Summer work in progress & webpage updates coming soon.
While in Florida, I was locked out if my webpage (Darn brain & passwords). This summer I’ll be working on updating old news and getting back on track with art updates. Have no fear, I’m always working on something.
Florida State University Collaborations
Check out my Instagram for images or stay tuned for news about my upcoming show at FSU. I will be collaborating with the Museum Studies/Gallery Practices class as they curate which pieces to bring down fusing exhibition and educational programming for all.
RAD Napa Terracotta Corridor
RAD, RAIL ARTS DISTRICT, Napa: TERRA COTTA CORRIDOR, 21 large scale ceramic pieces made at Mission Clay, Phoenix and Pittsburgh, Kansas, will be on view along the 2 mile stretch of the Napa Wine Train Trail. Opening is December 3rd, 2022
Co-curated by Shelly Willis and John Toki, funded by Rail Arts District, private donations, and Bryan Vansell at Mission Clay Products, Corona CA, & Phoenix, AZ. This is the largest exhibition ever produced in the history of the Mission Clay Art and Industry program.
Artists include: Carolyn Ford, Ann Christenson, Pat Siler, Rimas VisGirda, Alan Chin, Tom Franco, Robert Harrison, Lisa Reinertson, Cameron Crawford, John Toki, Susannah Israel.
Opening Event
1:00 - 4:00
Culinary Institute of America, Copia
500 First Street, Napa, CA
Saturday, December 3, 2022 (at the Culinary Institute lecture hall)
1:00 - 2:00
A conversation with John Toki and Bryan Vansell, about Mission Clay Art and Industry residency program, and the show Terra Cotta Corridor.
2:00 - 3:00
Reception
2:45 - 4:00
Art - Bike Tour, along 2 mile stretch of the Wine Train Trail, with John Toki and Chuck McMinn
Co-curated by Shelly Willis and John Toki, funded by Rail Arts District, private donations, and Bryan Vansell at Mission Clay Products, Corona CA, & Phoenix, AZ. This is the largest exhibition ever produced in the history of the Mission Clay Art and Industry program.
Artists include: Carolyn Ford, Ann Christenson, Pat Siler, Rimas VisGirda, Alan Chin, Tom Franco, Robert Harrison, Lisa Reinertson, Cameron Crawford, John Toki, Susannah Israel.
Opening Event
1:00 - 4:00
Culinary Institute of America, Copia
500 First Street, Napa, CA
Saturday, December 3, 2022 (at the Culinary Institute lecture hall)
1:00 - 2:00
A conversation with John Toki and Bryan Vansell, about Mission Clay Art and Industry residency program, and the show Terra Cotta Corridor.
2:00 - 3:00
Reception
2:45 - 4:00
Art - Bike Tour, along 2 mile stretch of the Wine Train Trail, with John Toki and Chuck McMinn
On the Way to RAD Napa, CA!
Big thanks to Bryan Vansell for sending me this video yesterday from Mission Clay Building Products where my pipe is being prepped and crated for delivery to Napa, CA RAD (Rail Arts District). Stay tuned for dates and more information since the planning and installation is a tricky business. #MissionClayArts&Industry #AIR #ClayIsTheWay
Tangled Roots: Exploring Appalachian Feminisms
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/art_exhibitioncat_2022/2/
Above is a long overdue update on an exhibit and publication I’m very proud to be a part. Magenta Palo reached out to me while curating her thesis exhibition in Curatorial Studies at the University of Kentucky. Many of the pieces she was interested in had been purchased for permanent collections so I did new variations plus additional works for this exhibit. Please visit the link to her thesis catalogue and read her thoughtful words on women's work of the Appalachian region from the past to the present. .
TANGLED ROOTS:
EXPLORING APPALACHIAN
FEMINISMS
ESSAYS BY: Magenta Palo
ARTWORK BY: Ashley Blanton, Rebecca Daryl Smith, Grace Farish, Carolyn Ford, Melanie Landsittel, Jessica Page, Simone Paterson, Ali Printz, and Elizabeth Runyon
CONTENTS
4 Acknowledgement and Thanks 6 Introduction
8 Essays
18 Ashley Blanton
22 Rebecca Daryl Smith 26 Grace Farish
30 Carolyn Ford
36 Melanie Landsittel 40 Jessica Page
44 Simone Paterson
48 Ali Printz
54 Elizabeth Runyon
60 Exhibition Checklist 62 Notes
64 Bibliography
PUBLISHED ON THE OCCASION OF THE EXHIBITION TANGLED ROOTS: EXPLORING APPALACHIAN FEMINISMS CURATED BY MAGENTA PALO
EXHIBITION ITINERARY
PAM MILLER DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER MARCH 11TH - APRIL 30 TH , 2022
The PAM MILLER DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER is an arts and entertainment center located in the heart of Lexington. The Center offers high- quality theater, dance, music, visual and new media arts. The PMDAC provides performance, exhibition and special event space for arts and civic organizations. This facility also offers spaces for rent for your event, large or small.
Above is a long overdue update on an exhibit and publication I’m very proud to be a part. Magenta Palo reached out to me while curating her thesis exhibition in Curatorial Studies at the University of Kentucky. Many of the pieces she was interested in had been purchased for permanent collections so I did new variations plus additional works for this exhibit. Please visit the link to her thesis catalogue and read her thoughtful words on women's work of the Appalachian region from the past to the present. .
TANGLED ROOTS:
EXPLORING APPALACHIAN
FEMINISMS
ESSAYS BY: Magenta Palo
ARTWORK BY: Ashley Blanton, Rebecca Daryl Smith, Grace Farish, Carolyn Ford, Melanie Landsittel, Jessica Page, Simone Paterson, Ali Printz, and Elizabeth Runyon
CONTENTS
4 Acknowledgement and Thanks 6 Introduction
8 Essays
18 Ashley Blanton
22 Rebecca Daryl Smith 26 Grace Farish
30 Carolyn Ford
36 Melanie Landsittel 40 Jessica Page
44 Simone Paterson
48 Ali Printz
54 Elizabeth Runyon
60 Exhibition Checklist 62 Notes
64 Bibliography
PUBLISHED ON THE OCCASION OF THE EXHIBITION TANGLED ROOTS: EXPLORING APPALACHIAN FEMINISMS CURATED BY MAGENTA PALO
EXHIBITION ITINERARY
PAM MILLER DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER MARCH 11TH - APRIL 30 TH , 2022
The PAM MILLER DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER is an arts and entertainment center located in the heart of Lexington. The Center offers high- quality theater, dance, music, visual and new media arts. The PMDAC provides performance, exhibition and special event space for arts and civic organizations. This facility also offers spaces for rent for your event, large or small.
Works purchased by the Asheville Art Museum a few years ago are back on display in the permanent collection room. I’m beyond flattered to have works on exhibit with fellow ceramicists Peter Volkus, Don Reitz, and Jun Kaneko to name a few. Thank you to Melissa Coughlin for photographing my pieces in the gallery.
Asheville Art Museum Collectors Wing…Rubbing Elbows With Some Biggies
Mission Clay Artist in Residence’s Largest Exhibition is heading to Napa, California!
https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2022/04/18/rad-announces-three-new-napa-art-installations-2022/amp
Follow the article link above and stay tuned to more information.
Follow the article link above and stay tuned to more information.
Art for All: I AM at Waterworks Center for Art
September 12, 2022 - February 3, 2023
ART for ALL - I AM: Identity. Stories. Connections.
Celebrating artists from across the Carolinas.
55 artists will share their unique identities, personal/cultural stories, and connections in Waterworks’ first community art exhibition.
Meet the Artists -Opening Reception Friday, September 16, 2022 :: 5-7 pm
Light refreshments and wine will be served. No cost to attend, donations appreciated. All health and safety protocols will be observed.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Bethany Bash . Freddie Bell . Lynne Brown . Ann Bourque . Joyce Cavanagh-Wood Owens Daniels . Sue Davis . Nicole Driscoll . Jacqueline Dulin . Shreya Dwibedy
Nina Brode Everson . Carolyn Ford . Deborah Fredette . Adrienne Garnett
Maria Geary . Shanna Glawson . Melissa Graham . Donna Anne Gregory . Seth Holtzman Shirl Hull . Celia Jarrett . Shady Kimzey . Rachel Lee . Natalia Leigh . Susan Lenz
Isabel Lu . Angela Lubinecky . Trena McNabb . Gillian Maurer . Cindy D. Morgan
Caitlin Morris . TJ Mundy . Jeffrey P. Newell . Sarah Norris . William Parker . McClain Percy Janet Pingrey . Diane Podolsky . Patricia Steele Raible . Kayla Reische . Dori Settles . Ron Slack Marietta Foster Smith . Natacha Sochat . Pamela Sofley . Linda Starr . Phyllis Steimel Karen Lee Taylor . Catherine Jade Traina . Veronica Vale . Polina Varlamova . Rupam Varma Kate Victory . Sarah White-Harvey . E. Angelina Woehr
Waterworks Visual Arts Center
ART for ALL - I AM: Identity. Stories. Connections.
Celebrating artists from across the Carolinas.
55 artists will share their unique identities, personal/cultural stories, and connections in Waterworks’ first community art exhibition.
Meet the Artists -Opening Reception Friday, September 16, 2022 :: 5-7 pm
Light refreshments and wine will be served. No cost to attend, donations appreciated. All health and safety protocols will be observed.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Bethany Bash . Freddie Bell . Lynne Brown . Ann Bourque . Joyce Cavanagh-Wood Owens Daniels . Sue Davis . Nicole Driscoll . Jacqueline Dulin . Shreya Dwibedy
Nina Brode Everson . Carolyn Ford . Deborah Fredette . Adrienne Garnett
Maria Geary . Shanna Glawson . Melissa Graham . Donna Anne Gregory . Seth Holtzman Shirl Hull . Celia Jarrett . Shady Kimzey . Rachel Lee . Natalia Leigh . Susan Lenz
Isabel Lu . Angela Lubinecky . Trena McNabb . Gillian Maurer . Cindy D. Morgan
Caitlin Morris . TJ Mundy . Jeffrey P. Newell . Sarah Norris . William Parker . McClain Percy Janet Pingrey . Diane Podolsky . Patricia Steele Raible . Kayla Reische . Dori Settles . Ron Slack Marietta Foster Smith . Natacha Sochat . Pamela Sofley . Linda Starr . Phyllis Steimel Karen Lee Taylor . Catherine Jade Traina . Veronica Vale . Polina Varlamova . Rupam Varma Kate Victory . Sarah White-Harvey . E. Angelina Woehr
Waterworks Visual Arts Center
People’s Choice Award in Back to Back Exhibits
Thanks to all those who voted at the Gaffney Visitors Center and Gallery for both the Market to Market and Town & Country exhibits! Kiss My Grits platter tied for People’s Choice and sold while Caffeinated (Zakary’s) mixed media piece was nominated People’s Choice and sold. CAVA did a great job partnering local businesses to the arts and getting a huge crowd into the gallery during the Peach Festival. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a large crowd. My YMCA piece, Gym Rat, now belongs to the model in the picture who has been teaching me weights. I was super stoked to see my new Y friends from spin class in the gallery.
