Artist statement
Nancy Newlove McElroy
My sculptural work in Earthenware clay continues to build in size, flourish with color and spark interest when examined from every angle. I react to textures in nature, cloud formations, movement of water and responses to wind and light. Clay slabs are draped, bent, stretched and broken, then assembled to design a labyrinth of shapes that are left raw or brushed with a range of color. Some structures become utilitarian when I form a lid, creating an abstract box.
Understanding the reaction of my glazes to the heat of the kiln is another important aspect of my art. Glazes flow, craze and crackle to produce unusual surfaces and hues. My appreciation of nature’s own beauty is reflected by embellishing pieces with authentic gems and minerals such as amethyst, citrine or pyrite.
Clay is blended earth that allows me to create freely and share my artistic self. When tracking my journey, the graph creates a visual mountain range that inspires me to continue the climb.
Understanding the reaction of my glazes to the heat of the kiln is another important aspect of my art. Glazes flow, craze and crackle to produce unusual surfaces and hues. My appreciation of nature’s own beauty is reflected by embellishing pieces with authentic gems and minerals such as amethyst, citrine or pyrite.
Clay is blended earth that allows me to create freely and share my artistic self. When tracking my journey, the graph creates a visual mountain range that inspires me to continue the climb.
Education:
Associate in Arts: Green Mountain College
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Alfred University; College of Ceramic Art and Design
Background:
Nancy was employed at Bennington Pottery in management after graduating. She moved on to teaching in various educational programs, both public and private in the New York area. While raising her two children, she established a studio and worked on commissions for the College of New Rochelle and private clients while working in the retail trade for more than ten years. In 2013 Nancy and her husband retired and moved to Ormond Beach where she has pursued sculpture and continued work on the potter's wheel.
It is an honor for Nancy to be a member of Beaux Arts of Central Florida and Florida Women's Art Association.
Associate in Arts: Green Mountain College
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Alfred University; College of Ceramic Art and Design
Background:
Nancy was employed at Bennington Pottery in management after graduating. She moved on to teaching in various educational programs, both public and private in the New York area. While raising her two children, she established a studio and worked on commissions for the College of New Rochelle and private clients while working in the retail trade for more than ten years. In 2013 Nancy and her husband retired and moved to Ormond Beach where she has pursued sculpture and continued work on the potter's wheel.
It is an honor for Nancy to be a member of Beaux Arts of Central Florida and Florida Women's Art Association.
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"I have never given up on my passion for clay & creating as I continue to move the mud."
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Recent Awards & Achievements2025
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