Carly Thaw is a visual artist and illustrator living in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Carly’s studio practice is informed by the science and math at the core of ecology and Earth’s animate systems. She uses intricate mark making inspired by the patterns found in nature to create dynamic narratives at the intersection of place, time, and personal human perception. Carly employs a variety of media and original drawing and painting techniques to build color and pattern to create optical vibration and an energetic, sensory, and sometimes immersive viewing experience.

Her work is rooted not only in working with and understanding on a scientific level the structure and appearance of patterns in nature, but also in creating metaphors to express human relationship to nature and ecological time, particularly in the face of the current climate crisis. Her work has been shown in West Virginia, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia, CA.

Carly also maintains a published illustration practice with an emphasis on science communication and narrative illustration. Carly holds an MFA from Emily Carr University of Art + Design (2025), and a BA in Graphic Design from American University (2018).