Zak Sampson, owner of Zakary’s Coffee was my model and inspiration for Market to Market piece Caffeinated. Zak moved to Gaffney while attending Limestone with his sister and made it his new home. He is forever supporting local people with his warm heart and perpetual fundraisers for those in need. Stop by and grab a coffee, donate to the Cups of Kindness.
Works in Progress for Upcoming Local Exhibit: Market to Market
Mixed media large 2D works are in progress for CAVA’s soon-to-open Market to Market exhibit supporting local businesses. Artists were asked to make works for Gaffney businesses. I’ve just completed works for some downtown establishments and my new recent obsession (the YMCA where I’m trying to learn the new gym-rat language).
End of the Semester/ Summer Webpage Construction Zone!
STAY TUNED to a TON of news from January-June!
Work in Progress for NCECA’s Fertile Ground
With a medical delay post international travel with students, I’m finally catching up on my conference pieces for Laguna Clay. The above platter uses Laguna’s Silky Underglazes. Stay tuned to Instagram @cfordart for work in progress updates. I’d normally burn the midnight oil but I’m now on doctor’s orders for decent sleep and zero stress. I’m also limited by night vision focus. If anyone wants to know about my unfortunate sudden onset of Bell’s Palsy, what’s working, what sucks, etc., holler. I haven’t been publicly posting about my situation since I was reared to “suck it up buttercup.” “Pretty is as pretty does and pretty usually doesn’t do that much.” Luckily for me, ceramicists are a great group of people that go by what your hands make.
Laguna Clay Q & A on Arts & Industry Residency and working with Silky Underglazes
Laguna Clay's president (and magical unicorn) Bryan Vansell tells me to stay posted for the December edition of "Ceramics Monthly" where my International Travels pipe will be featured in a full page advertisement for Silky Underglazes.
Here is a Q& A with Laguna:
How was it working with the Art and Industry program?
Working with Laguna and the Arts and Industry program was a chance of a lifetime. I obsess over returning (although I understand it's time to pass the torch for another artist). If you know of anyone who wants an illustrated pipe, give me a "holler!" I am so grateful to Mission Clay and Laguna for my Artist in Residency time in the pipe factory. Not only did I have the opportunity to work on such a grand scale, I have also gone back to my love of color. For years I kept things simple and graphic with black and white. From several visits and practicing with the Silky Underglazes at home, I am learning the best ways to intensify the colors. For my first visit (Thanksgiving break 2019) I spent 9 days replicating my Southernisms series with simple sgraffito in white. After getting home, I realized I had missed a major opportunity to experiment and "play" with endless "western" products (Laguna Clay). I contacted Bryan and Hans Miles, residency coordinator, to ask if I could return to work with color. They graciously let me return during my Christmas break. At this point, I was in love with the factory and my new family. All the workers would come to talk about my work on their breaks as well as check on me at night. Hans, Rick, Jon, Octavio, Carlos, David, Tamale-Frank, and the two factory dogs are officially extended family. I spent two weeks working on a full color version of my Old School Skills. Massive thanks to Jon for my new daydream of owning an RV. At this point I was hooked. I applied for sabbatical with the intentions to return for a residency. With a gap due to Covid lockdowns, I spent my time in my home basement and university ceramics lab testing and experimenting with Laguna's Silky Underglazes. I was finally able to return to work once flights resumed to work on pipe number three. Working in April created a learning curve with the Arizona heat and rapid dry time preventing deep carving. Since I had been experimenting at home with the Silky's, I was able to get richer colors by overlapping and blending. It wasn't just the working on my own art that was impactful. I was (am) in love with learning all about the arts & industry program with the day to day process of the factory from extruding the pipes, recycling the waste, loading and firing the shuttle kiln and beehive kilns, to the dipping and transportation of the pipes. The work that is involved behind the scenes to test new clay mixes for strength to the investigations for new clay deposits is amazing. It is inspirational to be in a region that shows an appreciation of ceramic arts from historical pottery in the south west to the continued legacy of contemporary ceramicists. While in Arizona I was encouraged to take a break, visit the sights, and experience my surroundings. Laguna's Marie DeGruccio was sent down to be my tour guide. We spent the night at Reitz Ranch Ceramic Arts Center where Sheryl Leigh-Davault, owner and operator, showed us the rich traditions of Don Reitz that she continues by facilitating workshops and community events. There are so many other stories about experiences in the factory working, people I met, and things that I learned while at Mission Clay Art and Industry that could be told. Brevity is not a virtue I hold. The time spent there was a bubble of positivity, growth, and reflection on just how in love I am with the endless potential of clay. I am truly grateful to Bryan Vansell, Mission Clay Art and Industry, and Laguna Clay for the support.
What is the name of the last work created at Mission and what is it all about?
The third pipe, completed during my residency in April of 2021, depicted International Travels. With so many calls for art in the airports or college campuses with international student areas, our lockdown with no-travel could be depicted on a pipe for placement. I was able to spend one month illustrating the globe on the largest (width) pipe the factory could extrude. Many of the locations on the pipe are from a previous series I have been working on called Go To and Go By. This series shows locations I have traveled with iconic art, crafts, architecture, and folklore that personify regional culture. One of the things I started to notice wherever I go, is historical pottery. From Yixing teapots in China to Moche stirrup vessels in Peru, history is told through the vessels. I had wished to complete a domestic travel pipe to go alongside the international locations but time did not permit. Much of that imagery will be seen in some upcoming platters for NCECA this March.
Has working on this scale influenced your work?
