Nancy MacBride

“ Art Dolls, Figurative Sculptures, Assembled Figures", I struggle with terms that have been used to describe my art. As evidenced by the ancient Venus of Willendorf, humans have always had a desire to represent the human form. Miniature figures were created to gain power as well as commune spiritually through religious iconography, voodoo and fertility rites. Figures are created to model behavior and fashion, as toys and to provide entertainment. Artists have also created figures for the challenge and thrill of representing what is essential to ourselves- our bodies. As we create, seeing a personality emerge from raw materials is soul stirring.

As a young artist I considered assemblage and photography my art forms. After concentrating on photography for 25 years, I was compelled to follow a more intuitive form of expression. I longed to use tactile and diverse materials as well as varied techniques. Odd, worn and handmade dolls have always fascinated me, so returning passionately to assemblage, I began to focus on the figure.

 I work on many pieces at once. Some take years to finish because I wait for the right component - object or inspiration- to find me. If I become blocked as to the next step on a piece, I deliberately shift my attention to another "in process" piece. While working on the second piece the solution for the first becomes apparent…and so it goes. My art is assembled from found objects- natural and manmade (shells, bones, driftwood, pieces of discarded furniture, worn household items) and combined with materials such as Paperclay, PMC, Metals, Aves Apoxy, beeswax, stains, acrylics, wire, paper and fabrics. While working with these materials and objects, I deal with symbolism and construction techniques often through meditative action.

My sculpture reflects my love of nature, spirituality and objects worn with their own history. Primitive, Folk and Outsider Art, as well as Fine Craft speak to me. I believe artistic inspiration and expression are communication with the Divine Creator and consider creating art to be a part of my spiritual practice.