Bio

Carol grew up in a creatively inclined household in western New York, which filled her childhood with constant “projects.” She has resided in Rogers Park, Chicago since 1989. Carol’s journey through sculpture originated in college, she began by carving stone, graphite, and wood.

Artist Statement

Sculpture satisfies my intrinsic need to create. Developed after years of mastering several sculptural disciplines including clay and stone, my distinctive practice of fusing traditional and non-traditional materials interests me as much as- if not more than-the final structure of each piece.

Inspired by everything from early Cycladic figurines to the Shona sculptors from Zimbabwe to Brâncusi and Frank Lloyd Wright, my work mainly focuses on the stylized female form. I have recently taken a new direction in representing these figurative bodies; using assorted traditional methods used by women to create a home and celebrate their being the "original thrifty up-cyclers" through my unconventional use of materials. For example, weaving plays a prominent role in my process; I juxtapose birch bark basket sewing using metal sheeting and copper wire (See Femininity: Wear It Like Armor 2018).

When employing traditional basket weaving, I gravitate towards unconventional materials such as recycled barrel rings and wood veneer edging (Stand Tall, 2018). I am exploring all sorts of methods of construction including quilting, smocking, embroidery, knitting, “rug weaving” (including braided, hooked, latch and rag rug construction methods.) When constructing the bases for each piece, I incorporate multiple flooring materials to "ground" the piece in the idea of home. I also make connections with iconic fashions of each era. At the core of all my works are strong women, whose spirits are embodied and exemplified by the materials that comprise them.