McGinnity
About Larissa
I graduated from Hollins University in Roanoke VA in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Studio Art. I have always had a passion for working with clay from the time I was very young. However, I did not always have much access to a ceramic studio, nor much encouragement to pursue it. While at Hollins I was able to take every ceramics class they had, and had unlimited access to the studio. From that point on, I felt called into the world of ceramic art. I would spend 20 or more hours per week in the studio there, balancing it with my other school work, and part time job.
After I graduated, I moved back to my home state of Michigan. I gave birth to my first son and spent time in the world of mothering. My second son was born in 2010. In 2012 I decided to take a graduate course from Central Michigan University’s ceramics department. While at CMU, I gained valuable experience working in the studio, and discovered a love for Soda firing.
In 2013 I gave birth to my third son, and we moved to Beaver Island, a remote island in Lake Michigan where I spent summers growing up. While excited for this new move and life opportunity, I was at the same time saddened to leave the world of ceramics again for an indefinite amount of time. It then became my goal to build a studio for myself.
In 2016, with help from family, we were able to purchase the farm that my grandparents built when I was a child. I quickly got to work setting up my studio in the garage attached to the house. I had collected many pieces of equipment over the years, and was very excited to finally have a space to set it up. I was also gifted some really wonderful used equipment by people on the Island who needed to get rid of it. I have been very blessed to be able to balance family life, and expand my career as an artist. I am now currently in the process of expanding my studio into an existing barn space on the property, and excited to see what life brings me next!
Pottery
Inviting, beautiful, and functional. Most of the pottery I make is wheelthrown stoneware, or porcelain, oxidation fired to cone 6. I strive to create pottery that can be used in everyday life, yet is unique and delightful. There is something special and meaningful in using finely handcrafted pottery. People are drawn to the colors, shape, functionality, or many times “just because it is their favorite.” Sometimes people can’t put their finger on what it is that makes handmade goods so special. I think it is a combination of care in craftsmanship, and positive energy that goes into every piece. I feel that in this day and age, with so many factory goods out there, everyone needs to have at least a few finely handmade things. Whether it is pottery, furniture, glassware, textiles, or one of the many other forms of fine craft. Use it, enjoy it, let it enhance your life in little, yet meaningful ways.
Sculpture
My work is expressive, and passionate. It evokes powerful emotion, especially for women. I have taken my personal life experiences and let them flow into my sculpture work, which has created an authenticity that many appreciate, and can relate to. From person to person, our struggles and challenges are all different, yet can have such similar overall feelings. When we are able to open up, and share our vulnerable experiences, we have the opportunity to create connection. This is what I strive for in my artwork- connection. That my outpouring of expression, is not only healing for me, but creates a meaningful experience for others.