Carmen Ostermann Bridges Scientific Understanding and Caring for Native Species Through Sculpture
Carmen Ostermann is a ceramic sculptor whose work is shaped by a lifelong engagement with the natural world. Raised in the United States, Canada, Japan and the Philippines, she developed a deep appreciation for diverse landscapes, ecosystems and cultural relationships with the environment. Her exhibition Homegrown: The Art of Living Together features intricate, hand-sculpted porcelain inspired by native Ohio birds, insects and plants. It’s on view at Dublin Arts Council’s galleries Nov. 14 — Dec. 18, 2026.
Raygan: What inspired your interest in ecological relationships?
Carmen: I’ve always been fascinated by things that seem small or insignificant to us but are actually part of something much bigger than ourselves. I’m drawn to the tiny, sometimes invisible elements of the natural world, as well as the ways everything is connected and how humans fit into those relationships.
I grew up internationally, and moving around the world gave me the opportunity to experience many different ecosystems. Those experiences left me continually curious, inspired and humbled by the natural world. I find so much beauty in how everything is connected, and I think recognizing that I’m part of those relationships, rather than separate from them, is what continues to inspire my work.
Raygan: What draws you to working in porcelain?
Carmen: Porcelain comes from the earth, which feels fitting for sculptures that explore the natural world. I also love its smooth, alabaster-like surface after firing. Its whiteness is particularly important to my work because it reflects the environmental losses caused by human activity. I often think of coral bleaching, where vibrant ecosystems lose their color and vitality. My sculptures similarly strip color from the species they depict, leaving intricate, almost ghostlike forms behind.
Porcelain is also a challenging material to work with, especially given the detail in my sculptures. A single piece can take a considerable amount of time to make, and I enjoy that slow, deliberate process.
Raygan: How does your work as an artist overlap with your role as the administrative and projects coordinator for Columbus Audubon and your experience as an educator?
Carmen: My work as an artist, educator, and administrative and projects coordinator for Columbus Audubon is deeply interconnected. Each role informs the others, and I’m constantly thinking about how I can bring art, education and science together.
I want my work to do more than invite people to look at something beautiful. I’m interested in creating experiences that help people learn about the natural world and feel empowered to take action to protect it. My current body of work focuses on native Ohio ecosystems and invites people to learn about native plant gardening and consider how they might bring native plants into their own communities.
Collaborating with educators, scientists, conservationists and other artists has taught me so much and opened up new possibilities for my work.
Raygan: Who is a local artist that you’re inspired by?
Carmen: I’m inspired by Char Norman, a local fiber artist whose work I find absolutely arresting. She has a beautiful way of combining materials and creating connections to the natural world. I love the forms her work takes and the experience she creates for the viewer. Her work invites you to slow down, look closely and really spend time with it.
Raygan: What are your favorite things about Columbus?
Carmen: I love the neighborhoods in Columbus. When I first moved here, I was surprised by how many distinct areas the city had, each with its own personality and energy.
I also love the metro parks and how much access to nature we have here. The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a great example. It’s just a mile or so from downtown, yet it gives people access to incredible natural spaces and educational resources. I was amazed by how much nature you can experience within a city, and how accessible it is to the public.
See Carmen Ostermann’s exhibition Homegrown: The Art of Living Together, featuring intricate, hand-sculpted porcelain inspired by native Ohio birds, insects and plants, at Dublin Arts Council’s galleries, Nov. 14 — Dec. 18, 2026.
About the author
Raygan Barrett, director of design and strategy at Dublin Arts Council.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.