Meet the Artist
Photograph by Madeline Hensler
"Seapod Wall Installation n. 3" 2018 by Kendra McCartney
Kendra McCartney is the artist and creator behind K: MCCARTNEY STUDIO in MIdland, Texas.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Texas Tech University. Recently I finished an artist residency at 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 still love to teach but now on a smaller scale with individual lessons and workshops. Teaching art has allowed me to grow as an artist and person by being able to share my love of art with others. Future plans with teaching, include traveling for workshops and online video tutorials. When I'm not creating I can be found at home doing yoga, dancing/hooping, reading, watching Doctor Who, Harry Potter, or anything Disney with our studio cat Amelia, rockhounding and going on adventures with my sweetheart, Josh. For a behind the scenes look at what's going on with me and K: MCCARTNEY STUDIO like me on Facebook page, and Instagram. In the future watch live videos on Twitch. Thanks for visiting!
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Texas Tech University. Recently I finished an artist residency at 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 still love to teach but now on a smaller scale with individual lessons and workshops. Teaching art has allowed me to grow as an artist and person by being able to share my love of art with others. Future plans with teaching, include traveling for workshops and online video tutorials. When I'm not creating I can be found at home doing yoga, dancing/hooping, reading, watching Doctor Who, Harry Potter, or anything Disney with our studio cat Amelia, rockhounding and going on adventures with my sweetheart, Josh. For a behind the scenes look at what's going on with me and K: MCCARTNEY STUDIO like me on Facebook page, and Instagram. In the future watch live videos on Twitch. Thanks for visiting!
Artist Statement
I create artwork inspired by the natural world we live in with the addition of 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.
My work is a reflection of who I am, my interests, where I came from, who I was, and who I hope to become. While I primarily work in clay because of its malleability and limitless possibilities, I have recently started an exploration into common found objects as sculpture media. Curiosity drives me to search out answers in a 42 pound block of cheddar cheese, a stack of cardboard, or a pile of grapevines and branches. The material has changed and sometimes the subject matter, but the influences and styles of how I work in clay are consistent even in these “foreign” materials. This new expansion in my body of work is leading me into uncharted territories, driving an evolution beyond my roots in clay.
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.
My work is a reflection of who I am, my interests, where I came from, who I was, and who I hope to become. While I primarily work in clay because of its malleability and limitless possibilities, I have recently started an exploration into common found objects as sculpture media. Curiosity drives me to search out answers in a 42 pound block of cheddar cheese, a stack of cardboard, or a pile of grapevines and branches. The material has changed and sometimes the subject matter, but the influences and styles of how I work in clay are consistent even in these “foreign” materials. This new expansion in my body of work is leading me into uncharted territories, driving an evolution beyond my roots in clay.
C.V.
Education/Internship/Residency
2016-2018 Charles Adams Studio Project- 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
Group Exhibitions/Juried Shows
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
July 2014-
Sunset Art Galleries: Amarillo, TX
Melissa Fenwick Studio/Gallery: April & May 2008
Vastu Gallery: November 2008– February 2011
Festivals/Miscellaneous
L.E.A.F [juried] Llano, TX 2019
Lubbock Arts Festival 2013,2014, 2015, 2016,2017, 2018
Wine and Clay Festival: Lubbock TX 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
Lubbock Artist Studio Tour [juried]: 2013, 2014, 2015
First Friday Art Trail Lubbock TX: 2012-present (various months & locations)
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-
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
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
2016-2018 Charles Adams Studio Project- 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
Group Exhibitions/Juried Shows
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
July 2014-
Sunset Art Galleries: Amarillo, TX
Melissa Fenwick Studio/Gallery: April & May 2008
Vastu Gallery: November 2008– February 2011
Festivals/Miscellaneous
L.E.A.F [juried] Llano, TX 2019
Lubbock Arts Festival 2013,2014, 2015, 2016,2017, 2018
Wine and Clay Festival: Lubbock TX 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
Lubbock Artist Studio Tour [juried]: 2013, 2014, 2015
First Friday Art Trail Lubbock TX: 2012-present (various months & locations)
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-
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
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