Conversations with Madeline Cox

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Cox

Hi Madeline, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Raised in Southern California by a funky and creative family, I’ve been creating art in some form or another as far back as I can remember. From kindergarten through high school I was blessed to be a part of art programs with incredible teachers who encouraged experimentation and mixing medias. I veered away from art practice in college, and elected for a degree in art history. After years away from focused art practice I began creating watercolor and ink pieces in 2018 and thus, FloresInsecta was born. It wasn’t until a holiday party in December 2021 that I tried wheel throwing and found my current medium of choice – clay. While I rarely paint with watercolors, I now focus on highly illustrative pieces using underglazes. I love intermingling the media backgrounds of painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpting with the functionality ceramics affords.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have always found it hard to carve out time to create art without a specific purpose or deadline. In 2021, amidst the pandemic, one of my resolutions was to create more, if only for myself. Still, I found my energy and creativity zapped, feeling uninspired. In 2022 I enrolled in classes at a local ceramics studio and rediscovered the world of ceramics. Classes and the new forms and challenges introduced in ceramics has inspired a renewed creativity.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I initially focused on thrown vessels, I have found my niche with hand building, specifically porcelain charms and jewelry. I hand- cut and sculpt each charm before freehand painting and carving images on the surface. I often turn towards the same inspiration sources I use for paintings and drawings- botanical illustrations, children’s books and still life. While the majority of my larger ceramic pieces feature nature-inspired designs and images, mostly flora and fauna native to North America, with charms I have not stuck to a single theme. My initial vision when starting this charm series was to involve the customer in creating their piece as much as me, the maker. Thus, some charms are one-offs, some part of a small batch within a theme or color scheme, but all are entirely unique. Unlike traditional clay jewelry, my creations are characterized by their bespoke designs. My work aims to transcend conventional charm-making by blending artistic expression with meaningful design, creating pieces that resonate on a personal level and stand as unique tokens of individuality. While most of my output is individual charms, my initial vision was completed charm necklaces, fusing handcrafted porcelain charms with carefully selected vintage and dead stock pieces. This distinctive approach allows me to create one-of-a-kind necklaces that are not only visually striking but also rich with history and character. By merging the timeless quality of porcelain with the charm of vintage findings, my goal is to provide an experience that transcends mere accessorizing—creating heirlooms that are as meaningful as they are beautiful, each necklace a testament to the art of blending heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am fortunate that my parents fostered my creativity from a young age, enrolling me in of in art classes and camps. One of my favorite summers was spent doing a fine arts summer program at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada. Thinking back, spending hours painting each day in Japanese and Rose Gardens was the beginning of my fascination with painting and drawing flora and fauna.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://floresinsecta.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floresinsecta?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr