Artist Spotlight: Cody Carlino

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

For Cody Carlino, life began with a challenge. He was born in Louisiana on Feb. 19, 1987, and was diagnosed as a young boy with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. These setbacks limited his ability to do many things, but young Carlino, who found solace in the paintings hung in his parents' house, soon developed a deep connection to art. This connection cultivated within him a dream of becoming a professional artist. Although he was unable to attend art college, Carlino began attending as many independent art classes as he could, working hard to develop his artistic skills, and today, he works full-time as a professional artist.
His journey through artistic expression began with simple sketches, and eventually transitioned to bolder and more complex mediums. Today, the 35-year-old artist lives in Monticello, focusing his art efforts on traditional and digital paintings. For traditional pieces, he displays his talent in both acrylic and oil-based paint mediums, while his digital paintings are created using a computer program called Clip Studio, a popular tool often used by illustrators.
One of the things Carlino strives to incorporate in his artwork is a story. He says one of the most challenging things he attempts is, “creating a story of paintings within a painting that have to do with the bigger picture in life.” This “real-world” connection between his art and his personal life generates a depth in his paintings that is altogether compelling and captivating. Over the last year, he has created several pieces of work that reflect the impact of his real-world experiences.
“I was thinking about how I should express myself on a blank canvas,” says Carlino about one of his paintings available for viewing on his website. “Then it hit me; for quite some time in a period of my life I postponed my passion for art, because I thought, 'Cody, why on earth would you use your talent of art when you know there is absolutely no way you will ever be able to pursue your dreams if you couldn't even get through school because of the way you were born?' Ever since, I felt like I was stuck in limbo, so to speak, not able to move forward. Like I was stuck in quicksand and no matter how hard I fought, I sunk deeper. The only way to stay sane was to keep still.”
Carlino explains that on the day he was born, he suffered a stroke that left him with a mental disability. He describes this disability as preventing him from being able to learn and retain skills that, conventionally, artists are expected to have. The experience left him feeling trapped, and unable to move towards his dream.
“All is not lost though,” says Carlino, with an air of determination. “I can still do this! If I just keep moving, keep fighting, I will eventually reach the finish line. Thinking of those memories gave me the inspiration to paint a man trapped in a cage, unable to move forward with his life. He still has faith that if he works hard, he will be free from his prison of a disabled life. The message I send through this painting is: 'if you just keep walking down your path and keep fighting, life will lead you to where you were always meant to be. Never give up!'”
That painting, titled Trapped, is available for viewing on Carlino's website. Some of his other works are also displayed on his online gallery, including A Night on Bourbon Street, a piece inspired by an encouraging day out exploring New Orleans with his father. Carlino says that the message of this piece is about focusing on the positive things in your life, rather than spending too much time lamenting your struggles.
The contrast between hope and despair is prevalent in Carlino's body of work. His abstract expressions capture the raw emotions that come with being a human being. His work encompasses concepts like fear of loss, concern for family, mental health, mind-over matter exercises, perseverance and courage.
Although his work keeps him busy, Carlino enjoys spending time with his family and venturing out for a mountain bike ride around local parks in his down time.
Artistic expression is a unique and incredible way of communicating the innermost thoughts and feelings that reside within one's mind with the outside world. The way a person views the world around them is utterly unique, guided by memory, experience, personality and the environment around them.
For those who wish to view Carlino's body of both traditional and digital work, or read his personal blog about the artistic inspiration for his work, visit his website at paintersfaith. squarespace.com.