Virginia McConnell 2023

I am a restless artist. I have created in various media, including drawing and painting, fabric, and clay. My focus seems to shift to a new way of making art every few years. But there is one thing that ties it all together. People. I am endlessly inspired by people and their stories.

I am fascinated by adults. By their expressions, their mannerisms, the way that time writes on their faces and bodies. I like to watch them in unguarded moments: standing in line at the grocery store, sitting in a coffee shop, talking on a cell phone, going about their daily lives. I can’t help wondering about them and trying to guess what stories they are carrying with them: what they have endured, what they know or believe, how they came to be who they are.

I am also inspired by children. By their curiosity and the originality of their observations. By the stories they make up to interpret their world. I love the way each child’s individuality superimposes itself on the universality and the timelessness of play.

I hope that my art inspires the viewer to think about the stories my subjects have to tell. I believe that when we seek out each other’s stories, we strengthen the bonds of our common humanity.

To purchase art, scroll down to the form at the end of the artist’s page.

Art can be purchased online as of Thursday, January 26, 2023.

The Quilts

A picture of a quilt of two horses.

 

A Couple of Clowns
28″ x 24″
Fabric: raw edge applique and quilting.

NFS

Picture of a quilt of a child walking in the rain

 

Rainy Day
21.5″ x 26″
Fabric: raw edge applique and quilting.

NFS

A picture of a quilt of black people

 

Community
27.5″ x  28″
Fabric: raw edge applique and quilting.

NFS

A picture of a quilt of a woman in a convertible

 

Cruising Topless
35″ x 29.5″
Fabric: raw edge applique and quilting.

NFS

The Doll Menagerie

A handmade doll of a girl in a pink dress

 

Norah
8.5”H x 9”W x 5”D
Mixed media
The figure is sculpted from polymer clay and is dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

A handmade doll of a boy reading comic books.

 

Training Manual
8.5”H x 9”W x 5”D
Mixed media
The figure is sculpted from polymer clay and is dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

A picture of a handmade doll who resembles Amelia Earhart

 

Amelia
8.5”H x 9”W x 5”D
Mixed media
The figure is sculpted from polymer clay and is dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

 

Taking A Knee 1
8.5”H x 9”W x 5”D
Mixed media
This piece was created during the summer of 2020. The figure is sculpted from polymer clay and is dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

Young man kneeling.

 

Taking A Knee 2
9.5”H x 9”W x 5”D
Mixed media
This piece was created during the summer of 2020.  The figure is sculpted from polymer clay and is dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

Young black girl doll writing on slate with chalk.

 

Maisie
9”H x 11”W x 8.5”D
Mixed media
Maisie has a new piece of chalk, and she’s using it to make the world a little brighter. Her head and limbs are sculpted from polymer clay and she has a soft-sculpted torso. She is dressed in recycled and new fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

A handmade doll of a white girl skipping jump rope.

 

Josie
9”H x 11”W x 8.5”D
Mixed media
Josie is skipping rope on a sunny afternoon.  Her head and limbs are sculpted from polymer clay and she has a soft-sculpted torso. She is dressed in recycled and new fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

Two young boys with ankles tied trying to finish the race.

 

Cousins
13.5”H x 10”W x 7”D
Mixed media
They’ve known each other all their lives, and they’re happiest when they’re together. I made this piece as an homage to my son and his first cousin, who were inseparable when they were growing up. When I look at it, I can still hear their laughter. The cousins are fully sculpted from polymer clay, and are dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece is handmade.
NFS

 

Windy Day
15.5”H x 10”W x 10”D
Mixed media
Hanging clothes outside is an enjoyable chore, especially when the wind wants to play. The head and limbs are sculpted from polymer clay and the torso is soft sculpted. She is dressed in recycled fabrics. Every part of this piece, including the baskets and clothespins, is handmade.
NFS

ORDER FORM