About
ARTIST BIO
Carolyn Anne Anderson is a self-taught artist who’s body of work is influenced greatly by her experience of living with a disability . Paralyzed in motor vehicle accident in 1991 at age 17 she has used a wheelchair for all of her adult life .
Her earlier paintings showcase her southern Arizona home with depictions of Sonoran desert animals and local landmarks. Often combining them together to create creature filled quirky urban landscapes (see the link to Margaret Regan’s Tucson Weekly Pollos del Pueblo review below). Later she explores the diverse natural vistas around her from saguaro forests to aspen clusters.
Her recent paintings have gone in a new direction reflecting on feminine identities, sexuality, and the taboo mythologies that live alongside ability and disability. Using acrylic on canvas, Anderson explores bodies and desire, especially for those outside the dominant narrative.
While her paintings do not focus on creating images of disability as subject matter, they add to the broader goal of making the disabled experience more visible. Through her art, activism, public speaking, mentorship, academic and non-fiction writing, Anderson has been a contributing voice to the disability culture movement for over 3 decades. By adding her unique experiences into disciplines where disabled women’s perspectives and creativity are not often sought or celebrated she hopes to bring awareness regarding accessibility, representation, and inclusion, to a larger audience.
A graduate of the University of Arizona (1997 & 2000), Anderson currently lives and works in Tucson, Arizona .
Self Portrait 2022
With Self Portrait 2022
24 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas