We recently had the chance to connect with Carrie Bennett and have shared our conversation below.
Carrie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
While I think all 3 of these have value and purpose, I find integrity to be the most lasting and worthy trait. Many intelligent and energetic people can achieve things and live lives completely void of integrity, which to me is an empty life. If anything is worth doing, it should be done with the spirit of integrity at its core.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carrie Bennett, I have been an artist and art educator for 20+ years in south florida. I am a 4th generation Floridian and passionate about bringing art to public spaces in ways that inspire connection and evoke beauty in the viewer. I have been creating murals and street paintings for the past 15 years and spend most of my days teaching middle school art. I have 2 beautiful daughters, Indiana (9), and Phoenix (5), my most treasured creations. I enjoy creating art for various hallmarks of my community such as the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society, City of Lighthouse Point, and collaborations with the Florida Panthers Inc. I’ve spent 20 years sharing my curiosity & joy of exploration in the art room teaching art to young children and plan to continue working with my community to make public art something to be treasured
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
There have been coaches, family and friends over the years that have seen and called out my ability and value in key moments throughout my life. In the avenues of sports, my artistic career, and spiritual walk, there have been influences that have called me higher and helped me to see my identity more clearly, allowing me to think bigger for myself. From my high school volleyball coaches pushing me to see where hard work can lead, to my pastor in early adulthood helping to shape my spiritual walk and vision, to the strong examples of integrity & character within my family.
There are so many micro moments where feeling “seen” in a way that feels larger than where you are plants a vision for what is possible and gives your life a clearer direction. I’m grateful God placed those voices in my path.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To think bigger, play bigger, and without reservation.
(and drink more water)
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would hope they would say that I have a clear vision for the things that matter most in life, and the things that really count. Home, family, & being a light for my students are front and center.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when it is silent, being in nature, creating art, or snuggling my kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carriebennett.net
- Instagram: @carriebennett_art
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/CarrieBennettArt
