Powell has been exploring embroidery textile and fabric art for over 20 years and was a forerunner of the recent embroidery explosion in popularity. Carol’s work is an exploration of uncontrollable circumstances; the mixed media work is humorous, tragic and autobiographical. Powell mixes dry irony about her life conditions (including her struggle with diabetes) and social observation with nostalgic story-book style imagery. They are a mix of fabrics, paint, marker and collage. She has been influenced by many, contemporary, folk, and commercial artists and inspired by children’s books, Eastern Indian paintings and textiles. Her artwork has been shown and held in various collections including the Santa Barbara Museum and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the Santa Monica Museum of Art.