My artwork takes on a critical view of social, political and cultural issues conveyed in a sarcastic, satirical and humorous way. I struggle with injustice in any form and my artwork has become a therapeutic tool for me to work through these issues.
Over the years, Carol Cauldwell has developed a solid reputation and a large global following for her whimsical sculptures that appeal to the nostalgic yearning in all of us for a more innocent world in which dreams come true. Her works grace numerous important private collections across most continents.
Carol was born in Germiston in 1968 and grew up in the picturesque surrounding of the Magaliesburg. Inspired by her father’s love for art, she joined the Johannesburg School of Art, Ballet, Drama and Music, first specialising in music until she transferred to art. She acquired a Diploma in Ceramics from WITS Technicon where she excelled in sculpture. This led to her establishing a Pottery Studio in Magaliesburg that expanded into a factory in Modderfontein that was eventually hand-painting over 4000 units per day for chain stores.
As part of a journey of self-discovery and healing, Carol turned to Iconography and painted numerous icons and two Orthodox Churches which she clads with stylised patterns and Inconography, yet throughout this time she yearned for 3-Dimensional work. In 2011 she took the decision to fulfil a lifelong dream to start to sculpt in wax and bronze casting and this has remained her core focus ever since.
The tremendous discipline required to manage a factory creating over 4000 hand painted ceramics per day gave Carol the skills required to become one of South Africa’s most prolific artists with an exceptional focus and work rate. The style of her artworks has been described as ‘Magic Realism’.
Carol enjoys pushing the boundaries to the limits in terms of design and materials and this has led to her decision to open her own foundry.
‘Creating artworks is a healing process for me. Allowing me to try to deal with the myriad of injustices that we come face to face with each day. My sculptures take a critical view of social, political, and cultural issues engaging with them in an almost sarcastic, satirical, and humorous way. I use fairy tales, fantasy, wordplay, nursery rhymes, illustration and icons to deconstruct and comment on issues of injustice in its different forms.
Whilst I have and continue to work across different mediums, I am passionate about bronze, and love the permanence and durability of it. I am keenly aware of the durability of time and enjoy the idea that my artworks and their message will remain well into the future for the benefit of others’, Carol Cauldwell.