CAROL BURLAND was born in Pocatello, Idaho and grew up in 12 different states. She attended Creighton University, Kansas University, and the University of Houston, then moved to New York City and began studying with famed designer Ilonka Karaz. After experimenting with many mediums taught by Karaz, Carol fell in love with the variety of textures available in embroidery and in 1970 completed a 5’x7’ tapestry, the first of a large body of figurative work in that medium.
Her tapestries are in numerous noted corporate and private collections, including that of William Goldman, Oscar-winning screenwriter. Mr. and Mrs.Goldman own eight tapestries, three depicting his favorite novels. "The Princess Bride" tapestry can be viewed in the Architectural Digest’s coverage of his home.
Robert Redford already owned one Burland tapestry when he commissioned “An American Peaceable Kingdom” for his Utah home. This work is highlighted in Bill Kraus’s book, Contemporary Crafts for the Home and has also been reproduced as a poster for Friends of the Earth.
After moving to Texas in the early 90’s, Carol found that working with wool in 100° heat was not conducive to tapestry development. Her love of texture and color subsequently evolved into abstract, textured painted paper collage. This new work greatly expanded her audience and now includes painting on canvas as well.
Texture and color are still the motivators but the medium and the method have changed. The transparency and color opportunity of paint and papers have added dimension and movement to Burland’s current work. It is lively and experimental yet retains the integrity of her tapestry work .
