I have been in shock and still somehow felt that I would see you around again. But it is starting to sink in that you are gone. And my heart aches. Missing you so much, sweet Carly Anna Benjamin. You were loved by everyone around you ❤️🩹 Your talent, aspirations, and hard work created spaces of love and community, within this community. I always smile and think of you whenever I see a tattoo you created. You convinced me to like my hair, which was a part of me that I used to hate and get bullied over. You reached out to me, and I sold my first art prints with you in this dreamy space you and friends created where anything can happen. I will miss our conversations and your constant support and encouragement. My life would have been so different without you. Wish you were here and we could talk about life, our dreams, and the things we love, one more time.
❤️🩹 Carly. One of the most supportive people in my life. We have seen each other grow over the past 15+ years and it was amazing to watch your dreams come true. I had always believed in you. Every time we see each other, I felt like it was a celebration. You made everyone and everything around you feel beautiful. Your careful attention to detail but also your philosophy that imperfections are also perfect, stayed with me, and will stay with me still. You saw the beauty in everything. And you always found a way once you had that determination. I am grieving this loss of such an amazing friend. I wish I was able to see that your light was flickering and burning out. I would have fought the world for you. I wish more than anything that you knew that. I love you, and may your bright soul light the way for the rest of us.
1
I feel like I'm living in a different world now that Carly is gone. She was such a prolific artist and such a huge presence in the community that it doesn't even feel possible that she could be gone. She helped me without question when I approached her to work together; she gave me advice, supported my projects, encouraged me to go further, and always hyped up any crazy idea I had. I would absolutely not have started tattooing if not for her support and encouragement. She made me feel like a real artist. She showed me that you can do anything you want in the world if you just go and start doing it. She always had something outrageous to say to make me laugh.
Carly, you taught me so, so much. I miss you so much and I miss knowing that you are out there hustling and taking up space and laughing and making cool shit happen in my town.
2
Carly was so friendly and kind to me anytime I saw her. I appreciated her art and her effortlessness to just be herself. I'll always remember when I first met her, she told me she liked my gapped teeth, and then flashed me her own huge gap-toothed smile. One of a kind.
5
We worked with Carly for many many years. She will always be loved and remembered by everyone who came in contact with her. I will always remember her talent, her sense of adventure and positivity…Carly was always such a ray of sunshine…to everyone who came in contact with her…She will be missed by so many.
2
There’s no one like Carly. I will deeply miss sharing ideas and watching her light up when talking about her friends’ talents - as if she herself wasn’t a prolific artist, entrepreneur, and brilliant light to our community. If you had a passion, Carly was your hype-woman. She’d make you feel invincible. It’s so very rare to encounter someone with that kind of easy warmth. Her laugh, her spark, and her encouraging, “girl, YES go for it!!” will stick with me forever. What an incredible honor to have crossed her path.
4
Carly taught me to be a better person during our brief time together -- I lived in Champaign about a decade ago and we were very close for a year before I moved away. It's stunning how someone can have such a big impact in such a short time. She taught me to be more laid-back about life, to be more confident, to have more fun, and to be brave about creating art and putting it out in the world. Carly was an absolute dazzling gem of a person. People throw around the term "old soul" ...but there is no other way to describe her. We were only in our early twenties, just babies--- but she was already an old soul with bright light and wisdom that illuminated everyone she met. I admired her so much. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I know a part of her is still with everyone who loved her.
4
Having you be part of my life changed me, I can't believe you're gone.
3
Carly, you were not just my stylist but my friend. I LOVED my appointments with you ! We had such deep conversations and laughed a lot too! You accepted me for who I am and I truly loved your free spirit. This world will not be the same without you. Until we meet again…
4
Every time I talked to Carly she made me feel like I was her best friend in the entire world, down to the very first time we met. Her personality was infectious, and she always made you feel comfortable, welcome, and valued. Just an absolute warm light in the world, wonderful person, and any one that had even the smallest interaction with her is better for it.
5
Carly was my first ever tattooer friend. We bonded instantly over being females in the industry, the first time I tattooed Beatrix Potter bunnies on her. She truly was a light. Such a kind hearted free spirit who made everyone feel comfortable instantly. I am so lucky I got to know her and be tattooed by her at the Rec Club. She was so full of wonder and love and will be truly missed.
2
I wish I had gotten to know Carly better, She lit up every space I shared with her. I’ll treasure the art she left on my body and the impact she had on my community forever.
1
Carly, I loved you. I still love you. You had an amazing spirit. Remember the Affordable Art Shows? Because you believed that art was for everyone? You wanted to travel. I gave you my suitcase and you didn’t just talk about traveling (wistfully, regretfully), you went and did it! I hope you take with you all the love and admiration so many people had for you. I hope you carry the incredible spark of love and creativity and compassion that you held within you and always shared so selflessly. You illuminated any room you walked into. I wish we could drink wine on my patio, and talk about traveling, and life, and love again. I’m so sorry for all of us who knew you and have lost you; I’m also sorry for all the people who didn’t get to meet and know you. ❤️
2
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