This is a short film featuring the creative, in-process work and philosophy of St. Louis sculptor, Carol Fleming. The story takes place in her studio, Terra Nova, in Ladue, Missouri, and shows the artist at work on one of her signature forms — the column. Through the five days of filming, we learn something of the artist's inspirations, motivations, and insights into her own identity. And we meet Carmella, Carol's beautiful American Boxer. And finally, we see the emergence of a beautiful piece of artwork, and hear from its buyer, Paul Zemitsch, on what it means to him.

Born deaf, and early deaths in the family jump started my focus to be a full-time clay artist by age 20. Being visually oriented, I love to muscle my way around stoneware clay to express beauty found in nature. As a daughter of an architect, I value positive and negative space seen within sculpture. Ceramic medium allows for textural, functional, or abstract forms of beauty. The scale can be intimate or monumental.

Studio Terra Nova has done over 500 kiln firings using a 28 cubic foot gas kiln in an 800 square foot studio in Saint Louis. Art sold is over 1,500 sculptures. I have collaborated with clients and their dreams for their space since 1988. In 2021, I was blessed to gain a second 600 square foot studio north of Scottsdale with a Bailey kiln 54 cubic feet. Always glad to wake up each day to continue the process of transforming yours-my vision via clay into reality.

Since May 2024, I have one home with my husband Larry, one studio, and life is good…in Cave Creek!

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Interview with the Artist