Clarke County, Alabama
Pottery
For many years Carol attended art festivals, usually taking home a beautiful piece of pottery. After retiring from teaching nursing at The University of Alabama, she participated in painting and pottery classes offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and the Kentuck Art Center. A love of collecting pottery was transformed into a passion for creating pottery.
Most of Carol's works are functional pieces; inspired by antiques, organics and old lace. Carol utilizes both wheel throwing and hand building techniques to create her pottery. Antique implements such as kettles, grain scoops, iron skillets, jugs, and crocks inspire the shape of some pieces.
Carol's pottery is often embellished with leaves, lichens, bark or other organics found in nature. Turned wood (in collaboration with Dwight Lammon), is combined with this nature-inspired pottery to create unique lamps that celebrate our southern forests.
Another source of inspiration is the beautiful patterns found in vintage crocheted lace, doilies, and bridal gowns. Carol imprints clay with the lace, preserving these intricate patterns for generations to come. She especially enjoys the finishing process on these lace pieces, decorating them with colorful and detailed glazing. Each piece of pottery Carol creates is carefully hand crafted and is truly a labor of love.
Carol’s primary studio, Big Leaf Pottery, is located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, and she and her husband maintain residences in both Tuscaloosa and Clarke Counties, Alabama.