Website: https://www.carolynmarkis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccmarkis
Biography
Carolyn Markis lives and works in Sacramento, California. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and secondary teaching credential from California State University, Sacramento. After many years as the owner of a custom frame shop and gallery, she shifted her creative focus toward one-of-a-kind jewelry making and metalsmithing.
Her curiosity continued to grow, leading her into scuba diving, world travel, and eventually the world of clay. In clay she discovered her true passion—sculpting, and exploring the many possibilities of surface techniques, figurative work, and abstract expression.
For the past 15 years, Carolyn has been an active member of the clay community, participating in juried exhibitions, open studio tours, and ongoing learning through both in-person classes and online tutorials. She is a member of several local arts leagues and is affiliated with ClayArtsStudio814 in Sacramento.
Artist Statement
My artistic journey began in the 1970s after graduating from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) with a BA in Studio Art and a teaching credential. Approximately twelve years ago, a hand-building class introduced me to the world of ceramics, and I have been passionately sculpting with clay ever since.
My ceramic sculptures reflect my interest in people, nature, and current events. My art often expresses the interconnectedness of all life and our shared responsibility to care for the Earth. Travel, including scuba-diving adventures, has fostered my appreciation for the world's many faces and traditions, leading me to frequently sculpt people from various countries. I focus on expressive faces and forms, using hand-building to create both realistic and whimsical figures that invite viewers into a story.
While many of my pieces are humorous and joyful, I also delve into heavier environmental, social, and political themes. I explore these complex issues using powerful symbols that represent ideas of authority, mortality, and environmental challenges.
Whether drawing from personal experience, global events, or imagined narratives, I strive to create artworks that spark joy, challenge assumptions, and provoke thought. My goal is to invite viewers into a deeper awareness of our shared humanity.
My sculpture “Consequences” selected for the exhibition, aims to capture the complexity and devastation of conflict. Through intricate detailing and juxtaposition of elements, it explores the human toll, the power dynamics, and the futility of violence. By inviting the viewers to confront the harsh realities of war, I hope to provoke introspection and dialogue about peace, empathy, and the human condition.
Consequences
Black stoneware, mid-range fire, stains, glazes, high fired wire, nails
12”h x 9”w x 6”d
2024
$400