MOLLY SANGER CARPENTER - BIO
At the age of six I knew I was going to be an artist. Early interest led to classes at the Delaware Art museum and long hours drawing in my room. In high school (teacher artist Helen Mason) I interned with sculptor Charles Cropper Parks FNNS, where I gained experience in sculpture enlargement, reduction, mold making and casting. Upon graduation, I attended The Frudakis Academy of Fine Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art in Philadelphia. After establishing my studio, I continued my education, studying glass art, mosaic, mural arts, carving, welding and faux finishes.
Early on in my career I received a major commission from the Delaware Heritage Commission for the 12’ bronze “Constitutional Compass Rose” located on Legislative Mall, in Dover Delaware. Many other private and public commissions followed. Recently I installed an 8’ relief sculpture on the side of Gilpin Hall, in Wilmington Delaware.
My work has been widely exhibited in galleries and shows, and is in private collections worldwide. It has been at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and at various galleries and venues including the Coliseum NYC, Rockefeller Center, The Goodwill Games, The National Arts Club, The Philadelphia Sketch Club, The Plastic Club, and at the headquarters of the National Sculpture Society, NYC.
My most recent work is of ornamented sculptural relief that celebrates nature and the spirit, often combining elements of sculpture, mosaic and painting. I start each piece with clay, and hand finish with paint, gold leaf and mosaics of glass and semi-precious stones. I have developed the process of creating these artworks over a period of time and trial, having landed on this particular recipe after much experimentation. What I have now is a process of my own from start to finish, eliminating the need for a third party. The work takes time- I cut each piece of glass by hand and apply with tweezers- while other aspects of the process require great patience as I wait for materials to properly cure.
My studio is located in the large sun-filled parlor in the downstairs of our 300 year old farmhouse where I live with my husband and two Border Collies. Working where I live makes it all the more important to use non-toxic, earth-friendly materials. The fields, water and woods around us provide constant inspiration for my work. My days are filled with the things I love best: family, friends, art and nature’s spirit.