As a figurative sculptor, Carol’s focus is direct carving, and her mediums are natural stones and woods, such as alabaster, marble, limestone, soapstone, and fruit, nut, and exotic woods.
A direct carver who works without the use of a model, Carol’s pieces are uniquely derived from her own personal vision. She says:
I much prefer the subtractive nature of carving stone and wood, as opposed to additive types of sculpture, because I enjoy the challenges that carving presents. Discovering an unexpected fissure in the stone or knot in the wood can force me to modify my course. Once I’ve made the decision to cut material away, I know that that decision cannot be reversed, and I must make the best figure I can with the material that remains. Ironically, I find this constraint to be liberating, as it keeps me moving forward. Thus, each sculpture is the physical embodiment of all my decisions since I began the piece, a true expression of everything behind those decisions — my heart, feelings, and imagination.
Carol’s still lifes reflect an affinity for the same types of forms that fuel her sculptural work. She is inspired by fruits, vegetables, and irregularly shaped gourds, and prominently features them in her still life drawings.
Through her carvings and still lifes, Carol’s work celebrates the beauty of nature in all its diversity.
In Carol’s abstract figurative art, many of the figures are recognizably human, though carved through the filter of her own interpretation.
A defining feature of her wood carvings is the integration of the grain of the wood with the flow of the forms of her pieces.
Carol often imagines her subjects as dancing, something she finds easy to do given the quirkiness of their shapes. She uses pastel, conte, and colored pencils to create these drawings.
These words remind me why I carve—to share the beauty I discover in every piece of stone and wood.
Fantastic class with Carol Griffin for Direct Carving in Wood. It was an amazing four weeks of learning. Carol is a very knowledgeable and professional instructor. There is much more to learn, and four weeks is not enough, and I am definitely going back when I can. I highly recommend this class for anyone who loves creating art and working with wood.
No matter what your skill level, Carol meets you where you are. The small class size allows for a lot of individual attention. I was impressed by how she was able to nudge me in using proper technique while respecting my artistic goals for the piece. Learning about tool sharpening was particularly helpful.
Carol is a consummate sculptor, a very special, gifted sculptor. She brought sensitivity, curiosity, artistry and commitment to the project. She infused her work with love.