Carol Shaw Sutton

What are you currently into making?
I am working on a series of pieces that have to do with Generation/Re-generation and begin with the idea of seeds. Which seeds do we plant, tend to and harvest? I am making wall pieces and dimensional forms that allude to this concept using naturally stained/dyed wool.

What was the first project or craft you remember making by hand?
My mother and I took knitting classes at the Bullock’s Westwood store when I was 5 years old and I my first project was navy blue sweater with a sailor collar.

If you could spend a day with any artist/designer/maker… who would it be and what would you do?
I would love to work with a Japanese National Treasure basket maker working on freeform sculpture.

Do you listen to music when you’re making? If so, what are some favorite albums?
I listen to wide range of music from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, trance, roots, jazz, etc.

What’s your favorite material to work with?
I enjoy all types of natural material that require attuning myself to their ways.

Where do you go to connect with nature?
Ojai’s natural beauty is a constant source of inspiration and connection. I feel so lucky to live here with the trails, meadows and river so close by.

Tell us about an object in your home that brings you joy.
I am a life long collector, so this is a bit of a challenging question, but besides my many natural forms I am forever intrigued by the Korean scholar’s hat that is woven out of black horsehair.