Carski Studios

7/6/2022

A husband-wife team can complement and compromise in their home but not always in their careers. However, for married couple and artists Sarah and Mark Carson, both are each other’s best cheerleaders. 

When Mark noticed unique artwork in Sarah’s sketchbook, she insisted it was a throwaway piece. Mark thought differently.

“One of her drawings in her sketchbook was a better piece, and we gave it to the world to see,” he said.

Mark and Sarah are co-owners of the independent Beaverdale art studio, Carski Studios. It’s a combination of her maiden name, Pargulski, and Mark’s last name, Carson.

The duo works out of their home studio — a former living room renovated into a working studio. The pair met while in high school at the Des Moines Art Center, where they were working as art teaching assistants. Sarah attended Iowa State University for fine art, while Mark attended the Creative Center in Omaha. 

They stayed friends, each day creating their own artwork, while working full-time jobs. Once they got together, the timing was perfect to meld their artistic partnership.

Sarah considers her work fine art, “dabbling” in landscape and still life. Mark’s artwork consists of whimsical storybook-type drawings and characters.

“I’m more of a ‘working from life’ artist,” Sarah explained. “Mark is into the digital realm and works from ideas inside his head. Our work from life and imagination has been really cool and how [both art styles] can mesh together in the real world.”

Mark says both are heavily influenced by literature, including a favorite, “Alice in Wonderland.” Hanging in their studio is an original illustration by John Tenniel, who illustrated the “Alice in Wonderland” book.

The pair each draws their own artwork and collaborates on about half of their works.

“If we get stuck in a rut, we help each other out,” Sarah said. “A fresh set of eyes helps, and we encourage one another.”

The toughest part of their art career is figuring out art sales.

“We’re part of the ‘starving artist’ troupe,” Sarah admitted. “Art is so difficult to peddle.”

Sarah said they avoid commissioned work.

“I’m not a huge fan of commissions. There’s lots of back and forth, and you lose creativity and calling something your own,” she said. “We try to stick to our true self. As corny as it sounds, we try to stay true to our own vision.”

Mark added, “We’re not into the merch game. That’s not us. We’ve tried to return to our roots and remember what works for us. We once catered to what we thought people liked — and it didn’t work. Pieces sell best when we show a sense of honesty.”

The couple displays their works at art shows and festivals and enjoys reactions from the crowd.

“The best part is seeing people. You witness them — for no reason — when artwork speaks to them. It’s awe-inspiring to have that connection,” Sarah said. “Being an artist feeds my soul.”

In 2021, Carski Studios won best of show for the juried Waukee Arts Festival. This year, they are the featured artists among 100 other artists.

Mark said, “It was a huge surprise to win the best of show. It’s pretty cool.” 

View Carski Studios at the Waukee Arts Festival on July 15-16 at Centennial Park in Waukee. ♦