Carol Langley
Stuck
Photo transparencies, plexiglass, wood
30 x 36 x 4 in.
2025
Do selfies stop life? Is our obsession with ourselves cloaking what exists
beyond self? If we spend more time attending to the real world, will we
gain a broader and therefore more accurate perspective on life?
My work explores the fixated nature of selfies and how they affect our perception of self and others. My process involved printing images of selfies mined from an earlier interactive piece I created on the same theme. I trap the selfies between two panes of glass to evoke thoughts about the time and attention we give to our smartphones and how this impacts productivity, personal relationships, and our overall well-being. I hope to convey that as a society, we are at risk of becoming inattentive travelers through life—missing meaningful conversations, deep connections with people, and the wonder of the world around us.
Artist Statement
I am a keen observer. I’m viewing and gaining inspiration from my surroundings all the time. I believe the process of creating is as important as the final outcome. I like to explore a variety of subjects and mediums as I develop work In my studio practice, I mainly use paint, charcoal, and collage on canvas or paper. I gravitate toward abstract expressionism because I find its emotional expression and spontaneity incredibly freeing. Since I feel a deep connection to nature, I also engage in plein air drawing and painting to hone my observational skills and discover new places and things. Recently, I have been exploring three-dimensional work and collaborative art. I find that these methods expand my imagination and creativity and provide me with new levels of artistic expression.
Artist Bio
Carol Langley is a visual artist living and working in Cleveland, Ohio. Her work focuses on color, form, line, and texture using paint, charcoal, wax and collage. She is influenced by the master works of the impressionists, surrealists, and abstract expressionists and by the events of light, shadow, and patterns on objects in nature. Often inspired by photography and film, she pushes her subjects toward abstraction without fully abandoning representation.
Carol has a BA in Education and has worked as an Instructional Designer and Consultant for Ernst & Young and the Cleveland Clinic. She studied Art at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Kent State, and Cuyahoga Community College. Her work has been in local gallery shows and juried exhibits including the May Show at Lakeland College and the Museum of Encaustic Art in Santa Fe. She is currently exploring three-dimensional work and collaborative art.