Carri Degenhardt, owner of City Swipes, poses in her fluid art studio The Dirty Pour Studio, holding a Fluid Bear.
By: Maria Williams
Embarking on a remarkable journey from the precision of Wall Street to the spontaneous whirls of art, Carri Degenhardt Burke exemplifies transformation, inviting the world to witness a vibrant fusion of finance and creativity. Her latest venture, The Dirty Pour Studio, nestled in the heart of Jersey City, emerges as a sanctuary for those eager to delve into the realm of fluid art, a space where the meticulous meets the magical, and the conventional is replaced with color and chaos.
Once a towering figure in the corporate landscape, Carri’s tenure on Wall Street spanned over two decades, marked by her leadership at Degenhardt Consulting and her influential voice as a columnist. Yet, beneath the surface of her success lay a simmering quest for a venture that resonated with her longing for joy and creativity. This quest led her to the enchanting world of pour painting, a medium where art and science dance in a captivating symphony of colors and forms. Entranced by the technique’s potential for surprise and beauty, Carri envisioned a studio that would democratize art, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.
Photo Courtesy: Carri Degenhardt
The inception of The Dirty Pour Studio signifies a bold departure from the elitism that often shadows the art world. Carri’s philosophy is simple yet revolutionary: art should be an exploration, a joyous endeavor free from the heavy hand of critique and the stifling atmosphere of traditional studios. This ethos is palpably felt within the studio’s walls, where individuals from varied walks of life — be they young children or spirited grandparents — are encouraged to let loose their artistic instincts, to play with paint and revel in the unpredictable beauty of fluid art.
Carri’s innovative offerings, like the Bicycle Spin Class and the Piggy Bank Art class, are not just art sessions; they are gatherings that celebrate community, creativity, and the sheer fun of creating something tangible and beautiful. The studio has become a testament to the transformative power of art, as visitors frequently express how the act of pouring paint is not just an artistic endeavor but a therapeutic one, providing a tranquil escape from the clamor of daily life.
The transformative journey of The Dirty Pour Studio is set to expand its horizons with Carri’s plans to launch virtual masterclasses, aiming to spread the joy of fluid art far beyond Jersey City. Her gallery, Carri Louise the Gallery, further extends this vision, creating a dynamic platform for artists globally to converge and showcase their talent, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic exchange.
The Dirty Pour Studio stands as a beacon for those seeking to break free from the monochrome of routine and dive into a world brimming with color, creativity, and connection. It’s a place where art is unbound, where every splatter tells a story, and where the only rule is to embrace the unexpected. For those ready to swap the predictability of their everyday for an adventure in art, The Dirty Pour Studio awaits, promising an experience that’s as liberating as it is luminous.
To immerse in this transformative artistic journey, explore their offerings at www.cityswipes.com and join a community celebrating creativity at @cityswipes on Instagram, where inspiration flows as freely as the paint.
Published By: Aize Perez
