November Spotlight Artist-Erin McCarthy-Sculptor

Erin’s journey to sculpting has been a unique one full of determination and generated by passion. She studied in Europe and brought her artistic ability and style back to Massachusetts where she has her studio. Erin’s advice to aspiring artists “Follow what you are interested in. Explore subjects and mediums which excite you and stay curious. It’s the most important thing in my opinion because you cant make anything good unless you are excited and curious about it.” Don’t miss this month’s Artist Spotlight Erin McCarthy and check out more of Erin’s work at Erin McCarthy (erinmccarthysculpture.com). Thank you Erin!

“Follow what you are interested in. Explore subjects and mediums which excite you and stay curious. It’s the most important thing in my opinion because you cant make anything good unless you are excited and curious about it.” -Erin

Tell us about your art! 

I sculpt people, figures and portraits. I always sculpt people and always realistically. I work in the way of the old masters, working with a live model who poses for me for me over a long period of time in order to create a bust or figurative work.

For me sculpture is a Sacred. Its clay dirt growing piece by piece into something that comes to life. There is magic about it. Igniting and experiencing that magic is my passion.

Erin McCarthy

What inspires you? 

People inspire me. Our minds, our bodies, our psychology, relationship to ourselves and to each other. We are fascinating. I love that each project I sculpt gives me the opportunity to explore another facet of who I am. The human body in and of itself is an endless subject that I could and will explore forever.

How did you get started in making your art? What drew you into the field?

My path to art was not so direct, I actually began my career in the fashion/ beauty industry. I always wanted to be a hairstylist/ makeup artist so I began in that industry. Makeup artistry led me to bodypainting, which led me to Paris where I studied under world renowned artist Dany Sanz (creator of MAKE UP FOR EVER) and it was while doing special effects makeup for stage, that I began sculpting and quickly became obsessed with it. I figured that to be the best makeup artist I could be, I needed to study how to sculpt realistically. I searched for the best school I could find for sculpture and soon after enrolled in Florence Academy of Art.

How long have you lived in Medway? What drew you to this town? 

I spent most of my childhood in Medway. My mother wanted to move there because of the school system and my family moved to Medway when I was in the 3rd grade. Even before we lived in Medway we would visit Choate Park. I have a lot of great memories there growing up. 

How can people experience your work? Do you have a website/gallery? 

I do show in galleries periodically and the easiest way to view my work is online: erinmccarthysculpture.com or on my Instagram @erinmccarthysculptor

How would you like to see your art change grow and benefit others?

     My goal is to create works which can positively affect the society I live in. Works which, when viewed, cause people to pause, to experience a moment of stillness, calm, truth, wonder, eternity.

What would you like to do with your art in the future?

Mainly, I would like my art to evolve to include conceptual and large scale works for the public realm. I have worked on over life-sized figures in the studios of other artists and I am now working to secure my own large scale commissions.

I also want to explore sculpting animals…. I will start with my own puppy.

What advice would you give aspiring artists or tips to help them in their desire to express themselves artistically?

My best advice is to follow what you are interested in. Explore subjects and mediums which excite you and stay curious. It’s the most important thing in my opinion because you cant make anything good unless you are excited and curious about it.

Where would you like to see art thrive in Medway and how could Medway support local artist in their pursuits?

I would love to see more visible public art in Medway. I think Choate Park is the perfect setting for a large scale artwork or even an annual “Sculpture walk” event. The people of this Town are well educated and cultured and I believe would really enjoy this sort of exhibition.

What is it that you are trying to express in and through your artwork?

I am trying to get to know myself better.

Are you an artist interested in getting plugged into artists communities and organizations?

 Erin is a member of all three of the following organizations, find out more about each!

All photo’s owned by Erin McCarthy with permission to use for the purpose of the Artist Spotlight by the Medway Cultural council.

Article excerpted from Medway Cultural Council's Website, Artist Spotlight, published by Kim Blenkhorn.