Abstract

Carrie Longley’s creative work agenda is shaped by three aims: 1) reach across a broad community of viewers, 2) stimulate curiosity, investigation, and wonder within my audience and 3) draw connections between the visual arts and science.  Her creative aspirations and reputation within the field of ceramics are focused on her role as a sculptural artist.  During her sabbatical leave she created six cohesive ceramic sculptures inspired by the diversity of botanical world and an accepted model and proposal for a large scale, public art installation at the Burkhard Public Library in Dayton, Ohio.  

The Dayton Metro Library and the Dayton Art Institute commissioned site-specific artwork for the recently constructed Dayton Metro Library branches.  Longley’s accepted proposal is entitled, “A Worm’s Eye View.” Viewers will experience an unusual perspective of large-scale Columbine and Trillium flowers, Jack in the Pulpit plants, Pheasant Back Mushrooms, spores and pollen. These are common woodland flora and fungi that would be found during the springtime in natural settings within the region.  In the final installation, the drifting cloud of pollen travels from plant to plant, providing new opportunities for growth and renewal, in much the same way that a single book from the library can plant a seed of knowledge within a library patron, who then shares that new passion and understanding with others.   The final installation is created from foam, epoxy putty, and hundreds of Rudraksha seeds.  It measures 18’ wide by 10’ high and will be installed in March 2022 at the Burkhard Branch Library in Dayton, Ohio.  

Biographical Statement 

Carrie Longley is a studio artist and educator.  She is currently an Associate Professor of Fine Art and Campus Art Director at Indiana University East.  She holds a BA in Studio Art from Wittenberg University and a MFA from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.  Her artwork investigates the relationship between the art object and scientific specimen, celebrating the space between illusion and reality. She exhibits her work extensively throughout the United States and has received numerous awards including “Emerging Craftsman” from Ohio Designer Craftsman, “The Bobby Kadis Award” at the Penland School of Crafts, and the William and Dorothy Yeck “Young Sculptor’s Award.”