About Me

Bio

Based in Richmond, VA, Mary Pugs is a multimedia artist originally from Fairfax, Virginia. She began her artistic journey as a painter and ceramicist before expanding her focus to animation and video art. Mary holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Her work draws from a rich array of themes, finding inspiration in bodies of water, geology, emotions, cartoons, travel, and natural cycles.

Artist Statement

As a multimedia artist specializing in clay, I explore the cyclical nature of existence through vessels, sculptures, and jewelry. My work reflects the layers of human experience and the natural world, capturing beauty in cycles—whether through animation’s repetition or the dynamic process of pottery.

Currently I use native clays and rocks to create pieces that mimic Earth's formations. By transforming clay into ceramic, I honor the natural cycle of erosion and vitrification, creating art that memorializes the Earth's evolution. My practice, deeply influenced by geological textures and forms, celebrates the interconnectedness of all things and the enduring beauty of natural cycles.