Carmen Paulino

East Harlem-Based Crochet Artist Carmen Paulino Shares Her Tantalizing Talents at “Art on the Ave” Creative Space at 812 Lexington Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

December 14, 2024

I first noticed Carmen Paulino‘s tantalizing talents several years ago when I came upon her distinct yarn-bombing street art in my Upper West Side neighborhood and in East Harlem. I was mesmerized! Carmen is now sharing her scintillating skills, soulful spirit and boundless passion with visitors to Art on the Ave’s Creative Space at 812 Lexington Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. On my recent visit, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to her at her solo exhibition “Stitch Theory.”

This is so wonderful! How did it happen? What a perfect space for a solo exhibition!

I’d worked with Barbara Anderson, the cofounder of Art on the Ave, back in 2020. Art on the Ave transforms vacant storefronts into galleries, providing us local artists with the opportunity to exhibit and share our artwork, while actively engaging with the community at large. And in the early days of the Covid pandemic, Barbara invited me to participate in a project launched by Art on the Ave in Washington Heights. We continued to stay in contact, and in early November, she invited me share my crocheted artworks at this Lexington Avenue space.

How did you decide what to exhibit?

At the time I was invited, my mind was focused on our natural environment, and I wanted to raise awareness of environmental issues — such as the increase in flooding — that have impacted places dear to me. And so I decided to feature my piece “Let’s Save the Planet,” that had been exhibited at a fiber festival in Brooklyn back in 2019. I also drew on current events — such as the infamous Art Basel banana — and a range of themes that are particularly relevant to me and my community. And, of course, I want to get the message out that “Anything Is Possible,” and that just about anyone — of any age — can learn how to crochet and love doing it.

What has the experience of exhibiting in this space been like for you?

It is a dream come true! It’s mind-blowing and humbling. And it brings me one step closer to my goal of blurring the line between yarn bombing and fine art. I participated last year in the Metropolitan Museum’s MetFest, but that was only for one day. It would be wonderful to see my yarn-bombing, along with the fiber art of other yarn bombers, exhibited inside the museum.

Are there any moments in this particular setting that have stood out to you? 

I’ve loved it all. I love interacting with all the folks who pass through. But I especially love when children visit. Earlier this week, a local preschool class of three and four-year olds came by. What a joy watching them interact with my yarn art! They were particularly delighted by my pink cake and thrilled that they were allowed to touch it.

What’s ahead?

As of now, I have several murals coming up, a window I will be decorating, another gallery exhibit I will be hosting and a fashion show I will be working on.

That sounds great! How can folks see this exhibition before it closes on Tuesday?

I will be here at 812 Lexington Avenue — between 62nd-63rd Streets —all day tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos, Lois Stavsky

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“Cities Healing Through Fiber & Art” Continues at El Barrio’s Art Space PS109 through November 29

November 17, 2021

Organized and curated by the hugely inspiring East Harlem-based artist and educator Carmen Paulino aka Carmen Community Artist, “Cities Healing Through Fiber & Art” showcases a range of artworks — largely fashioned with yarn — spanning two floors of  El Barrio’s Art Space PS109. Featured above are two of Carmen’s works — The Notorious RGB  and My Body My Choice — on exhibit. Several more artworks on view in this group exhibition — follow:

Miami-based Kern Myrtle, Wet Paint

Philadelphia-based Linette Messina, Say Her Name, Breonna Taylor, Acrylic yarn

California-based Felicia Provenzano, Heart of the City

East Harlem-based Michael Paulino, Alas Yorick’s Skull, Acrylic paint and yarn

Milagros Rios, Yellow NYC Taxi

Alisha Soto, Lecciones de Amor

The artists and more — with exhibition curator Carmen Paulino aka Carmen Community Artist, fourth to the left in front row

A visual ode to the power of art to help us heal in these challenging times, the exhibition remains on view through November 29 at El Barrio’s Art Space PS109  at 215 East 99th Street.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking With East Harlem-Based “Carmen Community Artist”

October 14, 2020

Working with yarn, Carmen Paulino aka Carmen Community Artist has been busily bringing intriguing images and timely messages to the streets of East Harlem and beyond. I was delighted to recently meet her and find out a bit about her:

When did you first share your artwork in a public space?

Back in 2015, I did live painting outdoors with members of my East Harlem community. And then in 2018, I began yarn-bombing. I’d been working with yarn for years, but only then did I get it out in public.

What inspired you to do so at the time?

I had participated in an exhibition of fiber art at El Barrio Art Space. And I was suddenly inspired to take my art outside. I saw it as a way to beautify my community. I love East Harlem, and I wanted to add color to my neighborhood.

Were there any particular artists who inspired you to get your vision out on the streets?

Yes! Two particular artists who stand out are: Naomi Lawrence aka Naomi Rag – who’s been active in East Harlem now for several years – and the Philadelphia-based yarn bomber Nicole Nikolich aka Lace in the Moon.

Do you generally have permission to install your artwork?

Yes! I always know someone who has some connection to the site.

What is the attitude of your friends and family to what you are doing?

They are all proud of me!

What is your main source of income?

In 2014, I began working as a teaching artist in community centers, hospitals and senior centers. But for the past three years, I’ve worked mostly with seniors – and I love it! They are a constant source of inspiration.

Besides crafting with yarn and teaching art, have you any other particular interests?

I love to paint. I had a phenomenal teacher — when I was a student at Richard Green High School — who encouraged me, and I’ve been painting ever since.

Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

I enjoy doing both. I’ve recently collaborated with Alisha aka Little Nugget Workshop, Viviana Rambay and Glenys Rivas.

Have you a formal art education?

No. I’m essentially self-taught. I learned my craft from my grandmother and mother.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

Spanish culture – Indigenous, Latin American, Colombian.

Have you exhibited your work in a gallery setting?

Yes. I’m actively involved with the El Barrio Art Space.

Early in the pandemic many of your pieces expressed gratitude to the essential workers and urged folks to stay home. More recently your artworks have been focusing on the importance of voting in the upcoming election. What inspires your pieces?

I’m inspired by the people I meet and what is happening around me. In early spring my pieces were largely inspired by my husband, FDNY EMS Paramedic Michael Paulino — who has been working in the front line — and by all of the essential workers out there who put so much at risk. Current affairs have triggered my newer works.

Do you work with a sketch-in-hand or just let it flow?

No. I don’t work with a sketch. My work evolves as I create it.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

Always!

What do you see as the role of the artist in society? And your role – in particular?

I see the artist as an agent of change. And my role is to bring a sense of peace and safety to my community, while beautifying it.

What’s ahead?

A collaborative memorial for East Harlem victims of Covid-19.

Thank you, Carmen, for all that you do!  I am looking forward to what’s ahead.

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky

Photos: 1 & 4, courtesy of the artist; 2, 3, 5 & 6 Lois Stavsky

Note: Photo 3 features a collaboration with Alisha S aka Little Nugget Workshop, and the fourth photo features a collaboration with Alisha S aka Little Nugget Workshop, Viviana Rambay and Glenys Rivas.

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