Artist Bio
Carly Thaw is an interdisciplinary artist, illustrator, and graphic designer originally from Charleston, West Virginia. Her practice is informed by the science and math at the core of ecology and Earth’s animate systems. Pattern in nature takes many forms. Ecological systems overlap and create a fabric of interconnected life blankets the Earth. Mathematically precise patterns determine physical structure of the animated geological forces that influence deep planetary rhythms. Biochemical patterns influence the unique structure and aesthetic beauty of each organism we share this dynamic planet with - even humans.
She uses intricate mark making inspired by the patterns found in nature to create narratives at the intersection of place, time, and human perception. She employs various original drawing techniques of color and pattern building to create optical vibration and a sensory viewing experience. Her work is rooted not only in working with and understanding the structure and appearance of patterns in nature, but also in creating new metaphors to express human relationship to nature and ecological time.
See artist CV below.
CV
Exhibitions
Fracture, Fold, Fray — July 2025
Emily Carr University of Art and Design — Vancouver, BC, CA
Group Show
State of Practice — July 2024
Emily Carr University of Art and Design — Vancouver, BC, CA
Group Show
Illustrating Appalachia — Summer 2023
Juliet Art Museum — Charleston, WV, USA
Group Show
The Things We Make — Spring 2023
Dakota Art Gallery — Bellingham, WA, USA
Group Show
From The Hills — Winter 2021/22
Taylor Books Gallery — Charleston, WV, USA
Solo Show
Hills and Hollers — Nov 2020 - Apr 2021
The Emerson Center for Arts and Culture — Bozeman, MT, USA
Solo Show
New River Gorge Creative in Residence — Spring 2020
The Grove — Fayetteville, WV, USA
Group Show
Artist Residencies and Fellowships
New River Gorge Creative Residency
2020 — Fayetteville, WV, USA
Summer Scholars and Artists Fellowship Grant
2017 — American University, Washington, DC, USA
Rome Art Program
2017 — Rome, Italy
Education
MFA
Emily Carr University of Art and Design, 2025
Vancouver, BC, CA
BA, Graphic Design
American University, 2018
Washington, DC, USA
Professional Experience
Carly Thaw Illustration
Self Employed
2019 — Present
Dakota Art Store, Bellingham, WA
Supplies Specialist, Gallery Assistant
Sept. 2022 — Sept. 2023
Middle Creek Montessori School, Bozeman, MT
Art Education Substitute, Physical Education Assistant, Substitute Teacher
Sept. 2020 — June 2022
Baily and Glasser, LLP, Washington, DC
Graphic Designer
June 2018 — June 2019
84 Agency, Remote
Graphic Designer
2015 — 2017
West Virginia Secretary of State, Charleston, WV
Communications Associate
May — Aug. 2014 and 2015
Art Studio of Barrie Kaufman, Charleston, WV
Studio Assistant
May — Aug. 2015
Workshops
Make.Shift Art Space, Bellingham, WA
Creating Life with Line Workshop, 2023
Juliet Art Museum, Charleston, WV
Creating Life with Line Workshop, 2022
Mountaineer Montessori School, Charleston, WV
Narrative Art Workshop, 2018
Clients
Alec Neu
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Center for Climate Integrity
Daniel Sohn
Friends of Blackwater Falls
Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance
Kathleen M. Jacobs
Kin Ship Goods
Water Stone Outdoors
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
West Virginia Tourism
40+ independent clients