We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maddox Beverly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maddox below.
Maddox, 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?
The majority of the skills I have acquired can be attributed to my time under the guidance of Professor Thad Duhigg. Serving as Thad’s assistant for a semester was a transformative experience, providing me with hands-on training and exposure to a wide array of techniques and disciplines. From mastering the versatile uses of plaster to constructing sturdy crates designed for safely shipping artwork, the knowledge I gained was both practical and deeply enriching. One of the most captivating skills I learned was the process of working with wax to create molds for casting aluminum or bronze. The ability to transform a simple, formless material like wax into something structured, precise, and enduring felt nothing short of magical. Witnessing the metamorphosis from a fragile wax model to a robust metal sculpture gave me an immense appreciation for the process and the material itself. Beyond these specific techniques, I also learned the art and precision of welding, along with several other essential skills that are integral to creating and handling art at a professional level. Each lesson taught by Thad emphasized the importance of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and respect for the materials, instilling in me not just technical proficiency but also a deeper understanding of the creative process.
Knowing what I know now, there are several steps I could have taken to speed up my learning process during my time under Professor Thad Duhigg. First and foremost, I would have approached the experience with a more proactive mindset, seeking additional opportunities to practice and refine the skills I was learning outside of my direct responsibilities. For instance, dedicating extra time to experimenting with plaster, wax, and mold-making independently could have deepened my understanding and reinforced what Thad taught me. I also realize that asking more targeted questions and seeking feedback on my work more frequently could have accelerated my growth. By better understanding the nuances of techniques like welding or crate-building through detailed critiques, I could have identified and corrected mistakes sooner, leading to faster improvement. Additionally, keeping a detailed journal of my learning process—documenting techniques, challenges, and insights—would have helped me retain the knowledge and troubleshoot issues more effectively. Reviewing these notes regularly would have reinforced the lessons and served as a valuable reference for future projects. Lastly, seeking inspiration and guidance from other sources, such as books, videos, or conversations with experienced artists, could have provided alternate perspectives and expanded my understanding of the methods I was learning. Combining Thad’s expertise with self-initiated exploration might have given me an even broader foundation in a shorter time.
The most essential skills I developed were welding and plaster forming, both of which are foundational techniques in the creation and presentation of sculptural works. Welding was critical not only for its practicality in fabricating and assembling metal structures but also for the precision and craftsmanship it demanded. Mastering welding taught me how to work confidently with metals, ensuring strong, seamless joints that contribute both to the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of a piece. It also helped me understand the properties of different metals and how they behave under heat, which is invaluable in both functional and artistic contexts. Equally important was learning how to form and manipulate plaster, a versatile material used extensively in mold-making and sculpture. This skill provided a foundation for creating durable molds that capture intricate details, which are essential for casting in materials such as bronze or aluminum. The process of working with plaster, from mixing it to the right consistency to applying and shaping it with precision, taught me the importance of timing, attention to detail, and adaptability. Together, these skills represent the intersection of technical ability and artistic vision, enabling me to bring concepts to life with a high level of craftsmanship and structural reliability.
Several obstacles stood in the way of learning more effectively during my time under Professor Thad Duhigg. Reflecting on my experience, one key challenge was not fully utilizing the time and resources available to me. Another obstacle was my hesitancy to ask more detailed questions or seek consistent feedback. This slowed my ability to identify areas where I could improve, particularly with intricate skills like mold-making or perfecting welding techniques. Overcoming this reluctance earlier would have helped me refine my skills more quickly and with greater confidence. Additionally, the sheer breadth of new techniques, from building crates for shipping artwork to casting aluminum and bronze, sometimes made it challenging to focus deeply on mastering any one skill. Balancing the need to learn foundational skills like plaster forming with the desire to explore the “magical” process of casting required better prioritization and time management on my part. Lastly, not documenting my learning process or seeking supplementary resources beyond the workshop environment created a gap in my ability to reinforce and retain the knowledge I was gaining. If I had kept detailed notes or sought additional inspiration from books, videos, or other artists, I could have expanded my understanding more comprehensively and filled in gaps that arose from time constraints or limitations in hands-on practice. These obstacles, while challenging, provided valuable lessons in how to approach learning with greater efficiency and intention moving forward.
Maddox, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My artistic journey is a deeply personal exploration of identity, rooted in my experience as a transgender man. Through my work, I strive to shed light on the nuances of this transformative journey while fostering understanding and compassion for the transgender community as a whole. My sculptures serve as more than just creative expressions—they are testimonials of the strength, vulnerability, and courage it takes to embrace and reveal one’s authentic self.
