Meet Charles Clary | Art Professor & Paper Sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Clary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, why did you pursue a creative career?
No matter what we engage in, in life, an artist hand is always at play. Whether it be clothing design, architecture, product design, etc. . . . An artist was involved. Imagine going through the covid pandemic with out creatives sharing their work and providing respite from reality. I chose Art because I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to share the way I see the world with everyone I could.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path to the arts was a difficult one. From a challenging childhood to dealing with intense mental trauma I never thought I would see myself where I am now, but I percivevered and kept pushing myself. I graduated with a BFA in painting with a minor in illustration from Middle Tennessee State University and then went on to get my MFA in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design. That’s where I started to dabble in paper cutting. While there I received a residency in NYC and through happenstance I stumbled into the paper art world. From there things became obsessive and my career took off. My work has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally in hundreds of shows and I have a thriving career in teaching. I’m most proud of the consistency I’ve been able to maintain for the last 10 years and allowing the work to evolve over that time period. I want my students to know that a career in the arts not only possible but a necessity to our society.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in a small town called Conway. It’s a cute town full of awesome experiences. I would first take a trip to Our Next Chapter bookstore and then head to Carolina Cheese and Provisions for an intimate dining experience full of wine, cheese, and fine dining, then head to Crooked Oak for an amazing selection of adult beverages and a healthy selection of bourbons. Finally we would venture down to the river walk for a stroll along the Waccamaw River.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
;My incredibly supportive wife who is my consummate cheerleader Dr Katie Clary My late mother Kristen Clary who alway fostered my creative nature
My incredibly supportive colleagues and friends at Coastal Carolina University

Website: Charlesclary.com

Instagram: @charlesclary

Linkedin: Charles Clary

Facebook: Charles Richard Clary

Image Credits
Charles Clary Scad (Portrait)