Art Studio Tour Spotlight: Metal and Glass with Miriam McCarville

When our kids were young, I would take them to as many art studios as we could visit each day of the annual tour each year. It was an education in and of itself – seeing how people live, what hobbies they choose, what work they do, how they make what they make, and so on. Those days gradually passed, and this year I only stopped by one place – Miriam McCarville’s metal and glass studio. What a warm, lovely human being she is!

Here is a little sampling of what life is like from her studio. You may notice some familiar hints from around town…

Each time I create a new piece I am mystified by the beauty of metal transforming before my eyes. Typically, I start with 22-gauge stainless steel sheet metal as well as recycled materials such as BBQ lids, kitchen sinks, shelving, nuts, bolts, rebar, fan blades, and even a manhole cover trim piece. I begin the creative process by creating a laminated template of my art and then tracing the image onto a flat sheet of metal. I use a plasma cutter to cut through the metal and create a rough outline. I continue by adding intricate/abstract details and shapes. As the plasma cutter proceeds through the metal, it leaves behind beautiful, heated colors that create a unique patina and color design. The temperature from the hand heating brings out up to thirty-two colors embedded in the design. Once the plasma work is done, it moves on to the cleaning, sanding and rolling stage. I use my welder to attach pieces such as wings, tails, and fins and various other shapes. The forming and welding processes are crucial in creating a 3-dimensional structure. I use a MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder, which allows for precise control and strong welds. The process involves feeding a wire electrode through a welding gun, which melts and fuses the metal pieces together. In my glass studio, I create eyes and accessories using precisely cut glass and powdered frit. The process involves carefully sprinkling frit into a mold and then firing in a kiln. Once the metal work is finished, I paint my sculpture with enamels, acrylic, metallic, and latex paints. The glass accessories are glued onto the metal artwork, and the entire piece is given a final coating of clear sealer. The journey of transforming metal—from its raw form to a piece of art—is both functional and organic. My work reflects not only the physical transformation of materials but also my personal journey and emotional connection to the art I create. Each piece is a testament to the beauty that can emerge when we repurpose and breathe new life into recycled materials. My artistic process is a symphony of metal, fire, glass, and paint, each element contributing to the final creation. The allure of the materials, the intricate process, and the vibrant colors all come together to form artworks that are not only visually stunning but also carry a deeper meaning of renewal and creativity. I hope my artwork inspires others to see the potential in overlooked materials and to appreciate the beauty in transformation and innovation.

To learn more or connect with Miriam, click here to go to her website.

I can’t believe we are already in mid-August – see you next year at another studio!…

Past studio tour posts:

Art Tour – A 3-Day Sensory Adventure

Art Tour – Kandis Susol’s Paper & Encaustics *

Art Tour – Sean Forest Roberts’s Ceramics

Art Tour – Anusha Solayea’s Jewelry

Art Tour – Barbara Gourley’s Oil Paintings *

Art Tour – Michael Yeaman’s Geology & Stone Work *

Art Tour – Zackarya Leck’s Blacksmithing & Sculpture *

Art Tour – Peg O’Hara’s Mixed Media

Art Tour – Sharon Ho’s Ceramics *