Working on a large scale with "short person complex" (not with aggression but the need for proving I can conquer any task) was a very satisfying. I'd get in trouble if I told you all the inappropriate phrases I wanted to print on a shirt about working there. Size matters! Since I'm back to work at Limestone, I daydream about the ability to make bigger and better things yet am limited by our small kilns. The concept of public art with its ability to enhance civic pride and economic pull to a city or location is the kicker. When you go to cities that are thriving you will see public art. Most calls for public art and city beautification are in regions that see the direct connection that large scale art (murals and sculptures) enhances the lifestyle of the residents. I would love to have the ability to create large public art all over the southeast (or wherever). I'd love to see a colonnade of illustrated pipes at the entrance to the university where I teach. Heck, If Mission and Laguna would let me come back and someone wanted to hire me to design something, I'd jump at the opportunity to return. I was happy as a pig in slop working everyday. Large scale works bring art to the masses. Public art is accessible art. The more we see, the more we appreciate. It's a gateway to take a class or try it on your own.
Here is a Q& A with Laguna:
How was it working with the Art and Industry program?
Working with Laguna and the Arts and Industry program was a chance of a lifetime. I obsess over returning (although I understand it's time to pass the torch for another artist). If you know of anyone who wants an illustrated pipe, give me a "holler!" I am so grateful to Mission Clay and Laguna for my Artist in Residency time in the pipe factory. Not only did I have the opportunity to work on such a grand scale, I have also gone back to my love of color. For years I kept things simple and graphic with black and white. From several visits and practicing with the Silky Underglazes at home, I am learning the best ways to intensify the colors. For my first visit (Thanksgiving break 2019) I spent 9 days replicating my Southernisms series with simple sgraffito in white. After getting home, I realized I had missed a major opportunity to experiment and "play" with endless "western" products (Laguna Clay). I contacted Bryan and Hans Miles, residency coordinator, to ask if I could return to work with color. They graciously let me return during my Christmas break. At this point, I was in love with the factory and my new family. All the workers would come to talk about my work on their breaks as well as check on me at night. Hans, Rick, Jon, Octavio, Carlos, David, Tamale-Frank, and the two factory dogs are officially extended family. I spent two weeks working on a full color version of my Old School Skills. Massive thanks to Jon for my new daydream of owning an RV. At this point I was hooked. I applied for sabbatical with the intentions to return for a residency. With a gap due to Covid lockdowns, I spent my time in my home basement and university ceramics lab testing and experimenting with Laguna's Silky Underglazes. I was finally able to return to work once flights resumed to work on pipe number three. Working in April created a learning curve with the Arizona heat and rapid dry time preventing deep carving. Since I had been experimenting at home with the Silky's, I was able to get richer colors by overlapping and blending. It wasn't just the working on my own art that was impactful. I was (am) in love with learning all about the arts & industry program with the day to day process of the factory from extruding the pipes, recycling the waste, loading and firing the shuttle kiln and beehive kilns, to the dipping and transportation of the pipes. The work that is involved behind the scenes to test new clay mixes for strength to the investigations for new clay deposits is amazing. It is inspirational to be in a region that shows an appreciation of ceramic arts from historical pottery in the south west to the continued legacy of contemporary ceramicists. While in Arizona I was encouraged to take a break, visit the sights, and experience my surroundings. Laguna's Marie DeGruccio was sent down to be my tour guide. We spent the night at Reitz Ranch Ceramic Arts Center where Sheryl Leigh-Davault, owner and operator, showed us the rich traditions of Don Reitz that she continues by facilitating workshops and community events. There are so many other stories about experiences in the factory working, people I met, and things that I learned while at Mission Clay Art and Industry that could be told. Brevity is not a virtue I hold. The time spent there was a bubble of positivity, growth, and reflection on just how in love I am with the endless potential of clay. I am truly grateful to Bryan Vansell, Mission Clay Art and Industry, and Laguna Clay for the support.
What is the name of the last work created at Mission and what is it all about?
The third pipe, completed during my residency in April of 2021, depicted International Travels. With so many calls for art in the airports or college campuses with international student areas, our lockdown with no-travel could be depicted on a pipe for placement. I was able to spend one month illustrating the globe on the largest (width) pipe the factory could extrude. Many of the locations on the pipe are from a previous series I have been working on called Go To and Go By. This series shows locations I have traveled with iconic art, crafts, architecture, and folklore that personify regional culture. One of the things I started to notice wherever I go, is historical pottery. From Yixing teapots in China to Moche stirrup vessels in Peru, history is told through the vessels. I had wished to complete a domestic travel pipe to go alongside the international locations but time did not permit. Much of that imagery will be seen in some upcoming platters for NCECA this March.
Has working on this scale influenced your work?
Working on a large scale with "short person complex" (not with aggression but the need for proving I can conquer any task) was a very satisfying. I'd get in trouble if I told you all the inappropriate phrases I wanted to print on a shirt about working there. Size matters! Since I'm back to work at Limestone, I daydream about the ability to make bigger and better things yet am limited by our small kilns. The concept of public art with its ability to enhance civic pride and economic pull to a city or location is the kicker. When you go to cities that are thriving you will see public art. Most calls for public art and city beautification are in regions that see the direct connection that large scale art (murals and sculptures) enhances the lifestyle of the residents. I would love to have the ability to create large public art all over the southeast (or wherever). I'd love to see a colonnade of illustrated pipes at the entrance to the university where I teach. Heck, If Mission and Laguna would let me come back and someone wanted to hire me to design something, I'd jump at the opportunity to return. I was happy as a pig in slop working everyday. Large scale works bring art to the masses. Public art is accessible art. The more we see, the more we appreciate. It's a gateway to take a class or try it on your own.
First Place! Traveling the World, online exhibit juried by Jason Brown at the In Art Gallery!
Busy Busy: Too Many Exhibits and Sales October-December 2021
* Strained Separations:Reflections on a Pandemic on display in Brockport, NY December 2021.
* All Creatures Great and Small Exhibit in TN November 2021.
* Asheville Art Museum Shop, CAVA Deck the Walls, & The Carthage Depot Christmas Sales November-December 2021.
* Downtown Gaffney Window Murals For the Gaffney Christmas parade and holiday season.
* Hanging Exhibits at Limestone: Ashley Holt’s Character Witness & The Crafted Narrative at the Limestone Hines & Riggins Gallery (PS: my works were juried in too! News to come)
* Women’s Work exhibition in progress for the University of Kentucky. Stay tuned.
and more 11-12-2021
* All Creatures Great and Small Exhibit in TN November 2021.
* Asheville Art Museum Shop, CAVA Deck the Walls, & The Carthage Depot Christmas Sales November-December 2021.
* Downtown Gaffney Window Murals For the Gaffney Christmas parade and holiday season.
* Hanging Exhibits at Limestone: Ashley Holt’s Character Witness & The Crafted Narrative at the Limestone Hines & Riggins Gallery (PS: my works were juried in too! News to come)
* Women’s Work exhibition in progress for the University of Kentucky. Stay tuned.
and more 11-12-2021
Works in Progress for Strained Separations Print Collective for SUNY Brockport
The Art Department's Printmaking studio of SUNY Brockport, NY lead by Tim Massey, Professor of Art and Director of the Tower Fine Arts Gallery will exhibit Strained Separations: Reflections on a Pandemic. This print exchange included 23 participants who were each to make an edition of 24 8x9" prints. Each participant gets a complete print collection from all participants while the remaining print will be exhibited and go into the permanent collection of the Art Department. The exhibition goes on display this December. Once my collection comes back home, the new gallery will also exhibit the collection. Artists include Liz Beach (PA), Kat Charnley (PA), Sara DiDonato (NY), Mark Fanara (NY), Kathy Farrell (NY), Debra Fisher (NC), Dusty Herbig (NY), Rachael Hetzel (OH), Tim Massey (NY), Peter Massing (FL), Heather Muise, (NC), Phyllis McGibbon (MA), Gary Monroe (TN), Billy Nye (AU), Katie Ries (WI), Stephanie Ryan (CA), Tanja Softic (VA), Erikka Spaid (PA), Sam Symmonds (NY), Jason Terry (WI), Chadwick Tolley (GA), Cemre Yildiz (NY), and me, Carolyn Ford (SC). The image I created includes animals my dogs and I started to see congregating downtown during lockdown as well as in our own yard. Trash pandas (raccoons), dumpster cats (cats), sewer beavers (ground hogs) had daily "meetings" in the alley behind the nightclub X-Clusiv's. In our yard, we became obsessed with identifying the odd sounds of the cat bird, similar to a mockingbird in its mimicking but identified by its distinctive and somewhat annoying "mew."
A Place of Our Own exhibit and the Grand Opening of the new Hines & Riggins Center Art Gallery at Limestone University!
After 14 years of work, Limestone officially has a professional gallery! I’m thrilled. Not only do we have a legitimate gallery space, my coworker and one of my best friends, Emily Tuttle, was hired as the Gallery Director. What a joy it is to help her hang exhibits. We are a team.
The first exhibit she curated was a juried show entitled A Place of Our Own. All works selected are from current faculty and graduates of Limestone. What a beautiful reunion we had during the dedication of the building. I am forever grateful to the Board of Trustees who included me in the planning process encouraging me to “ask for what you want”. The gallery is located front and right of center as you enter. I’m also humbled to exhibit amongst graduates who have made it in the art world as well as with my previous students that maintain their craft. The devotion in art is inspiring. My heart is full. Mission accomplished. Thank you Limestone!
https://www.limestone.edu/news/new-limestone-university-facility-be-named-hines-riggins-center
The first exhibit she curated was a juried show entitled A Place of Our Own. All works selected are from current faculty and graduates of Limestone. What a beautiful reunion we had during the dedication of the building. I am forever grateful to the Board of Trustees who included me in the planning process encouraging me to “ask for what you want”. The gallery is located front and right of center as you enter. I’m also humbled to exhibit amongst graduates who have made it in the art world as well as with my previous students that maintain their craft. The devotion in art is inspiring. My heart is full. Mission accomplished. Thank you Limestone!
https://www.limestone.edu/news/new-limestone-university-facility-be-named-hines-riggins-center
3 for 3! Works accepted into three juried shows from TN to CA: Hella Cups (Applied Contemporary Gallery), Ceramics (The In Gallery), and Underglaze: Material Mugs VI (Companion Gallery)
Midas Touch at CAVA features sold Dolly before she ships out
Artist in Residence at Mission Clay Art and Industry
I’m back from a month-long residency at Mission Building Products Art and Industry. While there I completed a large illustrative pipe on international travel locations. Major thank you’s go to Bryan Vansell, Hans Miles, Jon Humphries, and crew for all of their support, I’ll be returning post-firing to touch up cracks before placement in Sacramento, California for NCECA! For pics of the process, please follow me on Instagram: @cfordart.
After firing and patching during a week-long return this June in record-breaking heat.
This Is Us Exhibit at the Gaffney Visitors’ Center
Does A Bear Crap In The Woods (poo poo platter), Quarantine Spirit Animals (mug), and Pattern Mug will be in display at the Gaffney Visitors’ Center March 8-April 30, 2021. Details include the exhibit coming soon.
GRIT at A1LabArts Emporium Gallery
Update: Best in Show!
Two of my pieces were selected for A1LabArts exhibit GRIT which will be on display all March at the Emporium Gallery in Knoxville, TN. One piece was awarded Best In Show on opening night!
” In the past 12 months, life has changed for the entire world dramatically. To persist, each person has had to draw upon their inherent grit. Grit changes the softer surfaces it comes in contact with (as does sandpaper). Grit is used as a pigeon digestive aid. Add an “s” and you’ve got a southern staple. It’s fortitude, resolution, courage. When doing strenuous tasks we grit our teeth.
For this particular show, we’re asking members to show us their interpretations of grit.”—A1LabArts
” In the past 12 months, life has changed for the entire world dramatically. To persist, each person has had to draw upon their inherent grit. Grit changes the softer surfaces it comes in contact with (as does sandpaper). Grit is used as a pigeon digestive aid. Add an “s” and you’ve got a southern staple. It’s fortitude, resolution, courage. When doing strenuous tasks we grit our teeth.
For this particular show, we’re asking members to show us their interpretations of grit.”—A1LabArts
Last Call VI at the Companion Gallery
I’m thrilled to announce two of my recent drinking vessels will be exhibited and published after being accepted in the nationally juried show Last Call VI at the Companion Gallery.
From the official call:
LAST CALL VI: Handmade Ceramics for Storing, Pouring, & Sipping Fine LibationsOpen to pitchers, decanters, bottles, ice buckets, shakers, flights, goblets, steins, shots, rocks cups, tumblers, etc.
2021 Juror: Samantha Momeyer
Now in its sixth year, Last Call is one of the most anticipated juried ceramics exhibitions by makers and collectors alike. This will be the 3rd juried exhibition at our new location.
The exhibition is open to every type of clay, temperature, and atmosphere.
Companion Gallery will be printing a full color catalog and the entire exhibition will be available for sale online.
An opening reception will depend on the current situation with COVID-19.
The exhibition opening will be held at our new location on Friday March 5, 2021
Companion Gallery 3600 East Mitchell Street, Humboldt, TN, as well as ONLINE at companiongallery.com.
A FULL COLOR 8.5 x 11 print catalog will accompany the exhibition.
For more information on the Companion Gallery, the upcoming exhibit, the artists it represents, or previous publications, please visit:
https://companiongallery.com/
From the official call:
LAST CALL VI: Handmade Ceramics for Storing, Pouring, & Sipping Fine LibationsOpen to pitchers, decanters, bottles, ice buckets, shakers, flights, goblets, steins, shots, rocks cups, tumblers, etc.
2021 Juror: Samantha Momeyer
Now in its sixth year, Last Call is one of the most anticipated juried ceramics exhibitions by makers and collectors alike. This will be the 3rd juried exhibition at our new location.
The exhibition is open to every type of clay, temperature, and atmosphere.
Companion Gallery will be printing a full color catalog and the entire exhibition will be available for sale online.
An opening reception will depend on the current situation with COVID-19.
The exhibition opening will be held at our new location on Friday March 5, 2021
Companion Gallery 3600 East Mitchell Street, Humboldt, TN, as well as ONLINE at companiongallery.com.
A FULL COLOR 8.5 x 11 print catalog will accompany the exhibition.
For more information on the Companion Gallery, the upcoming exhibit, the artists it represents, or previous publications, please visit:
https://companiongallery.com/
New Series: Puns and Breakdowns of Idiotic Curse Words
I’ve shelved several series due to my location and audience. Sabbatical is the perfect time to flesh ideas out to send to other exhibition or competition locations. This series explores how stupid curse words are (although I often indulge in the sailor language.) “Bitch” is a female dog. It should not be a bad word. I love my dogs. Tell me what you think. Work in progress is on Instagram at @cfordart .
Sabbatical Research 2021
During the Spring 2021 semester I will be on sabbatical working on ceramic research and expanding my body of work. If quarantine or lockdowns occur, I’ve been making and squirreling away blank pots to underglaze. Stay tuned to Instagram to see what I’ve been making.
Fall 2020 Exhibits and News
Exhibits for the fall semester (August-December) included
-Speak My Language (solo show with two artist talks) at Spartanburg Community College
-100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote (group Show) at the CAVA Gallery in Gaffney, SC
-Limestone University Faculty Show (group show) at the Granberry Gallery
Sales, commissions, etc. can be seen
-Asheville Art Museum: https://shop.ashevilleart.org/collections/handcrafted-art
-@cfordart and @eviltwinA on Instagram
-Speak My Language (solo show with two artist talks) at Spartanburg Community College
-100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote (group Show) at the CAVA Gallery in Gaffney, SC
-Limestone University Faculty Show (group show) at the Granberry Gallery
Sales, commissions, etc. can be seen
-Asheville Art Museum: https://shop.ashevilleart.org/collections/handcrafted-art
-@cfordart and @eviltwinA on Instagram
Speak My Language is now on display at SCC through December 1! Artist Talk September 15 at 2pm.
Upcoming Exhibit News TBA
I’m in the process of measuring and selecting works for the Spartanburg Community College Library. I’ve got 33’ of exhibition space to cover! The show will be on display for the entire fall semester. Stay tuned for specific dates including a possible virtual artist talk.
Straddling the fall and spring semester, I will have works up in the Limestone University Granberry Gallery’s Faculty Show. Dates TBA.
Straddling the fall and spring semester, I will have works up in the Limestone University Granberry Gallery’s Faculty Show. Dates TBA.
Dr. Andrea Alison Student Success Advocate Award
Mission Clay Updates http://www.mcpart.org/carolyn-ford
Asheville Art Museum Acquires Works for their Permanent Collection
Breaking news hot off the press:
https://www.ashevilleart.org/press-release/app-now-collectors-circle/
Dear Carolyn,
I am pleased to let you know the Museum has received funding from its Collectors’ Circle members to acquire 6 of your disks for the Museum Collection!
