Robb McKenzie
Most of my artistic life was spent working in two dimensions—painting on canvas and other flat surfaces. More than a decade ago, however, I rediscovered clay and set my brushes aside for the tactile joy of working with my hands. My only prior experience with clay had been a college ceramics class I loved but never continued after the semester ended. That changed one Christmas when my wife gave me a potter’s wheel, and from that moment my art shifted as quickly as the spinning clay beneath my hands.
In the beginning, I was drawn to making pieces that looked like metal, complete with screws and rivets that gave my work a Steampunk aesthetic. Having always been fascinated by Steampunk, I found it deeply satisfying to create clay objects that seemed to defy their true material. Over time, though, I realized screws and rivets were limiting, and so I transitioned from what I called “Steampunk Pottery” to McKenzie Clayworks. While elements of that early influence still linger, I’ve since embraced broader creative directions that allow for greater exploration and innovation. One of those directions comes from my Scottish heritage, where I’ve drawn inspiration from Celtic and Pictish art as well as the bell-shaped vessels of the Beaker People. Through these designs, I aim to capture something of the spirit of these ancient cultures. Beyond that, I’ve experimented with floral motifs, abstract patterns, and playful, whimsical designs that bring me joy. Living in Austin, Texas, I’ve even created ceramic pieces inspired by the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat, a nod to the city’s famous bat colony—the largest in the world. While my range of styles may not result in the single, cohesive body of work many artists strive for, I find immense satisfaction in the freedom of my process. For me, the true measure of art is the passion and joy it brings, both in the making and in the sharing Robb McKenzie |
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Exhibits/Markets: 2025 - Austin Celtic Festival 2024 - Austin Celtic Festival 2023 - Austin Celtic Festival 2022 - Round Rock Chalk Walk 2023 - Sunset Valley Artfest 2022 - Austin Celtic Festival 2022 - Round Rock Chalk Walk 2022 - Sunset Valley Artfest 2021 - East Austin Handmade Artists Yule Bazaar 2021 - Inspired Minds Art Center, Buda 2020-Everything closed for COVID 2019 - Austin Celtic Festival 2019 - Carver Library 2019 - Jester Annex, Round Rock 2019 - The Hive at Bee cave 2019 - Sunset Valley Artfest 2019 - Link and Pin 2019 - Santa Cruz Gallery 2018 - Vets Art Show 2018 - Bandit Salon 2018 - Austin Celtic Festival 2018 - Texas Clay Arts Association 'Six Pack' Show, San Angelo TX 2018 - Sunset Valley Art Festival 2017 - East Austin Handmade Artists Yule Bazaar 2017 - Jerry's Artarama Employee Show 2017 - Austin Celtic Festival 2017 - Build Hope, Not Walls 2017 - RAD Collective Alcohol Show 2017 - TCAA, Rockport Art Center, Rockport TX 2017 - Old Bakery Consignee Show 2017 - Hive Mind, RAD Collective 2017 - Sunset Valley Artfest, Sunset Valley TX 2016 - Pflugerville Public Library, Pflugerville TX 2016 - Hops & Grain 2016 - RAD Collective @ The Parlor 2016 - Sunset Valley Artfest, Sunset Valley TX 2016 - Texas Clay Arts Association 'Six Pack' Show, San Angelo TX 2016 - Marketplace Art Gallery - Guest Artist 2016 - Riverbend Inspirational Gallery 2015 - Bass Concert Hall 2015 - Pflugerville Public Library, Pflugerville TX 2015 - Fruit & Veggie Art Show ~ Counter Culture 2014 - Georgetown Art Center 5x7 Show EAST 2014 - Forest Hills Gallery 2014 - Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge TX 2013 - The Lowry Arts Centre, Salford Quays, UK Previously Supported Non-Profits: ACC Boots & Bats Austin Empty Bowl Project Build Hope, Not Walls Project HOPE Outdoor Gallery Wimberly Empty Bowl Project |
Juried Shows: 2025 - J Gallery, Jewish Community Center, Austin 2022 - CAS Show Texas State, Round Rock 2018 - 11th International Teapot Tournament, Houston 2017 - AVAA Veteran's Exhibit 2017 - Link & Pin Gallery 'Grand Petite' Show 2017 - [imagine] Round Rock Arts 2016 - Art Gallery at the Old Bakery & Emporium 2015 - Austin Visual Artists Association Fall Show 2015 - CAS Show at the Dougherty Arts Center 2015 - 154 Square Inch Show, Link & Pin 2014 - Art Gallery at the Old Bakery & Emporium 2014 - Art Hop (four works), Georgetown Texas 2013 - Austin Visual Artists Association Members 2013 - Austin Visual Artists Association Fall Show 2012 - Art Hop, Georgetown Texas Memberships: Creative Arts Society-Past President & Emeritus Board Member Greater Austin Clay Artists Austin Artist Network Where to Buy: Old Bakery & Emporium 1006 Congress Ave, Austin |
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