Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy McElroy.
Hi Nancy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Newsprint paper pads, crayons, scissors, glue, and watercolor paints, were all my favorite things. Holiday gifts were all handcrafted, and cards were printed one by one. Music, theater, and art were exciting parts of growing up in a small city on Lake Champlain. My mother enjoyed entertaining family and friends; my dad was an exceptional artist and art teacher in public schools for his entire career. Being a hands-on and visual learner led me to a small college in Vermont, where I built a strong art foundation and earned my associate in arts degree. Ceramics was my favorite course, and the seventies were underway with crafts highlighting the flowery, peaceful, and loving era. I dreamt of being a studio production potter with a personal line of hand-thrown dinnerware. Fortunately, I was accepted into Alfred University: Collage of Ceramic Art and Design as a Junior. Having the opportunity to learn more than I knew there was to learn about clay and glazes was a true gift. Hard work, taking advantage of the Ceramic labs, and my professors’ amazing knowledge prepared me for a career in clay after graduation.
To pay bills and use my education, I worked in pottery manufacturing and taught clay classes. It has been forty-five years since those days of life on my own. My husband retired after forty years in law enforcement outside NYC, where we raised two successful adult children. I have always had support and encouragement from my family as I continued working with clay. Ten years ago, we moved to Ormond Beach because we had visited friends and enjoyed the area. We quickly found important groups to volunteer with. Finding many art associations and enjoying craft fairs and fine art festivals has been wonderful. My “clay play” transforms from functional wheel-thrown pottery into more hand-built sculptural structures. Because I build slab boxes and vessels, much of my work now has limited function. Having memberships in Beaux Arts of Central Florida and Florida Women’s Arts Association keeps me busy building pieces to enter special exhibitions.
I have been honored to present Box Building Workshops at Jane’s Art Center in New Smyrna Beach. Last October, I was invited to present a solo show entitled Earth’s Elements. This was an opportunity I will always be grateful for. Jane’s has a marvelous gallery, studio, and class schedule for all those interested in clay. Other Galleries representing my work are Gallery 500 at Daytona One, across from the track, and a lovely new gallery in the Ormond Arts District named Art Spotlight. My creative journey continues as I enjoy meeting other kind and highly talented people. Your Voyage interviews are a welcome venue to shine a light on positivity. Thank you.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
“Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines.” I have enjoyed all facets of my life. Being a mother was my first joy. It was what I always wanted to be, and I loved every minute. I am very, very proud of our daughter and son. This is my time to explore the artist in my soul and work out my many ideas. My studio space has a sign that reads, “If not NOW, when?”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have blended my hand-built sculptures with interesting gems and beautiful crystals for the past few years. The gifts of Mother Nature that sparkle and shine have always intrigued me. Trips to mineral shows fill me with inspiration. The beauty of each stone I purchase provides the design of a box and the colors for glazing. Because I fire to low temperatures, I can blend all colors. Earthenware clays are functional and food safe, so I have fun building vessels, bowls, and boxes to hold whatever you treasure. Most recently, I have been involved in building sculptures in Raku clay that is kiln fired quickly and reduced in smoky flames that give unique results. Jane’s Art Center provides this Raku process on the First Saturday during the NSB Art Walk. Time with friends all working together for this process is always fun, and wonderful works of art emerge from the smoke and ash. Crackle glaze, lusters, and colors work nicely when I combine a cluster of crystals or slab of Agate to my Raku pieces.
Because I am always experimenting and enjoying workshops to learn more, it is difficult to say what I am most proud of. I will be attending the Women in Clay Symposium at Hollins University. It began in 2011 and brings women together to learn from various presenters demonstrating their skills. Keynote speakers offer inspiration and energize the creative juices in all who attend. Another learning opportunity I look forward to is studying with Tina Curry at Arrowmont. My children gifted me with this exciting time to learn sculpting techniques. I have always wanted to sculpt both animal and human figures.
I believe in the importance of continually learning and expanding your horizon line. So, my advice to students is Never to stop looking; Never stop listening; Never stop dreaming; Never stop creating, and Never stop the music! My artful purpose is to provide a positive, joyful work in clay that speaks to patrons of the arts. Meeting those who have enjoyed my art in their homes or shared it as gifts is very rewarding. These moments give me validity, confidence, and encouragement to continue my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.newlovepottery.com
- Instagram: nancy.mcelroy.5
- Facebook: Nancy Newlove Pottery