- Southernisms: Grinnin’ Like a Fox Crappin’ a Peach Seed
- Southern Skills: Quilting
- Southernisms: Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Rockin’ Chair Factory
- Southern Skills: Moonshinin’
- Southernisms: That Dog’ll Hunt
- Southern Skills: Pottery
https://www.ashevilleart.org/press-release/app-now-collectors-circle/
Dear Carolyn,
I am pleased to let you know the Museum has received funding from its Collectors’ Circle members to acquire 6 of your disks for the Museum Collection!
- Southernisms: Grinnin’ Like a Fox Crappin’ a Peach Seed
- Southern Skills: Quilting
- Southernisms: Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Rockin’ Chair Factory
- Southern Skills: Moonshinin’
- Southernisms: That Dog’ll Hunt
- Southern Skills: Pottery
Mission Clay Round 2, Appalachia Now Closes February 2, & New Works are in Progress for NCECA
Check out my blogpost for details. Here is the summary:
1. I returned to Mission Clay for Christmas break to work on a color saturated pipe. 2. Appalachia Now closes in less than a month. Works will have the option to be bought by the museum or outside collectors. Contact the Asheville Art Museum for information. 3. I have happily agreed to be a demonstrating artist for Laguna Silky Underglazes in March at NCECA.
1. I returned to Mission Clay for Christmas break to work on a color saturated pipe. 2. Appalachia Now closes in less than a month. Works will have the option to be bought by the museum or outside collectors. Contact the Asheville Art Museum for information. 3. I have happily agreed to be a demonstrating artist for Laguna Silky Underglazes in March at NCECA.
Thank you Mission Clay Art and Industry!
Great articles are rolling in from Appalachia Now!
https://www.metropolismag.com/design/arts-culture/appalachian-makers-tell-their-own-story-in-a-new-exhibit/
Work begins today at Mission Clay Arts and Industry.
With a ton of news updates that need to be documented, here is a quick bit to catch up. The semester at LC is in full swing with me attempting to manage side commissions, an overload of courses, work orders, purchase orders and exhibition curation for the department, press/promo receptions for Appalachia Now / Asheville Art Museum opening, and preparations for working at Mission Clay Arts in Phoenix over Thanksgiving break. The webpage and CV updates have been low-hanging fruit as has sleep. It’s quite a busy and exciting time. Check out my Instagram ( @cfordart ) for more frequent updates. Yesterday after arrival, Pat Siler welcomed me to town (gifted bear mace, laundry detergent and soup cans for survival) and handed me off to the crazy brilliant Hans Miles for the tour and practice round of carving. I’ll elaborate more when fully functioning (hotel guests or ghost upstairs woke me to nonstop high-heel pacing and bed squeaking). Stay tuned for a long blog post when I return (more likely after Finals). Need sleep. I start carving today and only have 3.5 days to complete this project!
Mission Clay Arts, Here I Come!
Two years ago a previous professor contacted me to tell me I had to apply for a residency at Mission Clay in Phoenix, Arizona. This Thanksgiving I’ll be doing a one-week trial run to see if I can hack the intensity of a possible 4-week residency. Challenge accepted! The opportunity to carve on monumental 1 to 2-ton extruded sewer pipes in exchange for one of my works in their permanent collection is flattering and mind boggling. Stay tuned and follow me on @cfordart on Instagram during Thanksgiving break. Massive thank you’s go to #missionclay @mission_clay , #bryanvansell, #patsiler, and @hans.miles . (Photo below of Pat Siler is from Mission Clay Arts.) Other than carving night and day, I am hoping to see some Phoenix lights and at least one scorpion, eat some street tacos, and sweat in November. I’ll request must-do lists if I get to return! https://www.mcpart.org/
Appalachia Now Events at the Asheville Art Museum
The opening of the Asheville Art Museum included two weeks of events! During the closed reception for Appalachia Now artists and museum donors, I was able to meet and greet many of the 50 artists represented in the show. We found out about the organization of the multiple floors. My works are on the first floor: from and off the porch. My works selected are most certainly on the porch homage to what I love about the south. The third floor of Appalachia Now represents the spiritual side.
A few days after during the official press interviews and ribbon cutting event, I met Gary Monroe (pictured above), a fellow Tennessee Native who went to high school with one of my first professors Tim Massey, and is in the exhibit on the third floor. Both of the two are brilliant image makers. I would like to buddy up with them to do a southern-specific show elsewhere. After a week of publicity and driving, I was tired and yet energized. The amount of positivity towards the arts in Asheville with the excitement over the reopening of the museum was intense. Friday after the grand opening I was able to bring students to see the show.
A few days after during the official press interviews and ribbon cutting event, I met Gary Monroe (pictured above), a fellow Tennessee Native who went to high school with one of my first professors Tim Massey, and is in the exhibit on the third floor. Both of the two are brilliant image makers. I would like to buddy up with them to do a southern-specific show elsewhere. After a week of publicity and driving, I was tired and yet energized. The amount of positivity towards the arts in Asheville with the excitement over the reopening of the museum was intense. Friday after the grand opening I was able to bring students to see the show.
The Date is Set! The long-awaited opening of the Asheville Art Museum including the Appalachia Now exhibit opens soon!
Art/Re/Art pop up exhibit October 5!
https://www.limestone.edu/about/news/limestone-art-professor-carolyn-ford-selected-take-part-nc-exhibition
I’m super excited to be in the next Art/Re/Art exhibit in Morganton, NC this weekend! Check out the link. I’ll post pictures on Instagram. Update: I sold several works including the original The Higher the Hair, The Closer to God.
