A Legacy of Illustration
Carol Way Wood ’68 knew she wanted to be an illustrator since she was eight years old. It made sense, as she comes from a lineage steeped in artistic talents. Her mother, Grace Godwin Way, was a skilled painter, and her grandfather, Frank Godwin, was a celebrated illustrator and cartoonist known for his comic strip, Connie, and his book illustrations for Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, and Robin Hood. Inspired by this legacy, Carol nurtured her artistic pursuit from an early age. She sold her first painting at 14 and has been a freelance artist ever since.
Drawing upon her education at Colby-Sawyer, Carol emphasized the significance of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
"Having a good liberal arts education," she said, "was invaluable in shaping my perspective and honing my skills as an artist."
Moreover, Carol said she treasures the lasting bonds forged with friends and the sense of community cultivated during her time at Colby-Sawyer. She remembered the simple joy of lunch outings at The Crane House—a cherished tradition among CSC students. She also fondly remembered a beloved English teacher, Marcia Greene, whose mentorship left a lasting impression.
"She took a particular interest in me," Carol reminisced, "which meant a great deal to me." The tragic loss of Miss Green due to a car accident deeply impacted Carol, underscoring for her the profound influence of supportive mentors.
When asked about the biggest influence on her life, Carol credited her best friend's words of encouragement.
"My best friend told me once I was stronger than I think I am, and that made all the difference," she reflected.
As Carol’s confidence grew, she went on to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. She started filling sketchbooks with drawings, a practice she continues to this day.
Carol has kept rabbits her whole life and often uses them as a source of inspiration for her art. Despite her formal training in figure drawing, she said she finds comfort in depicting the wonders of nature and capturing the beauty of animals and flora. Her original watercolors have been showcased across southern New England and are in collections worldwide.
Carol has also written and illustrated two books: Pearls, a book of recipes, thoughts and observations about life, and A Fine Book of Letters, an illustrated journey through the alphabet. Carol said she enjoys tending to her garden, strolling along the beach or through the woods and cherishing moments with her beloved pets.
Her career goals?
Carol answered, “Do exactly what I am doing now. I love my work and my life.”