We were lucky to catch up with Claire McCarty recently and have shared our conversation below.
Claire, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
When I knew that I wanted to pursue the arts in college, I began loading up art art courses my junior and senior years of high school. I was able to work on projects independently and explore different media and ideas. One day, I noticed a Potter’s wheel in the corner of my high school art room. Despite my teacher not working with clay, she said I could give it a whirl and play around. I fell in love with the medium and even though I went to VCUarts with the intention of studying Fashion Design, after my first intro to clay course I knew I had to switch to pursue ceramics. I wasn’t sure what a career in clay might look like but I was curious enough and passionate enough to find out. Spending as much time in the studio, practicing and trying and failing was the biggest asset to learning the technical skills. You can listen and observe all day long but to honestly figure it out and gain mastery you have to have your hands in clay. There are no shortcuts, you truly have to put in the time. Participating in an intensive workshop in Penland, NC was a major opportunity for growth, devoid of daily distractions, it allowed me to focus all of my energy on creating and exploring. Patience and persistence are the most essential traits and a muscle that is exercised constantly to keep the maker humble and hungry. The biggest obstacle is typically access to opprunities and funds to allocate towards growth.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Claire Jensen McCarty and I am an artist, maker, and educator. I live and work in Richmond, VA and am the founder and creator of BEAR CERAMICS, specializing in small-batch functional, sculptural, and wearable ceramic art. I teach ceramics and photography courses at the upper school level and a range of ages and abilities at a non-profit arts center. I originally grew up in Harrisonburg, VA in the foothills of the Alleghany and Appalachian mountains, which afforded me a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty in all things organic. I work predominantly with clay; drawn to its raw origins and tangible possibilities. From jewelry and accessories, to tableware and sculpture, I pursue the notion of creating wearable and functional art. I strive to bring art into the every day, whether it is dressing yourself for a routine work day or a special event, eating your morning breakfast or setting the table for a gathering of friends. I aspire to use my ceramic pieces to enhance experiences and the aesthetics of modern life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Working with my hands. Taking a raw material and imparting my own expression into a malleable medium. I love interacting with the clay work at various stages, and then firing it to a permanent state in the hopes of it withstanding the test of time. I find the process meditative, healing and humbling in the same breath. I find it rewarding to create handmade objects that play intimate roles in everyday life. It is gratifying and humbling when someone tells me they use one of my mugs everyday as part of their morning ritual. Every piece I make is a part of me and the idea of a piece becoming a cherished part of someone else’s life is fulfilling.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I strive to impart art in the everyday. I endeavor to make the arts more accessible and attainable because I believe it can enhance the depth and breadth of our human experience. A driving force for me is staying curious and exploring ideas but in the same breath, sharing my discoveries with my students and paying it forward with the skills and knowledge that I have accrued. In creating my own work, I aim to craft thoughtfully designed and intentional works of art that are unique and beautiful yet still functional and affordable. When constructing each piece by hand, every work of art is indelibly one-of-a-kind. No two objects are ever the same. In a world of mass production, that quality of individuality feels very special. I am invested in creating well-made works of art that are embedded with humanity and crafted to stand the test of time. Clay is a material steeped in history and tradition while also offering infinite opportunities for evolution and a chance to impart my own voice and vision in the ongoing conversation. I hope to bring more people into that conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.bearceramics.com
- Instagram: Bearceramics
- Facebook: Bear Ceramics
Image Credits
Kate McGee Photograhy Todd Wright Photography