Molly McLaughlin
Faith, Hand dyed silk
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? Since I could pick up a crayon, I have been obsessed with trying to capture the world around me.
When did art become a pursuit? My background is that of a traditional craftsperson. Eventually, the limitations on shape, line and color that were imposed by meeting the necessities of function, frustrated me to the point that I let go of the craft aspect of my work, and began to solely focus on it as art.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? Both
How did you first become involved with CAA? I was hunting for a New England Art Association with a lot of diversity in the work that was represented.
Moments, Hand dyed silk
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think each artist provides a lens that gives a unique insight into the world around us.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work in fiber. After walking into a fiber store and finding myself surrounded by rows of different kinds of fiber dyed in every color, I apprenticed with a traditionally trained weaver from Germany. In addition, I chose to pursue my studies in a range of dyeing techniques.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? Whether I am working from objects in the natural world or abstract concepts, my process involves stripping the subject down to it’s most simplified component, be it line, color, shape, word or emotion. Then, manipulating and exploring the result within the medium of fiber.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Older is my favorite piece. I don’t know if it’s my best, but it is one that I have chosen to keep and still continues to speak to me.
Older, Hand dyed wool fiber
What is one of your artistic goals? To create expressions of art that are able to resonate across all lines of humanity
What’s your favorite place to see art? In the artist’s studio
What living artists are you inspired by? Yaacov Agam, Lillian Whipple
Do you own any art by other artists? Yes, Matt Dougherty, and my husband, Brian McLaughlin.
See more Molly!
Website: ThreadingGossamer.com