Biography

As you read on the home page, I am Carl Jara, and I want to thank you for taking the time to peruse my pages. I've never really shown my work in galleries, so this site offers me the chance to show off my skills.   It all began with my intense interest in making art at a very early age. Anything I could get my hands on became a medium, and I'm sure my vast collection of Legos didn't hurt. I continued in high school focusing more and more on illustration, but dabbling in the third dimension. This trend extended throughout college where I studied not only illustration, but also graphic design.   However, one man, Tom Morrison, who by the way is not a proffessor, but a firefighter, had been showing me the world of sand sculpture. He taught me how to prapare the material, how to deal with clients, price out my sevices, and seek my own education on things neither he nor the school could teach me. He introduced me to others in the field and pushed my work to those who might never have seen it otherwise.   In 1998 I graduated with a BFA and began a full time carreer as a sand sculptor. Since then, I've competed in contests, including the World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition, and worked in over 11 different countries and more than two dozen states. From the contests I've taken home over three dozen medals, and from the job I've gained the greatest gift, the chance to do what I love.   I always say my sand sculpture allows me the funds to create my other art. And what you see here on these pages is that other work. I have an insatiable desire to create, and it remains, anything I can get my hands on becomes a medium.  (I'm going to briefly post script this biography, until I have the chance to rewrite it) In early 2005 I accepted the permanent, part-time position of Exhibits Artisan/Technician at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where I get to work in just about any medium imaginable. I'll be sure to post some photos of the new exhibits I build.   Enjoy!