Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary McGill.
Hi Mary, 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?
My story started 25 years ago while raising my 3 children and taking some art and ceramic classes at Moorpark College. I fell in love with pottery, the process, the artistry, and the excitement of opening the kiln and seeing the results! Not always favorable… As the years went by, I started to acquire the equipment needed to set up my own studio. A pottery wheel, Kiln, various clays and glazes. I fell more in love with it all. I found I could tell stories with the sculptures. By using symbolism I am able to express the journey life takes me on.
At first, I had a home studio in my backyard gazebo, then I applied to Studio Channel Islands Art Center, in Camarillo to be a resident Artist. I was accepted in 2012 and am still there today. I have a wonderful studio and have my wheel, kilns and various equipment there. I am amongst about 40 other artists who also have studios there, and we have a wonderful atmosphere and many different kinds of art and events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is always full of challenges, but I think that is why I love the medium. There is something cathartic about being able to express my joys and journeys through my sculptural work. By using symbolism I am able to explore the turns that life takes as a woman, mother, daughter, friend and wife. It is my story, and I hope to start a conversation or evoke an emotional response. I don’t necessarily want the viewer to know my story, but have the work resonate, trigger a memory, or emotion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a ceramic artist. While working for the last 25 years in this medium I have created countless sculptures and functional work. I am most known for very textural, organic forms, that also are symbolic. I am known for the humor that lies within the work. An expression-tilt of the head- eyes with endless emotion… I love balance… I strive for each piece to have it…. and am proud of that.
I think that my emotional connection to the work is felt by most who view it and could be considered something that sets me apart from others.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Family vacations in Carpenteria…
Pricing:
- 20$-$4000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marymcgillceramics.com
- Instagram: @marymcgillceramics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMcGillCeramics
