Since 2004, Julie McNair’s sculpture has been reflective of the natural world and our place in it. Many of the pieces are metaphors of the imbalance between humans and the natural world. Some are psychological studies seeking balance. Julie’s latest series “Offerings” portrays a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment. Using mostly female figures to express a nurturing element, McNair is suggesting the need for more gratitude and love of the different (unique). The playful quality is still forefront. While former figures were freestanding and well grounded, the new work is aloft, designed to hang on the wall. The pieces are smaller, more detailed and colorful. Her use of mixed media has expanded, still using clay as the substructure.
The figure has been prominent in Julie’s work for more than 30 years. In 2004, a standing figure format emerged incorporating the figure’s environment onto the surface creating a narrative. Clay is her preferred medium because it lends itself to her intuitive creative process. “The clay literally guides me and takes me someplace new. Generally the work becomes a puzzle for me to solve.” Once the form is created and fired, then it is a blank canvas without a clear narrative. It is in the finishing that everything comes together. Julie incorporates some glazing with oil pigments, acrylics, stolen ink (gel medium transfers), graphite, prisma colors, fire and anything that might create an interesting effect. The pieces are titled to assist in the narrative but yet leaving interpretation open.
