Professor Carolyn Ford Carves 2-Ton “Southernism” Art Piece In Arizona

Although her thumbs are still numb from the experience, Limestone College Professor of Art Carolyn Ford said she had a blast last month as a guest artist at Mission Clay Art and Industry in Phoenix.

Thanks to a special invitation, Ford was able to carve her "Southernisms" series on monumental extruded ceramic pipes and that work will now become part of Mission's permanent art collection.

“This is literally my two-ton baby,” Ford said about her “Southernisms” art piece made of clay that took five days to sculpt. “After slowly drying since that time, it will soon be fired and put into the permanent collection of the Mission sculpture yard. I am still dumbfounded that I got to do this, and I appreciate the opportunity and the exposure that it will give Limestone all the way out in Arizona.”

Mission Clay Arts and Industry provides an unparalleled environment for the creative process and the development of new work and ideas. A program for artists to engage with the industrial ceramic fabrication process, Mission offers opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and exchange that builds understanding and appreciation for the role of art in the world.

“I was honored to be invited and I hope to prove my abilities for a future residency,” Ford noted. “I would again like to thank Bryan Vansell, Pat Siler, and Hans Miles for the invitation and the chance I had to take on such an extraordinary task. It was a wonderful experience.”

Ford has been a faculty member at Limestone since 2003 and has been serving as Department Chair since 2010. Her works are featured at the Asheville Art Museum's inaugural exhibit “Appalachia Now!” which is on display until February 2020.

Accompanying photo is from Ford's time in Arizona. (NOTE: More photos available at www.facebook.com/LimestoneCollege.)