quickly become a lifelong dream. To learn more about my journey, please visit my Personal Story and Cystic FIbrosis page. In 2020, I graduated from Glyndwr School of Creative Arts University in Wrexham with a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art
My Story
Just three weeks after my birth, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a moment that filled my parents with immense fear and uncertainty. I was swiftly rushed to the hospital and underwent a life-saving operation. From that point on, my time revolved around managing my condition and adapting to a life with what felt like an anchor attached to my foot. Unlike most children, my adolescent years were punctuated by frequent hospital visits and various treatments, robbing me of a typical childhood experience. Throughout my school years, significant hospitalizations, which could be up to three times a year, led to prolonged absences, impacting my education and, more tragically, my self-esteem.
To add to that, as I was quite the unique child, I faced bullying from my peers who did not understand cystic fibrosis, leading to major struggles with my image and confidence; feelings that no person that young should feel. However, a pivotal moment occurred when, at the age of six, I discovered my love for art. Drawing pop culture icons such as the T-rex from Jurassic Park, or Spider-Man, brought me great solace and joy, in a time of pain and hardship. The kind words of encouragement from my nurses who appreciated my artwork further solidified my decision to pursue a career as an artist.
Despite numerous surgeries, particularly on my nose to alleviate breathing difficulties caused by the condition, challenges persisted. The physical toll of the illness, compounded by societal perceptions and the reoccurring bullying, weighed heavily on me through my formative years.
As I transitioned into my teenage years, I pursued art and ICT in college, despite the interruptions caused by my condition. The desire to express myself artistically provided a sense of freedom amidst the constraints imposed by cystic fibrosis.
My determination led me to university to study fine art, with a goal to enhance my skills. However, as my health deteriorated in my twenties, the reality of my condition became stark. Hospitalizations, weight loss, and breathing difficulties culminated in a devastating prognosis from doctors, indicating a limited life expectancy.
Confronted with the harsh truth, I underwent a transformative moment, realizing the need to prioritize my well-being and fight for a fulfilling life. Despite setbacks, including a severe health scare in 2020, I persevered, regained my strength, and embraced a new treatment that improved my health significantly.
Graduating from university amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found solace in expressing my journey through art. This experience ignited a passion within me to share my story, raise awareness about cystic fibrosis, and support others facing similar struggles.
Today, I am committed to using my artistic talents to advocate for those impacted by CF, sharing their stories and experiences to shed light on this often misunderstood condition. My journey has taught me that cystic fibrosis, while presenting immense challenges, has also shaped me into the resilient and determined individual I am today. My goal is to inspire others, raise awareness, and contribute to a world where individuals with cystic fibrosis are understood and supported.
Resume
EDUCATION
2013
Oswestry collage
Art, Merit
ICT, Merit
Caritive Media, Merit
2020
wrexham university school of arts
Fine Art BTEC HONS degree, Pass
EXHIBITIONS
2024
Breath taking, A group exhibit by artists with Cystic Fibrosis
At dnj Gallery 3015 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405