Orin Carpenter
The Audacity of Alive, 2026
mixed media on canvas
48 x 30 inches
$3,400
C-lective Curator’s Cut:
The Audacity of Alive is a celebration of the courage and possibility found in simply being here. Part of Orin’s Above Ground series, the work reflects on resilience, presence, and the beauty of continuing to grow through every season of life. Its tall, expressive composition is filled with vertical strokes that draw the eye upward, creating a sense of movement and reaching, as though the canvas itself is rising toward the sky. Through layered color and energetic marks, Orin captures the spirit of looking beyond what grounds us and embracing all that remains possible. A joyful reminder that being alive is not something to take quietly, but something to celebrate with audacity.
We Love Orin. For the Petaluma-based artist, art is both voice and vision. It is a means to educate, uplift, and challenge perception. His work invites viewers to see the world through his eyes, sparking new perspectives and fostering deeper understanding. His identity profoundly shapes his work, infusing each piece with authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose. Every creation becomes both a reflection of his personal journey and an open invitation for viewers to explore their own stories within it.
Orin Carpenter, PhD
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Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Walden University in Minnesota
Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Memphis
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Served on the Board of Directors for Youth In Arts in San Rafael, CA (2021–2023)
Worked extensively as a lecturer and workshop leader at venues including:
Luther Burbank Center of the Arts (2024)
Corte Madera Library for Black History Month (2024)
Roche Center for Education, Boston (2023)
De Young Museum, Marin County Library, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, Omaha Archdiocese, and others (2020–2022)
Featured several times in the De Young Museum Open Exhibit
Served as Director of Visual & Performing Arts at Marin Catholic High School for 14+ years
Published in over 12 magazines, newspapers, and appeared on multiple radio and podcast interviews
“For me, art is about layers - each piece revealing truths about humanity and identity.”
Growing up, art served as a refuge, helping him navigate the layered complexities of identity and belonging. Influenced early on by comic books, he discovered that creativity could be its own kind of superpower. Over time, he recognized the need to move beyond fantasy and bring his imagination to life. This realization became the foundation of his artistic practice: creating deeply personal, narrative-driven work that reflects his journey and builds authentic connections with others.