(Images: Ananya Mishra)
Meet the Capitol Hill Artist is an occasional series on CHS documenting the lives of the artists behind the neighborhood’s galleries and arts venues.
By Ananya Mishra
One of the interpretations of the multiverse theory is that there could be alternate timelines, or multiple universes, that exist in parallel. Carolyn Hitt, an integral part of the Capitol Hill artist community, thinks very deeply about this concept. It has shaped her perception of humanity and its connection to everything.
“I think a lot about lives lived and in my art, I’m reconciling a lot of other timelines.”
I had the pleasure of visiting Hitt in her apartment and seeing her creative process come to life. She was working on a painting that encompassed a lot of sharp lines, geometric shapes, and bright colors. Like much of her other artwork, this painting was inspired by an alternate world from her imagination. She described it as a civilization that celebrated its indigenous roots and was very technologically advanced. She also mentioned that the aesthetic reminded her of the video games that she played in her childhood.
Hitt is passionate about building communities and fostering connection. She founded Blue Cone Studios in 2015 as a way to empower artists. She joined with Julie Chang Schulman in 2020 to create Forever Safe Spaces, So Below Photo & Design and The Study at Crybaby Studios. Together, they host over 30 artist residencies and organize many free events that give aspiring artists a low barrier to entry within the industry. Some events offer access to art supplies, and others will offer guidance on emerging trends, such as AI.
“I believe that AI art will make handmade art more valuable,” said Hitt, “I feel like artists are so terrified of what might be stolen that they underestimate the value of their art.”
In addition to Blue Cone, she is also the founder of So Below Photo and Design. It is a cyclorama photography and videography studio, also here in the neighborhood.
To see more of Hitt’s work, visit her Instagram page. Blue Cone Studios is next to Queer/Bar on 1520 11th Ave. So Below Photo and Design is next to Vermillion, on the corner of 11th Ave and E Pike.
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