Meet local artist Constance McBride who is creating stunning artworks in clay and pastel that examine the aging process and its affects on the human body.

Her artwork is a brilliant examination of the human body, the nude form, and aging by highlighting the beauty of our imperfections while reminding us that we are all connected. When asked about her work McBride said, “The effects time has on our bodies and my evolving emotions concerning them are what drive the direction of my work.”

Her artwork offers an alluring selection of calming pastels and clay sculptures immediately creating a feeling of tranquility mixed with a sense unsettlement. Overall, her inspiration and goal with her work is “attempting to reflect a sensation of serene contemplation combined with subtle details of odd yet strangely natural elements,” stated McBride. 

The artist has skillfully rendered the human form with an intriguing variety of work, which are a celebration of aging and the course of nature, which we are all faced with. The pastel pieces highlight models in various poses and in physically different shapes. “Timescape II” is a stunning clay sculpture centering on a mature woman’s face and nude torso, which the artist emphasizes through the use of under glazing and pastels placed directly on the clay.

Traditionally trained, McBride received a Bachelor of Arts from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. McBride is a current member of eye lounge, an artist collective. Her work has been represented at the Las Cruces Museum of Art and Udinotti Museum of Figurative Art and can be found in private collections around the country. McBride work has been featured in various publications most recently she was included in the 2014 Phoenix New Times 100 Creatives and she was featured in the international platform Ceramics Now.

Currently her artwork is included in a great group exhibition at the Herberger Theater Art Gallery entitled “Crumpled, Dented and Crushed” on view through March 15, 2015. Current Members: Current Work in a group exhibition at Eye Lounge in downtown phoenix on view through February 15th. Next up her artwork will be included in a group exhibition Self-Made: 15 Years of Eye Lounge which will be on view at Vision Gallery in Chandler from January 30 through March 8, 2015. She is currently busy in her studio working on her latest series of work and preparing for future exhibitions. For more information about Constance McBribe and her artwork visit www.constancemcbride.com!