Meet the Artist

Hi,

My name is Carol Heath (nee Watson) and this is my story;

One of four children, I was always known as the "arty one" and was always dabbling in some sort of creative endeavour, so it was only natural that, after completing my HSC, I decided to pursue a career in the Visual Arts.

I completed my Visual Arts degree at the University of Newcastle and then moved to Melbourne where I worked as a portrait photographer. I enjoyed portrait photography and had the opportunity to travel with my work. After spending time overseas, I returned to Australia, determined to branch out into different fields of photography, but was drawn back into portraiture. Although enjoyable, I realised that if I were continue with portrait photography, I would need to start my own business. At the time, I just wasn't ready for that.

My Children continue to inspire me with their colourful world, their fun and laughter, their innocence and of course, their cute chubby hands.

I feel so fortunate to have found that balance between work and family. I am still able to work from my home studio with my two beautiful children by my side. Of course it is not always easy and it sometimes means working late at night when my babies are asleep, but it is worth it.

“Little Critters” was inspired by an art activity I coordinated for my Son’s Playgroup. “We made a row of colourful handprints, added elephant features such as eyes, tusks, ears and tails, painted grass beneath them and voila!...... “Little Critters” was born. The children had so much fun and I was amazed at the response from the parents. They loved these quirky artworks. Of course, Little Critters has evolved a lot since then. My designs are all created using Photoshop and I have products ranging from Canvas prints to mugs and mouse mats, but the concept is very much the same. Each work still starts with a simple, individual handprint.

I returned to University and completed my Diploma of Education (Secondary Visual Arts). Teaching reconnected me with the Visual Arts and I enjoyed working with children who were keen to learn to communicate using expressive visual forms.

I worked full time while my first child was young as a Visual Arts / Photography / Digital Imaging teacher, but when the opportunity arose for our family to move from Sydney to Melbourne in 2005, I jumped at the chance to take a break from teaching and experience life as a Work At Home Mum.. I started my primary business, Pixel By Pixel, restoring and retouching photographs. I currently operate both Little Critters and Pixel By PIxel and share my time between creating quirky artworks, restoring and retouching photographs and teaching photo restoration.