It was the first time that a stock question for artists had drawn such a thoughtfully imaginative and cerebral response.
Her answer will be better appreciated after getting to know her.
Rising impressively in a field where the unusual is not unusual, Carol Arias is among a crowd of the artistic whose works will be on display Sunday afternoon.
A special exhibition is being staged at the two-year-old San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center, Tarzana (www.sfvacc.org).
Surely the sui generis Ms. Arias alone is worth an elevating visit to the gallery at 18312 Oxnard St.
A brilliant graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, after a lifetime of excelling as pianist, teacher, mom of three and onetime professional performer, three years ago Ms. Arias seamlessly segued into a painting, sailing swiftly through a sea of challenges.
Intertwining daily sessions of piano teaching with daily painting, appreciation of her colorful works is enhanced because they are equal portions cerebral and physical.
Lately Ms. Arias has added writing to her extraordinarily busy every day schedule.
On a stroll through the gallery with the pert Ms. Arias this afternoon, the first question was identifying her style.
“It would have to be called Passion,” she said, “because that is what I paint. People don’t paint superficially. They paint with the essence of who they are. Their soul comes out, and it is a gift.
“If you are religious, which I am,” said Ms. Arias, an Orthodox Jew, “you are lucky enough to be a partner with the Creative Source of the Universe, whatever you want to call him.”
(To be continued)
