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

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This episode was recorded September 26, 2025 in San Luis Obispo, California.