AX Emerging Artist in Residence - Ceramics, Sarah McCord
Bio
I currently teach Art and English at Kennebecasis Valley High School. I have always been drawn to Visual Arts growing up, its universal communication potential, and ability to connect people to one another and nature. I have spent a lot of time exploring acrylic painting and mixed media. I painted wooden ornaments for a couple of years that have been sold in the NB Box. I have been involved in several community art projects recently including creator of KV Mini Art galleries, 2023 Integration Festival Uptown Saint John, 2022 Artists in Schools Grant with Artist Karen Knight, and successfully taught a mixed media workshop for children at De Las Artes School of Arts in Quispamsis. I have a BA in Psychology/English, a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with a minor in Art Education, and a Master of Education in Exceptional Learners. I am always learning; I began my journey with ceramics in 2023 when an artist visited our school. Following this partnership, I eagerly took a course at AX Arts Centre with Alana Wilson, and most recently completed a course at SJ Arts Centre, making use of studio time after. I bought my own wheel a few months ago and have a home studio and run a Cone Art Kiln at school. I want to spend the rest of my life creating with clay and giving my students as many experiences with it as I can!
Artist Statement
As an emerging ceramic artist, I seek to refine my skills in both hand-building and wheel thrown pieces, often combing the two. I wish to explore the addition of driftwood in my fired pieces as well as printing techniques from natural elements: animal skulls and bones, plants, rocks, and other natural New Brunswick found objects. I recently started an Instagram account called “Loveandskullspottery” that embodies the two hemispheres of thought and lived experience I wish to explore: things I love and our connection/fascination with the unknown. I am fascinated by the ethereal quality of a skull with all its nooks and crannies, transferring a feeling of life. Some of my “loves” that come out in my work include animals (especially dogs and cats!), the Maritimes, using the heart symbol in new ways, layering colors, the depths of the ocean, creepy creatures that have an important role in our ecosystem, rain and the sky, and natural impressions.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the RBC Foundation's Emerging Artists Program for making it possible for us to host Sarah at AX.
