Carol’s answers to the Visible Questionnaire

1.  What is your name?

          Carol Padula-Govaert

2. What is your nationality?

I was born in El Salvador, and became a nationalized citizen of the United States                  as a young girl. I have moved around moved whole life which is why I feel like I belong everywhere and nowhere at all.

3. What is your occupation and or hobby(s)

I started my own company called Magpeye Photography.

What keeps me busy is photography, reading, going to museums, going out to eat, drinking good wine, traveling, learning, hanging out with friends and family. I’m always up for new experiences and adventures.

4. How old are you?

            51

5. How old do you feel?

It is not about feeling like a particular age. When I was in my 20’s I felt old and worn out. In my 30’s is when I felt  like I started my life. At 51 I feel healthy, wiser, and energetic.

6. How do you feel about aging?

Aging has always preoccupied me because I know my life will end and I so enjoy    living.

7. What are your goals and dreams?

One of my goals is to finish the Visible book. I am fortunate enough to live my dream, which is being able to make a living from photography.

8. What are you passionate about?

 I am passionate about what I call the three C’s: Creative, Community and Commercial.

The autonomous work I create allows me to explore my subconscious, which always surprises me what comes out there. The community work I am involved with is volunteering at a school to teach basic photography to kids. Commercial work is where I use my marketing background to translate people’s ideas into reality.

In a nutshell, this is who I am.

9. Describe yourself in three words.

Tenacious, loyal and creative

10. Describe one major event in your life that had an impact on you?

I have two events, which I would like to share. The first one is leaving the United States over 25 years ago to live in the Netherlands with my Dutch boyfriend: now my husband. Who would have thought that a love affair in my youth would still be going strong in middle age.

The second one is going back to school in my 40’s to become a photographer. It has not always been easy but I am now a complete person. Life makes sense to me.

11. What’s the best part of getting older?

It took a lot of work but I can honestly say that I am my authentic self. All of life’s pieces have fallen into place.