Gaby
Once, at the dawn of her creative journey, American Carol Long chose a technologically intricate yet rewarding medium for self-expression: ceramics. And she has never regretted her decision.
It was through ceramics that Carol was able to bring her imagination to life and showcase her talent. Thanks to this art form, she has been able to convey two of her passions to the world: art and the plant and animal kingdom. Both of these passions took root in her childhood, nourished by the diverse nature of Kansas. Growing up on a farm in the heart of America, the young girl was captivated by observation, particularly of animals, insects, and plants.
Her mother had a deep appreciation for art and often spent weekends with her daughter exploring art museums. But it was her teacher, the now-renowned artist Sheldon Hanstrom, who instilled a true love for art in young Carol. He introduced her to ceramics, a realm of incredible transformations where simple clay ultimately becomes a work of art. Now, Carol has her own studio and students, yet she still fondly recalls those first encounters with the mysteries of clay modeling.
With aristocratic white clay, ceramic artist Carol Long mixes phantasmagorical dreams born from her encounters with flora and fauna. Plant and animal motifs, expressive lines, and forms of sculptures and vessels emerge through her unique interpretation of Art Deco. More precisely, her fresh take on this style, which was popular in the first half of the 20th century. (This style, which shares a fondness for the same plant and animal world and flowing forms, deliberately avoided straight lines and angles. – Ed.).
In the written descriptions accompanying her creations, Carol Long has repeatedly noted that it is the flowing lines and forms borrowed from nature that inspire her the most. She believes that nature generates a “complex flow of forms, lines, and textures.”
Within this flow, one can discern animals or insects that are organically integrated into plant narratives or emerge from them. At times, a vase or another piece takes on the shape of a whimsical bird, rabbit, or butterfly.
Behind these aesthetic choices lies a masterful manipulation of technological nuances and a deep understanding of materials. The magic of these ceramic masterpieces also resides in the glazing, with colors seemingly chosen by nature itself.
We invite you into the enchanting world of Carol Long—a gallery of her fantastic creations. Click on any image, and the photo will open in full screen.
