Member Spotlight: Stevie McCarley
Welcome to our Member Spotlight series at Tao of Clay where each month, we celebrate the unique voices, creative journeys, and artistic styles that make up our community.
For founder Josh Herman, ceramics has long been more than a medium, it's a way to explore ideas, express ourselves, grow through making and connecting both through and connection. In this series, we introduce you to one member’s personal story, process, and inspirations so we can all learn from each other and deepen our understanding of not only our clay practice but to others at The Tao of Clay and beyond. Because when we share our craft, we build more than beautiful forms, we build community.
Meet: Stevie McCarley
What first drew you towards working with clay?
Clay has been a medium I’ve always wanted to try but I felt intimidated by how expansive it is. I love how sculptures feel like they are living in the room with you. I wasn’t sure how to start but then I found Tao of Clay. The Clay and Organicity - coil sculpture class was the perfect introduction.
How long have you been working with ceramics, and what’s changed most in your practice since you started?
I started making sculptures last summer when I became a member. I had never been a part of a studio before. Being in this community has helped me grow so much as an artist. Meeting all of the incredibly talented members has brought so much joy in my life and practice.
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What did you do before clay (or alongside it)?
I’ve been exploring different mediums for the past 10 years. Art has been a kind of therapy for me after suffering a brain injury. The fact that creating helped my recovery informs everything I make. I was inspired to make sensory stones that help me when I’m feeling overwhelmed trying to process in social situations.
What are you currently working on right now?
I’m interested in figurative work. I have so many ideas coming to me for this new medium. I’m just trying them all while still learning. Most of what I’m making right now is deeply personal. I’m finding my voice in clay.
Is there something you’re trying to get better at right now?
I am exploring how to be comfortable in the unknown.I’m allowing myself to grow and learn at my own pace with every new discovery.
What’s a technique or style you’re currently obsessed with?
I am currently obsessed with making glazes. Understanding ingredients and developing my own glazes through test tiles. Getting to learn about the magic that happens in the kiln. There’s just so much to do in the ceramics field.
Learn More About Developing Glazes Through Testing
Where are you finding inspiration lately? (books, places, people, music, etc.)
Recently I’ve been inspired by early art, like Paleolithic Venus's. We aren’t even sure who made them or why. Work that is accredited to humanity and our basic desire to create.
Do you have a creative ritual or routine?
Making coils for my sculptures has become a ritual for me. Splitting the clay into sections. Keeping the perfect amount of moisture. Rolling out each coil by hand. Scoring and connecting to the sculpture. Smoothing out the layers. Then beginning again. The repetition of the act along with the individual care of each coil, brings me a reverence for the clay.
Fast Fire Facts
Coffee, tea or ??? in the studio?
Coffee from Cafe Motto’s drive thru. It’s a must on my way to the studio and to help me brave street parking.
Favorite tool you can’t live without?
My shape 0 mud tools rubber rib. I love to create a smooth finish with it on my sculptures.
Favorite song, podcast or ?? To listen while in the studio?
I’m usually listening to Charli xcx very loud in my headphones. My current favorite song is Cross You Out.
One word that describes your current work:
Fem.
What are you excited to explore next?
I just started the Throwing 1 class and I’m really excited to explore throwing on the wheel.