BIOGRAPHY
The visual arts and informal writing have been life companions for Carol Alleman. Upon relocating to Tucson, Arizona in 1994, she discovered clay while exploring the mysterious desert landscape. Immediately she began digging her own clay and experimenting with slab, coil, and a variety of hand building techniques. Since then she has continued to explore the infinite dimensions of clay, water-based and oil, considering herself largely “self-taught.”

In late 2001, Carol expanded her work into the bronze market choosing her vessel forms as her entry work. Today she continues to develop the bronze cast “Tree of Life” and “Nature Series” of mystical, organic vessels. Both series reflect a visual and narrative imagery of her personal intimacy with the powerful energy, spirit, and symbolism of trees and nature. Companion writings accompany her work.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Creating professionally, for me, is trusting that my small piece, if done with authenticity, is the greatest gift I can offer and that it does ultimately make a difference if I offer or withhold that gift. It's a way of expressing my personal truth, whatever color it may be, and trusting that expression as a language of the soul for others as well.

I think of myself as an alchemist -- starting with the most common of elements (clay and water), I create from a mystical place within me and bring together various materials, symbols, and images that I trust to be as transforming and peaceful to others as they are to me.

When I abandon product expectation and simply remain awake to all that is in my midst, forms, images, and inspiration miraculously lead the way. Often I am amazed when looking at a completed piece that really pleases me, as if to look over my shoulder and say, 'who did that?' I feel both humbled and honored, knowing I was there; my hands following something much larger than myself.

EDUCATION
Born in rural PA she obtained her degree in Art Education from the Pennsylvania State University (PA/USA); and continued graduate studies at the Lancaster Theological Seminary (PA/USA). Most recently she has completed studies with various contemporary artists at the Scottsdale Artist School, Scottsdale, Arizona. She is a member of the National Sculpture Society (Associate), and American Women Artists.

EXHIBITIONS
2007 Loveland High Plains Art Council, Sculpture in the Park, Loveland, CO
2007 Visions & Alchemy, Two-Person Show with Cary Henrie, Meyer-Milagros Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
2007 Idea House, Phoenix Home and Garden 2007 Idea House, Talking Rock, AZ
2007 Seaside Art Gallery, 16th International Miniature Show, Nags Head, NC
2006 Box Heart Gallery, 10th Annual Sacred Art Exhibit, Pittsburgh, PA
2006 Two-Person Show, Meyer-Milagros Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
2006 Invited Artist, Sculpture in the Park 2006, Loveland, CO
2006 Seaside Art Gallery, 15th International Miniature Show, Nags Head, NC
2005 Two- Person Show, Meyer-Milagros Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
2005 Invited Artist, Sculpture in the Park 2005, Loveland, CO
2005 Solo Show, The Redfern Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
2005 Group Show Rhodes Stringfellow Fine Art, Cannon Beach, OR
2005 Greater Midwest International Exhibit XX, CMSU, MO
2005 Three - Person Show, Meyer Gallery, Park City, Utah
2005 Parkland Gallery, Champaign, IL
2004 “Director’s Choice” Artspace/Virginia Miller Galleries, Coral Gables, Florida
2004 Group Show, New Masters Gallery, Carmel, CA
2004 Loveland High Plains Art Council, Sculpture in the Park, Loveland, CO
2004 Group Show, Rhodes Stringfellow Fine Art, Cannon Beach, OR
2004 Two - Woman Show, Meyer Gallery, Park City, Utah
2003 Group Show, Rhodes Stringfellow Fine Art, Cannon Beach, OR
2003 Loveland High Plains Art Council, Sculpture in the Park, Loveland, CO
2003 Contemporary Works of Faith, (Liturgical Art Guild) Columbus, OH
2002 American Women Artists, Santa Fe, NM
2002 St. John’s International School, Brussels, Belgium
1999 Shemer Gallery and Museum of Art, Phoenix, AZ
1998 Tubac Center for the Arts, Tubac, AZ
1998 Tucson-Pima Arts Council, Tucson, AZ
1997 Tubac Center for the Arts, Tubac, AZ
1996 Tubac Center for the Arts, Tubac, AZ

COMMISSIONS
2007 Private Commission, Ginkgo: Seed of Hope (pair)
2004 Montage Resort & Spa Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA and The Redfern Gallery, Infinity (pair)
2003 The Redfern Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA, Transitions II

AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS
2007 Phoenix Home and Garden, IDEA House Publication
2006 Southwest Art, December issue. “Vases and Vessels” and “Start Your Collection”
2006 Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine, November Issue, Guest Artist Feature Article
2006 Celebrating Thirty Years, The Redfern Gallery
2005 Southwest Art, Artists to Watch
2005 Industry Award, Sculptural Pursuit Annual Competition
2005 Art Calendar - Cover
2005 Ministry & Liturgy Magazine – feature BENE Award article
2004 BENE Award, Ministry & Liturgy Annual Visual Arts Award, San Jose, CA

LECTURES AND READINGS
2007 Artist Talk and Prose Reading, Meyer-Milagros Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY