Layl McDill of Clay Squared to Infinity
Elk Cares about Carrying Capacity
What inspired you to become an artist?
I've been told that at age 2 I declared I wanted to be an artist and a mom. I didn't really know how a person could actually grow up to be an artist so in high school I decided I would get a degree in illustration and write and illustrate children's books. But in art school in Columbus, Ohio I did my first art fair and I found that people would just buy what I made. That is when I realized I wanted to be a full time self employed artist and 32 years later I'm still doing just that. And by the way I am a mom of two grown daughters!
What mediums do you primarily work with, and why do you prefer them?
I have been working with mixed media and found objects for much of my 32 years but for many years I was primarily polymer clay with just a bit of mixed media. In the last 6 years I have expanded back into more found objects and mixed media. Polymer clay is an oven baked clay which I just love because it's solid color right in your hands with endless possibilities but it is a plastic which isn't great for the environment so I like to try to use found objects that would normally be discarded in my art to offset this negative issue. All of this becomes a talking point about use of materials and our impact on the earth when people engage with my art.
How does the local community influence your art?
It has always been important to me not to create in a vacuum. For over 25 years I have had a studio that was open to the public 6 days a week. I love to have people come in and see what I am working on, even sit and play with my piles of scrap clay or bring in their own creations to play alongside me. I am a serial volunteer that is involved in Art to Change the World and The Polymer Clay Guild of MN and other arts organizations. Teaching my art form is also a very important part of my creation process. I need to be around other creatives to thrive and I love to share the love of creating with others.
Are there any upcoming exhibitions or shows we should know about?
My work is in several group exhibits in November and December including the Phipps Center for the Arts Members show in Hudson, WI, "Extremely Minnesota" at the Robbin Gallery in Robbinsdale and Artistry Member show in Bloomington MN. Plus you can always find my work at the Clay Squared Gallery in the Flux Arts Building on the corner of Monroe and Lowry.
Is there a particular project or idea you dream of pursuing someday?
I have been making life size and larger than life animals in the past few years using found objects and polymer clay. I have an idea for a giant polar bear- in my mind it's 20 feet tall... I don't know if I can or even should pursue this concept but who knows maybe it will happen if the right opportunity and space appears.
How can readers find more about your work (social media, website, etc.)?
You can find me on all social media platforms under @laylmcdill and my website is www.laylmcdill.com
