Virginia McKinney
I am inspired and loosely reference dwelling forms in nearly all of my work. The home, habitat, abode, residence - more than architectural terms, these forms of shelter and refuge are both personal and universal. My quirky structures reference Native American Pueblos, Cappadocian dwellings, Saharan graineries, and other indigenous architecture. I am also fascinated with the ladder as a metaphor for movement and change and frequently use it along with the dwelling forms.
Using red, brown and white clays along with slips, stains and underglazes, I create quirky, architecturally inspired "dwelling" forms that reference details such as windows, doorways, ladders and sometimes with a sweet little perched bird. After the clay pieces are finished fired in an electric kiln, I make the bases by forging the steel in a gas forge to create the various shapes, and then I MIG weld them together. They are finished with a rust resistant paint so that they can be displayed both indoors or outside. They range in size from 6 inches to 6 feet.
Address: 536 Roosevelt St Oregon City OR 97045
Ceramics/Pottery|Mixed Media|Sculpture
Community: Outer SW Portland
Studio Number: 72
Email: virginia@virginiamckinney.com
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