I have always found Art Nouveau design to be entrancing with its graceful, undulating lines and coalescence of diverse details. I am reminded of this when I view the pottery of Carol Long. Working from a family farm studio in Kansas, Carol reproduces the beauty of her surrounding environment into her pieces using floral and insect motifs, combined with flowing lines, merging into leaf and plant details . She incorporates a myriad of designs, textures and vibrant colours using slip trailing, sgraffito, pressed shapes, glazed surfaces, and plain clay surfaces all in one piece and manages to infuse a harmonic balance and rhythm into the final result. In Carol’s words : ” My work continues to evolve. Currently I use a white mid temperature clay body fired to cone 5 oxidation. Pieces are made by a variety of methods; such as throwing, slabwork, extrusions, and hand building. Decorating with pulled handles and attached multiple pieces that are textured with presses, slip trailing, stains and glazes.”
Originally inspired to be an artist by her mother, she has also received inspiration from her three children, which explains the carefree whimsy evident in her pottery.
Ceramic Goblet
Carol Long ceramic vase
Carol Long – Pansy, Orchid and yellow Jardiniere
Jardiniere with swirled beads
Blossom Lidded Ceramic Jar
Encrusted Urn
Twin handled Jardiniere by Carol Long
Three ceramic mugs
Butterfly Wing Bowl
Pair of Butterfly Goblets
Orange ceramic bottle
Caterpillar with Forest Leaves
Ceramic Jardiniere
( A fantastic combination of textures and detail )
Small Bottle With Elm Leaves
Green Goblet
Carol Long
Ceramic Butterfly Jardiniere
Bottle by Carol Long
Ceramic Butterfly
Carol Long
” Cuteness ” Jardiniere
Daylilies Six Tile Panel
Poppy Flower Jardiniere
” Love Me Babie ” tiny box
Tall Vase with Black Orchid and Yellow
Iris Bowl
Lattice Peacock Bottle
Tall Black and Tang Wedding Bottle – Carol Long
Carol Long goblet
Carol Long ceramic Chrysalis
Red Poppy ceramic bottle with flare top
See Carol Long’s website here.
