Carol Cole is a Philadelphia based artist who creates abstract mixed-media sculptures using found objects and handmade paper.

“My assemblage sculptures are the result of the intuitive process of object inspired design. I collect objects that speak to me, often in multiples. I usually don’t have a preconceived plan or even an idea of what I am going to do with them. I begin by choosing some objects, putting them on my studio work table and “playing with them”.

I see how they fit together or what patterns they make and then try many alternatives. Once I am inspired, I add other objects from my collection and keep rearranging until I am satisfied. This arrangement determines the size and shape of the sculpture.

I treat the objects, which I have found in thrift stores, reuse stores and on the street, as though they are precious, because to me they are.

I transform them so that the viewer sees the beauty I see, before they recognize the utilitarian objects that they are. As I work on the piece, the meaning becomes clear and a title emerges.”