Alabama sculptor Maralyn Wilson finds clay a medium full of magic, possibilities – and stories.
Artist: Born in Birmingham, Wilson studied art at the University of Georgia with painter Lamar Dodd. She graduated with a BFA from Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, where she studied with painter and sculptor Ida Kohlmeyer, the renowned Louisiana artist who died in 1997.
Over the years, Wilson has continued her art education through many workshops, including the Penland School (NC), Studio Reparata in Florence, Italy, and with Lisa Clague, an internationally known sculptor who lives in North Carolina. Currently, Wilson is taking a 52-week online encaustic workshop.
A full-time studio artist, she previously owned and operated Maralyn Wilson Gallery in Birmingham from 1973 to 2010. She works in a studio behind her home.
Art & materials:
- Hand-built clay sculpture, often with found objects. Instead of glazes to finish the sculpture, she uses encaustic wax.
- Mixed-media encaustic wax paintings ($300 to $5,000).
The craftsmanship of the work is important to her, but so is the story, the emotion, the feeling and the personality, said Wilson.
Favorite tools: As a tool addict and collector, Wilson favors:
- Clay tools made by DiamondCore Tools.
- An electric stylus for her encaustic wax work.
What’s popular: Hand-built clay heads ($1,200 to $3,000).
Inspirations: Many artists, but the first to influence her was Rodin, with his emotionally charged sculpture.
Special commission: Paint a 5-foot-high by 15-foot-wide encaustic wax screen for a client’s home in Birmingham.
What’s next: A show at the River Gallery Chattanooga, opening reception, May 5.
Where to buy:
- maralynwilson.com
- American Craft Made online directory, shop.craftcouncil.org
- River Gallery (river-gallery.com)
Get social:
- Facebook: Maralyn Wilson Art
- Instagram : @maralynwilson
