Carol Thoma Moore, Artist
About Carol
As a child, I reveled in the tactile joy of crafting mud pies, infusing them with flowers and imagination. The earth, with its rich textures and malleability, became my earliest canvas. This early connection to the earth set the stage for a lifelong journey as an artist—a journey that has led me to discover the transformative power of clay.
Transitioning into adulthood, pottery became the natural progression of my artistic journey, embodying the essence of earth, fire, and water. With a lump of clay and the potter's wheel, I enter a state of meditation, finding tranquility in becoming one with the medium. Hand-building, in particular, allows me to explore the organic nature of clay, letting its inherent qualities guide my creative process. It is a form of expression that transcends mere craftsmanship, embracing the spontaneity and beauty found in imperfection.
For me, working with clay is not only a creative endeavor but also a deeply healing practice. There's a profound sense of grounding that comes from sinking my hands into the soil, whether in the garden or in the pottery studio. As my hands mold and shape, another part of me takes over, channeling emotions into tangible forms of art. Through this process, I find restoration and renewal, as if the earth itself is whispering secrets of resilience and transformation.
These same themes can be found in my paintings; I find beauty in the mundane and the broken, capturing the proud resilience of decaying structures and urban landscapes. Each stroke of paint is a testament to the history and energy embedded in these forgotten relics, preserving their stories for generations to come.
Yet, my artistic exploration extends beyond the urban landscape, delving into the serene beauty of landscapes and pathways. With pastel painting, I aim to capture the atmospheric energy that resonates within these scenes. Whether painting en plein air or in the studio, I embrace the immediacy and vibrancy of pastel, allowing my impressions to flow freely onto the canvas.
My artistic style is rooted in spontaneity and organic flow—I don't overthink; I simply create. Starting my professional artistic journey at 50 has taught me the value of embracing what feels right, without limitations or constraints. Each piece is as unique as the earth itself and a testament to my journey—a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the infinite possibilities found within the embrace of the earth. I create not to conform, but to celebrate the beauty and diversity that surrounds us.
Awards
Best Pastel, Kent Art Association 2024
Honorable Mention Kent Art Association 2024
Award of Merit, Full Spectrum Juried Art Show 2023
CPS Show Chairs Award, Renaissance in Pastel 2022
Wholesale Frame Award, CPS Members Exhibition 2019
Award for Pastel, Kent Art Association 2019
RCC Honorable mention 2015
Trinity Art Show, Honorable Mention
Kent Art Association, Award of Excellence 2015
Honorable Mention, RCC 2014
CPS MERIT Award, 2012
Carle J. Blennar Prize, New Haven Paint and Clay, 2012
Best Pastel, RCC 2012
CPS Pastel Society of West Coast Award 2012
Best in Show, Artwell 2012
Honorable Mention, CPS Members show 2011
Purchase award at the New Haven Paint and Clay
Pastel Society of America Award from the Connecticut Pastel Society 2010
RCC Award for Best Pastel 2010
Exhibitions
Solo Show, Jeram Winery, CT, 2024, New Hartford, CT
Solo Show, Salt Water Grille, 2015, Litchfield, CT
Solo Show, Miranda Vineyard, 2014, Goshen, CT
Solo Show, Charlotte Hungerford 2014, Torrington, CT
Solo Show, Oliver Wolcott Library, 2013, Litchfield, CT