Laura Holmes McCarthy is at The Beck

We are excited to welcome self-taught clay artist Laura Holmes McCarthy to The Beck this Spring! Laura works in both ceramic stoneware and polymer out of her Wappingers Falls studio. Through a somewhat “spiritual lens,” Laura’s work intertwines the tradition of craft with the immediacy of her surroundings to form connections between people and place. She strives to create non-disposable works that can be valued by society for years to come, in the same way, she hopes that society will value and respect its own population of craftspeople and laborers.

What I love most about this work is that in a world that seeks perfection, Laura is in active pursuit of the imperfect.

Photo by Laura Holmes McCarthy

I love the asymmetry of these vessels and the subtle juxtaposition of the sheen verses the flat matte clay.

Handles, handles, handles. I always feel there are just not enough vessels with handles. Kind of like dresses with pockets! But seriously, I feel the sun rising over these seemingly simplistic forms and can truly appreciate the feat of creating and maintaining this delicate shape throughout the clay production process.

This grouping of primitive looking pieces really evokes my true love for ceramics. I can’t help but imagine these being produced in ancient times and valued on a daily basis out of necessity and for their utilitarian purpose.

Laura Holmes McCarthy in her Wappingers Falls Studio

“Don't come to me looking for perfection. In fact, it's best if you come to me in active pursuit of imperfection. That's what we're good at around here.” -Laura Holmes McCarthy