I’m super excited to be in the next Art/Re/Art exhibit in Morganton, NC this weekend! Check out the link. I’ll post pictures on Instagram. Update: I sold several works including the original The Higher the Hair, The Closer to God.
Anything Goes Again, Annual Peach Festival exhibit is on display from July-August
Taking Orders for Custom Commissions
After receiving many inquiries, I’m using the last few weeks of summer taking orders for custom commissions. If you are interested in watercolors, mixed media, paintings, charcoal drawings or underglaze painted tiles before the Christmas rush, please email for pricing. Although my exhibition work is black and white, I have a love of over abundant candy-like color. (Some photos are by my patrons with their models.)
Black and White with a Pop Show
Second place at the All Things Country Music exhibit in TN!
Asheville Art Museum full color catalogues are ready for preorder!
https://www.ashevilleart.org/museum-store/appalachia-now-catalogue-presale-excerpt/
With the date pending for the grand reopening of the museum, I’m anxiously awaiting the official reception date for Appalachia Now! To give you a taste so you can “hold your horses,” preorder the full color catalogue now to support the arts.
(Photo above borrowed from the Asheville Art Museum webpage.)
With the date pending for the grand reopening of the museum, I’m anxiously awaiting the official reception date for Appalachia Now! To give you a taste so you can “hold your horses,” preorder the full color catalogue now to support the arts.
(Photo above borrowed from the Asheville Art Museum webpage.)
New Works are in Production
I’ve returned from taking students to the British Isles and am in mad production mode for the Appalachia Now exhibit. Works currently being produced are actually for the gift shop since works for the exhibition we’re Juried in. This is my first attempt at plates in a long time so I hope that all fires correctly. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak of new plates of southernisms:
Stay Tuned: Site Under Construction.
It has been a crazy busy school year! Stay tuned for updates from August 2018 to May 2019. If you’d like to stay up to date, Instagram is updated frequently with both personal art (@cfordart) and student shenanigans (@limestoneartdepartment).
Anything Goes CAVA Peach Festival Group Exhibit
https://www.gaffneyledger.com/articles/cava-members-given-artistic-freedom-in-latest-exhibit/
Anything Goes is on display at the CAVA gallery until July 20, 2018. This group show features artists from S.C. and NC including one of my triptychs featured in the Gaffney Ledger above. The reception will be Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 6-8pm. While this show is on display, I’ve been actively carving on a new Spain/Portugal-inspired pattern series. To find out more, check out my instagram @cfordart for frequent updates and process pictures.
Anything Goes is on display at the CAVA gallery until July 20, 2018. This group show features artists from S.C. and NC including one of my triptychs featured in the Gaffney Ledger above. The reception will be Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 6-8pm. While this show is on display, I’ve been actively carving on a new Spain/Portugal-inspired pattern series. To find out more, check out my instagram @cfordart for frequent updates and process pictures.
SC>Higher Ed closes at Francis Marion
https://news.mscc.edu/news/motlow-state-features-middle-tennessee-native-carolyn-ford-art-exhibition-opening-in-february
Above: Storyteller at MSCC in TN and below Southern Sampler at SUNY Brockport, NY (Jan-March 2018).
2018 Exhibitions in Progress
Two New Exhibits Booked!
I'm excited to announce that works will be delivered in February for two exhibits. SC Clay>Higher Ed will be a group exhibition held at Francis Marion University featuring 22 professors at various colleges and universities in the state of South Carolina. This exhibit will be on display from February 20- March 29, 2018 at the Adelle Kassab Art Gallery. I will also have a solo show at Motlow Community College in Tullahoma, TN entitled Storyteller in the Eoff Hall Art Gallery. Dates have not yet been confirmed. Stay tuned!
I'm excited to announce that works will be delivered in February for two exhibits. SC Clay>Higher Ed will be a group exhibition held at Francis Marion University featuring 22 professors at various colleges and universities in the state of South Carolina. This exhibit will be on display from February 20- March 29, 2018 at the Adelle Kassab Art Gallery. I will also have a solo show at Motlow Community College in Tullahoma, TN entitled Storyteller in the Eoff Hall Art Gallery. Dates have not yet been confirmed. Stay tuned!
The Southern Sampler Exhibition is in Progress for January 2018. This group show will be on display from January-March in the Tower Fine Arts Gallery in Brockport, NY.
For more information about works in progress, follow my blog and Instagram!
Below are my newest carvings related to the deep south (USA) including my interests in travel, southernisms, musical influences from my home state of Tennessee, stereotypes/misconceptions, etc. The works have not been fired yet due to the fact they have to go through long maturity, compression, flipping, carving, and drying phases.
For more information about works in progress, follow my blog and Instagram!
Below are my newest carvings related to the deep south (USA) including my interests in travel, southernisms, musical influences from my home state of Tennessee, stereotypes/misconceptions, etc. The works have not been fired yet due to the fact they have to go through long maturity, compression, flipping, carving, and drying phases.
https://emsweb.brockport.edu/MasterCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?EventDetailId=31933
2017 Exhibitions
This year is a very exciting year for exhibitions! I will be trying to update the page as frequently as possible but for the most current news, please follow me on cfordart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfordart/ .
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http://www.waterworks.org/wvacinthenews.html
I'm flattered and humbled to have been able to share a night of art talks at Waterworks with a retrospective of Ben Martin photos and Susan Lenz fiber works. I'd like to give a HUGE thank you to Anne Scott Clement, all of the Waterworks staff and Board members for all of their help and support. I'd also like to thank all those that came to the reception and enjoyed the show. |
