Conversations with the Inspiring Carley Wood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley Wood.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Really, my story starts on the side of the road with two sticks! I was a declared Art major at Columbus State University and my uncle and I were headed to the High museum when we broke down on the side of I-85. I was enrolled in my first 3D Design class and was faced with the challenge of creating a sculpture. As we waited for our roadside assistance, I started sculpting a figure out of literally two sticks. This piece was selected as a finalist for the Niche awards and went onto being displayed in Philadelphia for a week. From that first roadside moment, I was in love with my new method of sculpting that I call “Twigging.” (Twigging is what I refer to as the process of weaving saplings, roots and vines into a work of art.)

My uncle was influential in instilling my passion for the arts at a very young age. He was a portrait artist and former museum exhibit designer. I can remember us drawing portraits of each other and I always spent as much time as possible hanging out in his studio, making art from his scrap materials. However, his introduction and exposure to visiting artist Patrick Dougherty played a significant subconscious impact on my six-year-old artistic mind. It wasn’t until after creating multiple of my twigged sculptures did my uncle remind me of my exposure to Dougherty’s larger than life habitats made from saplings. I love that I wasn’t even aware of this influence, and why it is so important to expose children to the arts because you never know the impression it will leave on a young mind.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a kid, I always knew that I wanted to be an artist. I never wavered in those desires, but after college when I was faced with the questions, pressures, and fears of becoming a “starving artist”, parental pressures of getting a “real” job won out. I did the Art Ed route and taught elementary art for five years. Followed by a bout as a Pre-school Director. I enjoyed my careers but it became apparent that my heart and desires were longing to make uninterrupted art, and not solely during summer vacation.

My father unexpectedly passed away four years ago, this reminded me that this life is too short to have regrets. Cliche I know, but it is so true! I decided I was not going to live with the “could of, should of, would of” thoughts in my head anymore! Life has taught me there is NEVER a perfect time for anything. So, I dove in head first without a plan so I could finally live out my dream.

Today, there are so many ways for young women starting their journey to success. Especially, with all of the different social media outlets and online marketing stores. My advice for up and coming “boss babes” is getting a desk calendar, enforce some good self-discipline and put in the work!!!! The rest will fall into place.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am inspired by nature and intrigued by the organic flow and beauty of wood, especially that which is usually disregarded vines and roots. I try to find beauty in the unexpected, like with roots. We often only look for beauty on the exterior, when really what lies within is so much more fascinating. The majority of my materials come from curbside collections. It saves me the work of digging up (not to mention killing plants) and also allows me to do my part in reducing and reusing landfill waste. Working with natural materials, allows me to create pieces that draw a deeper connection between nature and our spiritual existence.

My preferred sculpting methods are twigging and my sensuous carved root pieces. I feel that my large scale of work sets me apart from most artists. For example, “Alejandro” my 12 ft long alligator, and “Callaway” my 6ft tall horse (that was recently auctioned off at Steeplechase raising $1,300 to benefit the arts).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyCWoodDesigns
• Phone: 706.587.6448
• Email: artbycwood@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbycwood
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbycwood/

Image Credit:
Jess Jones

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