Three Dimensional Parables in Sculpture

"Sculpture is a parable in three dimensions, a symbol of a spiritual experience, and a means of conveying truth by concentrating its essence into visual form. It must reflect the artist who creates it and the era in which s/he lives, not an echo or a memory of other days and other ways." Malvina Hoffman, Sculptor, and Author. Artist Carol Fleming possesses a similar understanding of clay as a medium and a connection to the spiritual experience.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Carol was diagnosed as deaf, which prompted the family to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri, where she attended the Central Institute for the Deaf. This early experience of deafness, far from being a hindrance, became a unique perspective that influenced her artistic journey. Carol's deafness, in fact, is not a limitation but a unique perspective that she brings to her art. It allows her to perceive the world in a different way, to focus on the visual and tactile aspects of her surroundings, and to create art that resonates with people on a deeper level.

Once she turned thirteen, Carol began attending the John Burroughs, a college prep program. In addition to honing her liberal arts education, Carol also built her visual and artistic skills. Her parents became strong advocates for her arts education: Carol's father, an architect with Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK) architectural firm. HOK stressed innovative design, collaborative culture, and commitment to sustainability, providing a grounded philosophy in seeing the world. Carol's mother, on the other hand, a culturally astute intellectual, offered a broad perspective to studying various cultural sensibilities. By the time Carol was ten, she was sculpturing objects in nature, motivated by her fascination with textures, shapes, and colors she found there. 

Losing her father while in high school had a profound impact on Carol's outlook on life, “I realized how precious life is and the importance of making each day count.” She dedicated her focus to the pursuit of a career in the arts. She attended Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and completing her Master of Fine Arts at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She opened her first studio after completing graduate school. By 1995, Carol's life was undergoing significant changes. She was well established in her career as a sculptor; she married her husband Larry, who she was remodeling an old home with and building a new studio. The architect assigned to creating an all-purpose space was Tyler Stevens. His studio design for Carol had a cathedral ceiling, which allowed super-heated air from her gas-fired Bailey kiln to rise. The doors were large enough to permit easy entry for large custom stoneware; the best thing was it was located on a wooded lot next to her home. During this time, Carol lost her mother, which only reinforced her commitment to make everyday count.

Contrary to the common perception, Carol's world is not silent. She relies on her hearing aid and a cochlear implant, which are not just aids for her but integral parts of her artistic process. They allow her to hear the sounds of her surroundings, the music she loves, and the voices of her loved ones, all of which inspire her art. Her love for opera, in particular, is profound. "I grew up on the opera. The wide range of sounds, voices, and orchestra resonate with me. It's also highly visual, which I delight in, so I consider opera the queen of all arts." Carol's love for tennis, walks with her boxer, and visits to various art museums for inspiration contribute to her vibrant life. In 2021, Carol and her husband moved to Cave Creek, Arizona, where she set up Studio Terra Nova in a large RV garage on the property with a concrete extension to accommodate her gas Bailey kiln.

Today, artist Carol Fleming is celebrated for her giant egg and acorn sculptures that populate private and public gardens across the country and her enormous column pieces that figuratively connect heaven and earth. She installed 12 columns for Maritz’s Company in Fenton,12 columns in the Daum Museum in Sedalia and 12 columns in Riverport Commons in Maryland Heights, all in Missouri. In Portola Valley, California a private collector commissioned Carol create and install 15 sculptures in their private garden. Carol collaborates with private clients and award-winning architects across 40 states to bring nature's inspiration to a grander scale. Carol is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and participates in the group's shows throughout the year. Looking ahead, Carol is excited about the potential of her new studio in Cave Creek, Arizona, and the inspiration she will draw from the desert landscape for her future works.

Email: ladueclay@carolfleming.com

Website: www.carolfleming.com