Ceramic artists from Doncaster creates figurines depicting mental health during a pandemic

Becky Mckinlay has continued to make artwork during the last seven months but the topic of her pieces has been heavily influenced by Covid-19 and its effects on mental health.

The 34 year old from Scawsby has had to become inventive in her methods as she has not had access to kilns which she needs to complete her clay pieces.

She said: “At one point I made a smoke fire incinerator in the back garden.

“I’ve had to come up with new and different ways to make art.

“I have enjoyed using my imagination a lot more and I have been using art as an outlet and therapy for myself.”

The ceramics artist uses the Saggar method of firing which gives her pieces unique markings.

She says no two pieces ever look the same.

Becky has used her own struggles with mental health these past seven months to depict problems such as isolation and loneliness into ceramic figurines.

“The art is based on my own experiences,” she continued.

“Not feeling good enough or fitting in.”

But she is determined to bring more positivity into her artwork during the Winter months as she says people need something happy to enjoy in what may be a harsh season.

She said: “I want to create some upbeat pieces centred around family bonds.

“I know that a lot of people are concerned about Christmas and seeing their loved ones so I want to use that narrative in my work.

“I think it’s an opportunity to cheer people up with my art and I’m looking forward to changing the direction of my pieces.”

She is currently studying her final year on a Fine Art degree at Doncaster College but has plans to become a secondary school art teacher in the future.

Becky currently has some of her art pieces on display in Barnsley as part of the Art ‘N’ Abart exhibition in the Alhambra Shopping Centre.

You can follow her here to see more of her ceramic work.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.