About

Bio

Beth McCubbin moves between her studio in Low, QC to an apartment in Ottawa, ON. She has been working in the arts for 25 years; as a visual artist, an objects conservator, an instructor of mixed media, a programmer in artist-run centres, a curator in art galleries, a front-of-house, stage manager and set designer in theatre, and as a graphic designer.

Beth's work in theatre, art instruction, and conservation has greatly influenced her artistic journey. Engaging with diverse peoples and perspectives enriched her creative process, while her experience as an objects conservator deepened her understanding of materials, blending practical skills with creative vision.

Artist Statement

My artistic practice is rooted in a deep love for both the natural and social worlds.

Through ceramics, concrete, recycled materials, and found objects, I explore the complexities of our material, social, and environmental landscapes. Art is both a means of self-expression and a tool for commentary, reflection, and social engagement. It allows me to question accepted narratives, celebrate resilience, and invite conversations about the world we share.

Working with reclaimed and everyday materials enables me to connect the past with future possibilities. I create spaces where the familiar and the forgotten coexist, encouraging new perspectives on objects and experiences that are often overlooked. By revealing beauty and significance in both the desirable and the undesirable aspects of society, I seek to challenge perceptions and foster deeper reflection.

My ceramic practice encompasses sculptural works, wall installations, and functional vessels that incorporate my own imagery, stories, and words. My concrete figurative sculptures capture quiet yet meaningful moments of everyday life—moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Through the transformation of recycled materials, I draw attention to the histories, memories, and potential held within familiar objects.

I see my work as both a mirror and a catalyst: reflecting environmental and social concerns while encouraging viewers to reconsider their assumptions and connections to the world around them. Central to my practice is a desire to document our collective experiences, preserve cultural values, and create works that resonate through shared memory, place, and human experience.