INTERVIEW: Carol Travers Lummus | Ogunquit Art Association (OAA) Showcase Artist

Carol Travers Lummus is an Ogunquit Art Association member-artist (Printmaker) and one of our Showcase Artists at Barn Gallery for the 2025 Season.

Carol Travers Lummus’ Showcase at Barn Gallery will run from May 21st – June 21st, 2025 with an Opening Reception on Saturday, May 24th (from 4PM – 7PM) and a Gallery Talk (along with Photographer, Karen Bushold) on Thursday, June 5th at 6PM.

Learn more about the Barn Gallery 2025 Schedule: barngallery.org/2025-season

What is the title of your Showcase and how does your artwork reflect it?

The title of my showcase is “Lines, Lace and Levity.”

What techniques, materials and ideas will you be showcasing?

I use traditional intaglio and relief printmaking techniques, including etching, aquatint and engraving. Each print is hand-pulled onto fine rag paper. Thematically, my work explores humor, introspection, and a connection to the past, often inspired by early twentieth century imagery, foppish folks and motifs. Included are three of my semi-Modernist oils.

Are your titles important to your artwork?

Yes, my titles are a vital part of the storytelling in my work. Titles help frame the narrative while leaving room for personal interpretation.

How does this body of artwork fit into your larger art production?

This collection represents a culmination of my lifelong fascination with linework and storytelling. It reflects my evolution my early admiration for Albrecht Dürer to my years experimenting with form and space under the guidance of my Modernist teacher William Holst.

How long has the Ogunquit Art Association been a part of your art career?

The Ogunquit Art Association has been an essential part of my artistic journey for at least three decades. Michael Palmer first introduced me to Ogunquit, and OAA has been a welcoming, generous and inspiring community ever since.

What are your future art plans?

I plan to continue etching and expand and explore the depths of oil again while experimenting with new approaches that push the boundaries of my visual language.

“One of the most difficult assignments for me to do is to explain what I do. I can readily explain the technique (the process of etching which can be found at my website), alas, for me to explain the meaning of my work is like asking an author to draw a picture describing his novel … like asking a daisy to explain horticulture. With my line work, I take spaghetti for a walk. That is when I am in my zone. Hal La Croix, of Peterborough, described my work as having a “warmth and spirit that forms coy statements on social conventions” and “refreshingly devoid of self-conscious artistic pretense.””

LEARN MORE: carollummus.com