ARTISTIC PATH. Originally from Upstate New York, Virginia McKinney earned a BS in Art Education at SUNY College at Buffalo and received an MA in sculpture and an MFA in ceramics from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Upon graduating, she worked as an Assistant Professor, teaching ceramics and sculpture at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, and has since moved on to other teaching posts as well as her own studio work.

INSPIRATION AND PROCESS. Virginia draws inspiration from the universal concept of dwelling forms, incorporating elements from various indigenous architectures in her sculptures. She states, “The home, habitat, abode, residence — more than architectural terms, these forms of shelter and refuge are both personal and universal.” She also frequently incorporates ladders, windows, doorways, and sometimes a small perched bird.

Virginia’s sculptural forms are made from steel and clay. She first makes the clay form out of red, brown, and white earthenware and subtly colors it with velvety ceramic stains and underglazes before firing it, then hand-forges and welds the steel supports they sit on — matching the clay piece’s personality with its own unique stand. As Virginia explains: “I sometimes perch them on pedestals or have them sprouting legs. Adding the small openings that appear as windows or doorways, they become animated and take on delightfully odd personalities…”