I am an artist and potter living and working at the foothills of the Ballyhoura mountains in north Co. Cork, Ireland. I studied Fine Art at Sligo I.T., where I graduated with an Honours BA Degree in 2003. After my degree I worked full time as a painter until 2016, when I set up a ceramic studio where I make functional tableware and one off pieces, working in stoneware and porcelain. In 2018 I was accepted in the renown Crafts Council of Ireland Ceramics Skills and Design Course, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
I strive to make objects that convey a sense of calm, peace and comfort. Living and working in rural Ireland, the quietness and muted colour palette of the Irish landscape is a constant reference that feeds into my work. I am also interested and inspired by eastern ceramics, particularly Japanese and Korean pottery, where simplicity, functionality and beauty go hand in hand.An exploration of form, colour and mark making are an ongoing interest in my work, informed by my background as a painter. Attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship are my main concerns when designing and making, alongside creating pieces that are elegant, comfortable, and will invite you to use them time and time again. In the past I have exhibited my paintings in numerous solo and group shows, including the RHA, Dublin; Siamsa Tíre Arts Centre, Tralee, Co. Kerry; Aras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, Co, Mayo; Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow; Nenagh Arts Centre, Co, Tipperary; St. James’ Church, Dingle, Co. Kerry; Alley Arts Centre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone; Belmont Mill Studios, Co. Offaly; Custom House Studios, Westport, Co. Mayo; Dare to Joust Gallery, London; Origin Gallery, Dublin; Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo; Red de Arte Joven, Madrid; Ennistymon Courthouse Gallery, Co. Clare; Hyde Bridge Gallery, Sligo; An Díseart, Dingle; Catherine Hammond Gallery, Skibbereen, Co. Cork; Rua Red, Dublin; Éigse Visual, Carlow; Wexford Arts Centre; Claremorris Open, Co. Mayo; Linnenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo; Sligo Art Gallery; Mullingar Arts Centre, Co. Westmeath; Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick; Model Arts and Niland Gallery, Sligo. In 2012 was awarded a Materials and equipment Bursary from Kerry Co. Co.; and I have also been an artist in residence at the Custom House Studios, Westport, Co. Mayo; the Ballinglen Arts Foundation, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo; Belmont Mill Studios, Co. Offaly; and Cill Rialaig Project, Co. Kerry. |