Meet the Artist
Hello and welcome! My name is Kendra McCartney. I am a magical maker of mugs and storybook pottery living in West Texas.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Texas Tech University. I am a former live/work artist with the Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP) in Lubbock, Texas (2016-2018). At the end of fall 2017, I took the leap from being a full time art teacher to full time studio artist. I have set up a small home studio in Lubbock, TX.
In 2019, alongside my husband Josh, we started traveling to art festivals in Texas to sell and show my work. Our booth received 1st place at the Harvest Moon Festival in Granbury, TX.
While the pandemic put a pause on our traveling and in person shows. I pivoted and adapted my studio practice to be completely present online. I started a live Facebook series "Once Upon a Wheel". My live video series has been a way to connect with others. tell stories and give a behind the scenes look at how I create my storybook pottery.
In 2022, we dove back into in person local art events and markets. My art was accepted into a series of art vending machines called, The Little Crow's Market. I also received a generous art grant and put on my first solo exhibition at the CASP 5 & J Gallery in December of 2022! I joined three artists, Sam Gaitan and Mary Burt as a resident artist in CASP Studio F starting in 2023. We later brought in mixed media artist Inki Garcia to the studio. You can find my pottery each month at the First Friday Art Trail in the CASP Work Studio F behind the 5 & J Gallery with my studio mates & guest artists!
For the past few years I have been learning to navigate and balance some new chronic health diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos and POTS. I have had to switch up a lot of how I create my art and find adaptations to be able to continue to create art and participate in shows and markets. The BoOfriends were created in response to me being no longer able to throw on my pottery wheel. I spend time in physical therapy and trying to manage my conditions.
When I'm not creating I love sewing, reading, playing Genshin Impact, watching anime, or anything Disney with our studio cat Amelia. I love to go rockhounding and on adventures with my husband, Josh. You can find me on my Facebook page and Instagram. Previous episodes of Once Upon a Wheel are now available to watch on Youtube. Thanks for visiting!
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Texas Tech University. I am a former live/work artist with the Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP) in Lubbock, Texas (2016-2018). At the end of fall 2017, I took the leap from being a full time art teacher to full time studio artist. I have set up a small home studio in Lubbock, TX.
In 2019, alongside my husband Josh, we started traveling to art festivals in Texas to sell and show my work. Our booth received 1st place at the Harvest Moon Festival in Granbury, TX.
While the pandemic put a pause on our traveling and in person shows. I pivoted and adapted my studio practice to be completely present online. I started a live Facebook series "Once Upon a Wheel". My live video series has been a way to connect with others. tell stories and give a behind the scenes look at how I create my storybook pottery.
In 2022, we dove back into in person local art events and markets. My art was accepted into a series of art vending machines called, The Little Crow's Market. I also received a generous art grant and put on my first solo exhibition at the CASP 5 & J Gallery in December of 2022! I joined three artists, Sam Gaitan and Mary Burt as a resident artist in CASP Studio F starting in 2023. We later brought in mixed media artist Inki Garcia to the studio. You can find my pottery each month at the First Friday Art Trail in the CASP Work Studio F behind the 5 & J Gallery with my studio mates & guest artists!
For the past few years I have been learning to navigate and balance some new chronic health diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos and POTS. I have had to switch up a lot of how I create my art and find adaptations to be able to continue to create art and participate in shows and markets. The BoOfriends were created in response to me being no longer able to throw on my pottery wheel. I spend time in physical therapy and trying to manage my conditions.
When I'm not creating I love sewing, reading, playing Genshin Impact, watching anime, or anything Disney with our studio cat Amelia. I love to go rockhounding and on adventures with my husband, Josh. You can find me on my Facebook page and Instagram. Previous episodes of Once Upon a Wheel are now available to watch on Youtube. Thanks for visiting!
Artist Statement
I create artwork inspired by creatures that derive from books and stories of fantasy. The details lure me in: the tiny veins in leaves, the multi-faceted angles on a rock, and the heavy textures and patterns of a tree's bark. I combine the diversity of nature, myths and legends with the versatility of ceramics to create pieces that offer a tactile moment of discovery. Viewers physically sense the growth and structure in each individual carving when they hold a finished piece in their hand. Depending on the viewer's experience of nature, they may see patterns of animal fur, tree bark, or rock strata with the texture. By imprinting the beauty and structure of the environment into something as utilitarian as a set of cups, I create a pathway for the comfor, solidity, and organic elements of nature to become ingrained in a person's daily rituals.
I begin my artistic process with thorough research into the colors and textures of natural habitats such as nests, decomposing wood, and mosses. I collect textures during my travels, bringing inspiration from Northern California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah as well as materials from my home in the Texas Panhandle. Some of my favorite materials include tree bark, shells, sea glass, rocks, driftwood and seeds. I also utilize handheld pieces of driftwood as tools while throwing on the wheel.
