We are thrilled to add Layl McDill to our teaching artist roster! Get to know her in this Q&A spotlight interview.
Let’s start with your art. What do you make or do, and what drew you to it?
I work with polymer clay and found objects. I create millefiori canes which are rods of colored clay that can be sliced to reveal tiny pictures and designs. These become the building blocks for my sculptures which usually start with objects that I collect like teapots, containers, drawers, and all sorts of things. I like to see what an object seems to tell me it wants to become- usually animals! I was drawn to polymer clay because it is color right in your hands and has endless possibilities. I love working with found objects because of the treasure hunt and that I am giving something that might have been thrown out a new life.
What’s a memory from your childhood that made you realize creativity was important to you?
I loved to make things as a child, especially doll houses. When I was twelve I built a “Smurf Village” on my brother’s railroad track. It was all I wanted to do!
What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found creative inspiration?
I feel like inspiration can be found everywhere. I actually have to be careful I don’t get too many ideas and get too overwhelmed! I get a lot of ideas because of the things that people give me. About two years ago a friend gave me a fencing helmet. It sat in my studio for all that time until finally it told me it wanted to be a hedgehog- and once I looked at it again that is all I could see! I added some clay, found objects and embroidery and there was the hedgehog!
What do you love most about teaching your art form to others?
I love to see people go from saying “I’m not an artist or I’m not creative” to being proud and amazed at what they created!
Is there a song, book, or piece of art that changed how you see the world?
For me my most life changing art experience is when I went to the Smithsonian Museum the summer between my junior and senior year of highschool. Since I grew up in Wyoming I had not seen any modern art and when I saw pop art for the first time it blew my mind! I went back to Wyoming and spent my senior year of high school creating the most creative work I could think of and from there I never stopped.
If your creativity had a motto, what would it be?
“There’s no such thing as wrong just new techniques.” This is a quote from my artist friend Laura Burlis, and I really think it sums up working with polymer clay.
What do you hope people (like the students you teach or people who see you perform) walk away with after working with you?
I hope they have had a relaxing and positive experience that brought some creativity and color into their lives. I hope they are inspired to try other new materials and not to judge their creations until they are done and trust the process.
What do you wish people knew about creativity?
Anyone can be creative and it doesn’t always present itself in the ways we commonly expect. Things you do everyday like cooking, picking out your outfit or how you look around the world while you walk your dog can be filled with creativity. You just have to be open minded and know that there are more ways to do anything than what you are told is the “correct way”. If you go at all of your life knowing there are ways to be creative you will fill your life with surprise and joy.
Learn more about Layl and book her as a teaching artist here.
If you’d like to experience LayI’s artistry in person, visit her exhibit at the Phipps Center for the Arts (109 Locust St., Hudson, WI 54016, from May 23rd to July 13th.) Her work can also be viewed at The Clay Squared Gallery (699 Lowry Ave. NE. Open Tuesday-Saturday 1:00 to 5:00.)
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