We were lucky to catch up with Brenda McMahon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brenda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have been a ceramic artist for more than 30 years. Now, I own a gallery in a vibrant town that celebrates art. My purpose in that realm has evolved and deepened as I’ve moved through my creative life. The first two sentences are the final chapter, but how I found my way is a journey of 3 decades. Finding art and clay in particular was a process of listening and following. I went from a broadcast journalist to a potter. As my light began to diminish for the reactive news room, a sparkle emerged for using my hands, creativity and creating beauty. As a ceramicist, my idea was to create elegant forms with beautiful surfaces, a meditation of sorts, of the senses. The work was quiet and contemplative. It was a journey of trust, as it’s not the most lucrative path.
As I moved along in my career, and honed my skills, something else emerged, a deeper need to connect with the presence before me. And so art ‘sales’ were opportunities to connect, reflect, share and grow, for me and the client.
As a gallerist, my value went deeper, to help others make a living by sharing the essence of their art, the importance of being moved in this world. What is perceived as ‘useful’ is redefined. If it moves you, it has a purpose. Art is an expression of trust, love and community. My role as an artist/gallerist is to welcome all into a space that is created for all and to help others see why creativity and art is as important as food, air and water. Our souls need nourishment, just as our bodies do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a ceramic artist and a gallery owner. I create Japanese inspired meditative vessels on the potter’s wheel and I sculpt dimensional ceramic wall art murals all from raw clay. From start to finish, I provide a full service opportunity for art collectors to meet and embrace artists. In all that, I am a painter, potter, sculptor, writer and visionary. I have been doing that work for 30 years.
Five years ago I opened a contemporary craft, fine art gallery in Gulfport, Florida, where I also represent 16 other artists in all mediums. I use my voice and skill as a communicator to educate and inform on the importance of handmade. I support and encourage emerging artists by elevating them in a fine art environment. I help my fine art audience find new work and support emerging and established artists who have dedicated their time to their craft, who have invested in the belief that art can be a viable way of life. I have spent my life manifesting the belief that one can be supported by their art.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important skill is my ability to communicate in both the spoken and written word. Second, is my desire to do the best I can in the moment I am in and to never believe something is beyond me. It is a form of trust or an investment of my self into myself. Finally, the third quality is my fluidity. I learned to move forward, but always reflect and adjust. Like a good sailor, if the winds of the world or journey change, then my actions need to adjust. All of this, while always keeping my eye on the prize. Fluidity gives your strength and confidence that you can achieve anything, especially in times of adversity.
My advice would be to always work to grow and try things. Failures are often more valuable than successes in teaching us who we are and how we navigate the world. Perfection does not exist, but the pursuit of excellence does. Always be kind to yourself and others, but also be honest. Walk through the doors that open and listen, the knowing is right there in the silence.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mother was born in a time when women did not have the choices we have today. But she did not let that stop her from following her dreams. The most impactful things she did was to push herself, even when she was afraid, to ask for help and to believe those who believed in her, even when she couldn’t.
Success is one step at a time and it looks like everyday decisions. She worked hard and never gave up. She pushed herself to adjust to the changing culture. She stumbled, made mistakes but afterwards, always apologized for them and moved forward.
Her example, her life, her determination to have what was not offered to her, was the foundation upon which I entered the world and learned my lessons. Strength, determination and the power of love were my foundational lessons.
Contact Info:
- Website: BrendaMcMahonGallery.com
- Instagram: @brendamcmahonceramics
- Facebook: @brendamcmahongallery
