Charleston fiber artist Daisy McClellan shows the importance of making time for creative contemplation in her solo exhibition Making Time, which is on view now through March 16 at Redux Contemporary Art Center.
For this show, McClellan challenged herself to complete one punch needle piece a day for 30 days.
“Taking the time to make art is often put on the back burner in anyone’s busy life, so this was a commitment to make some time for creativity every day, no matter how full the day is,” McClellan said.
McClellan, mother to three young children, said she made some of the 30 punch needle pieces in the exhibition in the car on road trips, in bed late at night while her children slept, or on work lunch breaks. “The goal was to create mini moments of meditation and creativity when I could,” she said.
“For me, the act of making art is self-care. I’m working with both of my hands, I’m not looking at a screen. I found that it really helped me to have better regulation as a mom, because things can get crazy. I have three young boys, and this was my way of being like, I have to do this, it’s good for me, and I’m going to be a better mom because of it.”
The theme of making art as a working mother comes into play in her material choice, too. McClellan uses fiber art techniques like punch needle and rug hooking.
“Being a mom and an artist at the same time — can it work? Historically, women who have done what are considered, quote unquote, ‘crafts’ are not valued in the art world — things like sewing, rug hooking, they’re not often given props for how detailed or artistic that can be, how much time it can take.
“So I like to try to elevate it as best as I can to show people that these crafts are art.”
The punch needle pieces are hung on top of painted shapes, an effort to make each piece pop off the wall, McClellan said. And the images — a teapot, a band-aid, a bubble bath – bring home the theme of balancing art and motherhood.
“A lot of my pieces play off the stage of life that I’m in and have to do with raising kids. It’s just important for me to embrace this period and not be ashamed of it.”
The exhibit also includes a song to accompany each piece (accessible by QR code) and a cozy crafting corner with tea and art supplies to encourage people to just play for a bit. McClellan hopes visitors join her in experiencing the magic of making even a few moments for creative presence.
McClellan shares her process through creative workshops at various locations including Redux, the Paper Canopy, the Blair Center for Art and more. Learn about upcoming workshops on her website and view Making Time at Redux, now through March 16.
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