Carol Marples graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1988 with a BA (Hons.) in Tapestry. Since then she has exhibited, created artworks and installations, taught courses and led workshops for all ages and abilities in Scotland, Europe and North America in a variety of contexts; conference centres, church halls, barns, universities, cathedrals and tents in many other unexpected places. Carol first began teaching at Leith School of Art in 1992 leading many workshops and courses including life drawing, textiles, and art and spirituality.

She is the primary artist, teacher, creative liturgist and development worker for the Soul Marks Trust. (Est. 2003.) and an affiliate tutor at the University of Glasgow. 

In 2012 Carol completed an MLitt in Theology, Imagination and the Arts (distinction), and in 2019 a PhD in Installation Art and Contemporary Worship, University of St. Andrews.