I begin my artistic process with thorough research into the colors and textures of natural habitats such as nests, decomposing wood, and mosses. I collect textures during my travels, bringing inspiration from Northern California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah as well as materials from my home in the Texas Panhandle. Some of my favorite materials include tree bark, shells, sea glass, rocks, driftwood and seeds. I also utilize handheld pieces of driftwood as tools while throwing on the wheel.
C.V.
Education/Internship/Residency
2023- Charles Adams Studio Project- work studio artist in residence Studio F- Lubbock, TX
2016-2018 Charles Adams Studio Project- live/work artist in residence, Lubbock, TX
2012 ceramics, Texas Tech University
2008-2011, BFA studio art: ceramics, Texas Tech University
2008, continuing education: ceramics, West Texas A & M University
2003-2007, Angelo State University
2002-2003 & 2008, Amarillo College
January– August 2005, Ducktorate Degree, Walt Disney World College Program
Awards
Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts {juried} Granbury, TX 2019
1st Place - Elise Techentine Award of Excellence
Publications
Lubbock Magazine Volume X Issue VII
pages 20-22 & 25-27
FMX Radio
2022
Web write up
Podcasts Interviews
2022
Better than Cheese
Episode 11- Potter & Sculptor Kendra McCartney
Solo Exhibitions
Once Upon a Wheel
December 1-14th 2022
5 & J Gallery
Lubbock, TX
Group Exhibitions/Juried Shows
Mug Madness [juried]
Tundra the Yeti (mug)
Saltstone Ceramics
Seattle, Washington 2020
Wit and Whimsy [juried]
Ash, Pyre and Cinder, the Cyclops
Clay Center of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana 2019
Mug Madness [juried]
Thistlesprout (mug)
Saltstone Ceramics
Seattle, Washington 2019
Material Mugs III: UNDERGLAZE! [juried]
Cyclops Cup
Companion Gallery
Humboldt, TN 2018
FUSION
Kendra McCartney & Shayna McCartney
CASP Studios
Lubbock, TX 2018
Twitterpated
Kendra McCartney
CASP Studios
Lubbock, TX 2018
CAMBIUM & CLAY
Peter Keltz, Kendra McCartney & Jami White
CASP Studios
Lubbock, TX 2017
Naturally Influenced
Jon Johnson & Kendra McCartney
CASP Studios
Lubbock, TX 2017
Stuff I Made today
5 & J Gallery
Lubbock, TX {invitational} 2017
Lubbock Arts Festival 2016
Lubbock, TX {juried}
Lubbock Artist Studio Tour 2015
Lubbock, TX [juried]
180,000 Miles Per Second- 2014
The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
"Illuminated Ice"- wax paper, lights, reflective board
Llano Estacado Clay Guild Annual Group Show 2014
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
Provoc8 Body Politics 2014
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
"No Means No"-ceramic
The Clay Cup: Vessel, Icon, Canvas 2014
University of Missouri [juried]
"Man Cup" 2014- ceramic
Provoc8 2014
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
"25% of College-Aged Women use Binging and Purging as a Weight Control Management Plan."-cheddar cheese sculpture
FRC presents "Stuff I made today" 2014
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
"Below the surface" -cardboard sculpture
Llano Estacado Clay Guild Annual Group Show 2012
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
Not Everything's Bigger in Texas 2012
Seattle, Washington [invitational]
Out of the Fire, Work from Cone 2012 Wood-firing Symposium 2012
Texas Tech downtown gallery
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
Harbinger Publication Finalist Exhibition 2011
Lubbock, TX [juried]
"Eve" 2010
Clarendon Arts Festival 2011
Clarendon, TX [juried]
"Eve" and "Sea Pod" ceramic
Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Fundraiser 2011
Lubbock, TX
various ceramic sculpture, pottery, and jewelry
Not Everything is Bigger in Texas 2011
Tampa, FL [invitational]
"Sea Pod #3"-ceramic, under-glaze
Texas Tech University: BFA SR. Studio Group Exhibition 2011
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
"Eve" 2010, ceramic, under-glaze
Amarillo Museum of Art: The Panhandle Artist Hanging 2011
Amarillo, TX [invitational]
"Ocean Bowl"-ceramic
Not Everything is Bigger in Texas 2010
Philadelphia, PA [invitational]
"Tree Cup"- Ceramic
