New FRANK artist paints NC landscapes, lifestyles

While the world is moving closer to modernity, Carroll Lassiter reminds North Carolina to remember its roots.

FRANK Gallery’s artist of the month specializes in oil paintings of North Carolina’s rural landscape, as well as still lifes of tools. The paintings capture a now-forgotten way of life, she said.

“I am recording a lot of farm buildings and old stores that serve as relics as time has gone,” she said. “It’s about the change in the people’s lifestyles.”

Lassiter, whose grandparents were farmers and storekeepers in the eastern part of the state, said that her work observes the change in society as the world has become more modern and fast-paced.

“The local store used to be how neighborhood news was communicated,” she said. “That all changed with quick-marts. It’s no longer about personal interactions, but speed.”

In addition to her degree from UNC, Lassiter attended Alamance Community College for welding and now makes the frames for her paintings out of steel.

“I love her frames — it just blows me away,” said gallery manager Torey Mishoe. “People always ask, ‘Where’d you get these?’”

Lassiter’s paintings often depict different tools and ordinary objects that assist in crafts similar to her welding. These often include fishing tackle, shovels and other farm equipment.

“These objects are given an elevated status and often reflect a sense of humor,” said Gordon Jameson, FRANK’s board chairman.

He also said Lassiter is an essential member of FRANK Gallery since its creation three years ago. She helps with curation, installation and even cooking for gallery events, Mishoe said.

Both Mishoe and Jameson, however, said Lassiter’s artistic experience and wisdom have made her such an asset.

“It’s probably some of the more traditional artwork, which is what I love about it,” Mishoe said. “She has a great ability to capture the open airiness of North Carolina landscape.”

Lassiter, who has been seriously painting landscapes for the past 10 years, said both the artists of the American landscape tradition and her love of the outdoors are influences on her artwork.

“I’ve painted the same fields over and over,” she said. “They can look so different depending on the weather, what’s growing, the seasons and the light. I love the emotional impact of the landscape.”

Despite the varying conditions of the landscape, Lassiter said she uses a limited palette of five colors.

This restriction, however, does not stunt her talent, Jameson said.

“I think what really makes her landscapes so appealing is the wonderful quality of light she captures,” he said.

Though she travels frequently and draws no matter where she is, Lassiter said North Carolina is her favorite muse.

“North Carolina is the place that I know,” she said. “The landscapes are more meaningful to me here.”

arts@dailytarheel.com