Creativity and Business: Candace Cotterman Thibeault

Kena Black

December 4, 2020

Artist Spotlight: Candace Cotterman Thibeault

Balance between creativity and business is a rare quality in an artist, but Candace Cotterman Thibeault makes it appear natural and fun — just like her paintings. Intrigued by art since childhood, Thibeault’s talent was recognized by teachers and peers throughout her formative years in Gilbert, South Carolina. After completing high school, she left the small town to attend Capital University in Ohio, where she obtained a Fine Arts Degree plus degrees in Public Relations and Art Therapy.

After college, she moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and purchased an art gallery and frame shop. Thibeault became a small business owner and operator while simultaneously pursuing a career as a visual artist. Her shop began working with corporate clients that ranged from pharmaceutical companies to universities. This resulted in her gaining experience on numerous projects that utilized a convergence of fine art and interior design.

Nearly five years after purchasing the shop, Thibeault began creating a series of mixed media contemporary paintings that depict the intricate complexities and effortless allure of nature. Paintings of magnified flowers, coral reefs, and mushrooms composed with a vibrant and spirited palette remain a signature characteristic of her work. Thibeault explains that “the goal of my work is to represent an impactful nature that people will hopefully pay closer attention to, capturing the beauty, in a magnified way.” These paintings gained attention in New England and have been exhibited in galleries throughout the region.

While in New England, she also shared her knowledge and experience as an artist in residence, implemented an art curriculum to benefit foster care children, and served as a juror at university art shows. Her work has also been featured in several print and online publications.

Thibeault has since relocated back to small town life in South Carolina and is now working from her private home studio. One can spot her work across the Columbia area at Rob Shaw Gallery, the University of South Carolina, and Columbia and Lexington area restaurants, as well as 701 Whaley, where she is also a vendor.

The same broad range and curiosity that have defined Thibeault’s creative and professional development are also evident through her interactions with clients. Custom pieces and commissions are intended as visual pleasure for individuals, whether it is a painting hanging in a dining room or a drawing that will be tattooed to a body. She gently guides each one through a personalized process that results in the expression of something special for the client to enjoy.

She enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge through structured art lessons for adults and children in one-on-one and group settings. To make an appointment to meet with Thibeault, view pieces in person, discuss your own commission for a home or business, or order from her catalog, visit her website at CandaceThibeault.com. You can peruse paintings and handmade items, such as sculpture and wheel thrown pottery, at her online shop TheArtChick.shop, but the shopping cart is not working, so please contact her directly to order. You can also follow her Instagram account @CandaceThibeaultInteriors, where she regularly posts updates of her latest projects.

Artwork © Candace Cotterman, used with permission.

Kena Black

Kena earned a degree in Art History from The College of Charleston and a Master’s Degree in the Business of Art from Sotheby’s. After working with galleries and artists in Southeast Asia, she relocated to Aiken, South Carolina, and began a 9 year career in hospitality. She is now an independent small business consultant who enjoys the small town charm of Aiken.

Kena Black

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