Texas Tech Ceramics Symposium: MFA & BFA student work 2010
Lubbock, TX [invitational]
“Daphne”- ceramic
Clarendon Arts Festival 2009
Clarendon, TX
Purchase Award [juried]
“Crackle Raku Bowl”-ceramic
Texas Tech University: 22nd Annual Juried Art Student Exhibition 2008
Lubbock, TX [juried]
"Soldier's Letter"-ceramic
Amarillo Museum of Art: The Panhandle Artist Hanging 2008
Amarillo, TX [invitational]
“The Dancers”-ceramic
Amarillo Museum of Art: WT/AC Student & Faculty Show 2008
Amarillo, TX [juried]
“Mary Janes” & “Crackle Raku Bowl”- ceramic
Canyon Clay Co. : WT Bonfire Clay Show 2007
Canyon, TX [invitational]
“Untitled”- ceramic
5 Different Opinions 2007
San Angelo, TX [invitational]
“Sperm & Egg fertility vessel”, “Lady Tree Nymph”, “Man Tree Nymph”-ceramic
Angelo State University Ceramic Invitational: Coffee or Tea 2007
San Angelo, TX [invitational]
“Tree Bark Mug”- ceramic
FAME Student Exhibition 2006
San Angelo, TX [juried]
“Twisted ”- ceramic
Amarillo Museum of Art: Texas Panhandle Invitational Student Art Show 2003
Amarillo, TX [juried]
“Two was Great”- graphite
Representation
Bybee Salon Objet d'Art: Lubbock TX
2014-2025
Sunset Art Galleries: Amarillo, TX
Melissa Fenwick Studio/Gallery: April & May 2008
Vastu Gallery: November 2008– February 2011
Art Festivals and Shows
First Friday Art Trail Lubbock TX: 2012-present (various months & locations)
Oddites Art Market Spring [juried] Lubbock, TX 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Oddites Art Market Fall [juried] Lubbock, TX 2021, 2022, 2023
Lubbock Arts Festival [juried]Lubbock, TX 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2024
Lubbock Con [juried] Lubbock, TX 2023, 2024, 2025
Hub City Renaissance Faire 2024
Goblin Market [juried] Lubbock, TX 2023,2025
Harvest Moon Art Festival [juried] Granbury, TX 2019 Received 1st place for booth
Septemberfest [juried] Midland, TX 2019
Celebration of the Arts [juried] Midland, TX 2019
L.E.A.F [juried] Llano, TX 2019, 2020, 2022
Wine and Clay Festival: Lubbock TX 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2023
Lubbock Artist Studio Tour [juried]: 2013, 2014, 2015
Littlefield Holiday Extravaganza: Littlefield, TX 2014
Grape Day: Lubbock, TX 2014
Lubbock Art Market: August, September 2011
Post Trade Days: May, June, August, October 2010
Littlefield Arts & Crafts Show: June 2009
Organizations
Llano Estacado Clay Guild
member 2012- present
FRC (Free Range Creatives)
member 2014-2015
GSAA
member 2014-2015
Texas Tech Clay Club
President 2011-2012
Vice President 2008-2010
Secretary 2010-2011
Sigma Kappa Sorority: Angelo State University
Positions held: VP of Alumnae Relations, VP of Membership, VP of New Member Education, VP of Membership
2003-2007 active member: 2007– present alumnae member
Employment*
November 2017- present Self-employed Studio Artist:
Lubbock, TX 2017-2018 Midland, TX 2018-2019
Lubbock, TX 2019- present
Summer 2014 Ceramic Instructor at the LHUCA Clay Studio: Lubbock, TX
August 2013- November 2017 Art teacher kinder-high school All Saints Episcopal School: Lubbock, TX
January 2010–August 2013 Art Instructor at Hodges Community Center: Lubbock, TX
Sept. 2009-Oct. 2010 Costume Shop: Lubbock, TX
Aug 2008– June 2009, January 2012-2014 Edible Arrangements: Lubbock, TX
Oct. 2007-July 2008: Great Harvest Bread Co.: Amarillo, TX
Jan 2005– Aug 2005: Walt Disney World: Orlando, FL
*Not all employment listed, creative positions only
Conferences/Workshops
CASP Stone Lithography with Eddy Grigsby 2016
CASP Monster Mashup Screen Printing with John Hancock & Carlos Hernandez 2016
CASP Letterpress with Vicki Bee 2015, 2016, 2017
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts 47th Annual Conference: Houston, TX 2013
Annie Chrietzberg Workshop at LHUCA Clay Studio 2012
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts 46th Annual Conference: Seattle, WA 2012
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts 45th Annual Conference Tampa, FL 2011
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts 44th Annual Conference Philadelphia, PA 2010
National Sigma Kappa Sorority Convention: Washington, D.C. 2006
Angelo State University delegate