Caroline Carey

" Low Fire Longhorn White "

Primary forming method?

"Hand building with clay, colored slips, glass frit, clay mixed with various medium (perlite, sand). "

Primary firing temperature?

"Cone 04 "

Favorite surface treatment?

" I like to carve and add to the surface to create as much dimension as possible."

How/Where do you market and sell your artwork?

"Mostly at the Glassell student Christmas Sale and an occasional gallery show when a piece of mine is there."

(Detail)

"Observing nature sparks my creativity. Since childhood most of our family outings were to parks, the ocean, mountain streams (fishing), etc. We had plenty of free time to observe what was out there. Including getting dirty and wet, climbing rocks, poking in tide pools, swimming, and hiking. As an adult, my husband and I became avid birders. Since birding is done mostly at a slower pace, you have time to observe the wildflowers, trees, bugs, mushrooms, etc. that cross your path. It all piques my fascination and I desire to understand nature’s form and function through clay.

I found clay to be the most flexible medium to communicate the amazing variety, beauty, design, color, and intricacy of nature."               

(Detail)

"My career began as an Air Traffic Controller in the USAF. From there I joined the FAA and continued with ATC until my retirement 34 years later.

I have always been drawn to three-dimensional art. When my work schedule allowed me to take a weekly class, I decided to explore clay. A ceramics program had just started up at Kingwood College which included a Saturday class, so I signed up. I was given a good foundation there, then moved on to Glassell and have been there ever since. "

How have you have taken your experience as a well-established maker in the field and passed that knowledge along to your other artists?

"The reason I continue to take ceramics classes at Glassell is because there are so many talented artists and teachers to learn from. Over the years I have also been able to discuss and demonstrate techniques that have worked for me as I work at school and in my studio."

What’s the best advice you’ve been given by a fellow maker, mentor, or teacher?

“Keep at it. Even if you are having a period of low inspiration. When you can’t think of where you want to go next, create something familiar. It keeps your skills honed and your technique growing. It also may inspire you to new paths."