Delicious Mud series
Carrie is frequently influenced by the natural world, and her Delicious Mud series is inspired by Yellowstone National Park. During multiple visits to the park, she observed the landscape with its numerous geysers, hot springs and mud pots, from which water flowed. The flowing water deposits minerals and bacteria over the surrounding rock and sediment, therefore causing the growth of the microbial mats (also known as bacterial mats) which in turn create patterns of various colors and forms. Carrie mimics these natural abstractions in her paintings through the process of applying numerous layers of texture and color. This layering technique is similar to the way the mats are naturally formed over time. Through her work, Carrie hopes that her viewers will be encouraged to find an appreciation and respect for all natural places.