What sets my work apart is the deeply intentional approach I bring to each piece. I do not shy away from portraying the challenges and triumphs that punctuate my path. Instead, I lean into them, crafting art that celebrates resilience while offering an honest depiction of the complexities of identity. This authenticity is woven into every creation, making my work both deeply personal and universally resonant.
I employ a dynamic combination of plaster casting and intricate sewing techniques to bring my pieces to life. Plaster, with its historical ties to capturing the human form, becomes a powerful medium to reflect the physical and emotional transformations of my journey. Each cast is a tangible representation of self-discovery and metamorphosis, bearing the imprints of the emotions that shaped my path. Sewing, on the other hand, introduces a symbolic layer, threading together memories, emotions, and shared experiences. Each stitch is a metaphor for the connections within my story and the broader narrative of my community, emphasizing the resilience that defines both.
Through this work, I aim to challenge traditional norms and push creative boundaries. My sculptures are not just objects—they are chapters of my life, bearing witness to my hardships and the resilience I’ve cultivated along the way. They are purposeful and deliberate, inviting viewers to engage with the emotions they evoke, sparking reflection and dialogue about identity, transformation, and the beauty of authenticity.
I am most proud of the way my art resonates with others, particularly those who see elements of their own experiences reflected in my journey. It is incredibly fulfilling to create work that fosters connection, understanding, and empathy. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is not just about my story—it’s about creating a space where all stories of transformation, authenticity, and resilience can be seen and celebrated.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most defining moments of my journey, and a true testament to my resilience, occurred when I became the target of a hate crime on campus. As a transgender man, navigating both personal growth and public identity has always required strength, but this experience tested me in ways I could never have anticipated. It was a moment of profound vulnerability—an attack not just on me but on the identity I had worked so hard to embrace and express. Rather than letting this incident silence me or deter me from my path, I chose to channel my emotions into my art. In the face of fear and discrimination, creating became my refuge and my resistance. Every sculpture I crafted during this time was imbued with the pain, anger, and determination I felt. My work transformed into a powerful declaration of my existence, a refusal to be erased or diminished by the ignorance of others.
One particularly meaningful piece from that period involved the use of plaster casting of my own body—a medium that allowed me to physically and emotionally document my transformation. The tactile process of shaping plaster into a representation of my journey became a form of healing, each cast a tangible testament to my strength. I paired this with a different piece that included sewing techniques, weaving together fragments of identity and resilience, and using art to stitch together the pieces of myself that the hate crime sought to tear apart. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of vulnerability and authenticity. It showed me that resilience is not just about enduring hardship but about creating something meaningful from it. My art became a bridge—connecting my personal pain with a broader dialogue about identity, visibility, and acceptance. Through it, I reclaimed my narrative and turned a moment of darkness into a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and creative expression.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my view, fostering a thriving creative ecosystem begins with society embracing and actively supporting the diversity of voices and experiences that artists bring to the world. Creativity flourishes when artists feel seen, valued, and safe to express their unique perspectives. For me, as a transgender artist who has faced challenges such as being the target of a hate crime, the role of societal support in sustaining resilience and creativity is undeniable.
First and foremost, society must provide accessible platforms and resources for artists to develop and share their work. This includes affordable studio spaces, funding opportunities, grants, and access to high-quality materials and tools. These resources empower artists to focus on their craft without the constant stress of financial or logistical barriers. For example, having access to materials like plaster and professional welding equipment was essential to my growth and the realization of my vision. Society must invest in education and awareness programs that celebrate diversity and confront bias, creating a culture where artists feel empowered to share their stories without fear of backlash. Moreover, society should celebrate the arts as a tool for connection, healing, and dialogue. Public institutions like schools, galleries, and museums can play a pivotal role by showcasing a wide array of artistic expressions and fostering conversations around them. Encouraging art education from an early age is equally vital, as it helps cultivate a lifelong appreciation for creativity while equipping future generations to engage meaningfully with art. Finally, society must recognize the emotional and intellectual labor involved in being an artist. This means fair compensation, equitable opportunities, and the acknowledgment that art is not just a product but a vital contribution to culture and humanity. Supporting artists means supporting their ability to tell stories, foster understanding, and challenge norms—work that benefits everyone. By investing in artists and valuing their contributions, society builds a foundation for empathy, innovation, and connection. As someone who has used art to turn personal pain into collective dialogue, I can attest to its transformative power—not just for the creator but for the community it touches. When society values and supports this process, it creates an ecosystem where creativity can truly thrive.
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Image Credits
Maddox Beverly, Brooke Krankle