Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Michelle Maher is a ceramic and pottery artist based in dublin ireland Michelle Maher teaches Adult Ceramic and Pottery classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Adult Ceramic and Pottery workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Evening Adult Ceramic and Pottery workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Evening Adult Ceramic workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Evening Adult Pottery workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Evening Adult Ceramic and Pottery classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Evening Adult Ceramic classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Evening Adult Pottery classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Children's Ceramic and Pottery classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Children's Ceramic and Pottery workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher welcomes private commissions Michelle Maher makes ceremonial and presentation pieces Michelle Maher makes ceramic sculptures and decorative items Michelle Maher teaches Adult Ceramic and Pottery classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Adult Ceramic and Pottery workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Children's Ceramic and Pottery classes based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher teaches Children's Ceramic and Pottery workshops based in Dublin Ireland Michelle Maher is a ceramic and pottery artist based in dublin ireland Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher About The Artist Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher “…the newness that was in every stale thing when we looked at it as children…” Patrick Kavanagh I am a Ceramic Artist originally from Bansha, Co. Tipperary who lives and works in Castleknock, Co. Dublin. I graduated from N.U.I. Maynooth in 1996 with a Masters degree, having studied English and History. In 2003 I embarked on a career change into the visual arts having worked in various senior management positions since leaving university. My background in literature coupled with a keen sense of the past strongly influences my work in clay. In particular twentieth century Irish poets and their ability to describe everyday experiences and to capture the spirit of the human condition so succinctly, compels me to explore these issues in clay. The sentiments of the ordinary and the banal and yet how these things shape our lives and make us who we are, is resonate in my forms. My current body of work is concerned with the idea of renewal and rebirth as inspired by the Patrick Kavanagh poem Advent. I am bold in my approach to colour and texture and this lends itself to a feeling of abundance and energy in my pieces. The pieces invite touch and further exploration. I was delighted recently to be awarded a Sculpture in Context Award for a work of distinction in September 2004 for my outdoor ceramic installation The Age of Christ. I work in a purpose built studio in stoneware clay and fire my pieces in an electric kiln to temperatures up to 1260°C. I decorate and glaze my work using a wide palette of textures and colour, tailoring the glazes to each individual piece. I also teach weekly ceramic classes and workshops from my studio. I am currently preparing an installation for Sculpture in Context 2005, as well as carrying out some private commissions. EXHIBITIONS/COMMISSIONS: Craft Potters Society of Ireland, Group Show at Ardgillian Castle, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin - June/July 2004.Continuing Education in Art and Design, juried Group Show at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin – July 2004,Sculpture in Context, juried site-specific Group Exhibition at the Botanic Gardens, Dublin – September/October 2004.Sculpture in Context, juried site-specific Group Exhibition at Farmleigh House, Dublin – October/November 2004.Amhairc Fhine Gall II The Fingal Gaze, Draiocht, Blanchardstown, Dublin February / March 2005. I was invited to exhibit in this annual group show which showcased the work of local Contemporary Craft Artists.I was invited to demonstrate at Art in Action, Townley Hall, Slane, Co. Meath June 4th-6th 2005. This event is a celebration of the arts and allows visitors an opportunity to see artists at work in a studio setting.Ceramics 2005, Group Show at Ardgillian Castle, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin - 11th-26th June 2005.I exhibited my outdoor sculptures at Sdyney Conneff's award winning cottage garden at Garden Heaven, RDS Dublin 24th-26th June 2005. “Ordinary Plenty”, at Tipperary Excel Gallery, Tipperary Town 17th June – 7th July 2005. This was a two-person show with painter Susan Conneff, where we explored the Patrick Kavanagh poem Advent. Detail of wall piece commissioned by private individual.Sink unit commissioned privately.Hand made wall tiles privately commissioned.FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS: Sculpture in Context 2005, I have been selected to exhibit at the Botanic Gardens in September, the piece is entitled - "The Titan Arum: Behind every great man..." The piece which will be located in a tropical greenhouse, will focus on the female flowers hidden deep inside the Titan Arum. AWARDS: Sculpture in Context Award for a Work of Distinction in any medium, Botanic Gardens September 2004. The piece was a large-scale outdoor installation titled The Age of Christ. SOCIETIES: Sculpture Society of Ireland, Craft Potters Society of Ireland, Registered Craftsperson with the Crafts Council of Ireland, Irish Contemporary Ceramics, I am the Leinster representative on the committee for Ceramics Ireland Magazine. PRESS/RADIO:Interviewed for The Arts Show on Tipp FM 21st June 2005.Interviewed on "Morning Call" Tipp Mid West Radio 16th and 29th June 2005."Two Dublin based artists for Excel exhibition" The Clonmel Nationalist, 11th June 2005. “Craft Bonanza at Draiocht” Community Voice, February 2005.“Sculpture in Context ‘04” Ceramics Ireland, Autumn/Winter 2004/05.“Up to her waist in water…” The Clonmel Nationalist, 16th October 2004. “Age of Christ moves to Farmleigh” Blanch Gazette, 16th October 2004. “Award for ‘Knock woman’s sculpture” Blanch Gazette, 9th October 2004. Award winning installation The Age of Christ featured on “The View” on RTE 1 5th October 2004. “Winner at ‘The Bots’ ” Circa (Art News on-line version) 17th September 2004.WEB ARTICLES: Two Dublin based Artists for Excel Gallery" www.southtippcoco.ie June 2005. “An award winning sculptural installation by Fingal Artist” www.fingalarts.ie September 2004. “Tipperary born ceramic artist Michelle Maher recently won an award…” www.southtippculture.ie September 2004. “Tipperary born ceramic artist Michelle Maher recently won an award…” www.southtippcoco.ie September 2004. PUBLICATIONS: Artist Tax Exemption - easy when you know how..." article published in Spring/Summer 2005 issue of Ceramics Ireland. "Glimpse" article published in Spring/Summer 2005 issue of Ceramics Ireland. “Radiators and Drainers” article published in the July 2004 edition of the Sculpture Society of Ireland’s Visual Artists’ News Sheet. “Are you a Potter or a Sculptor?” article published in the November 2004 edition of the Sculpture Society of Ireland’s Visual Artists’ News Sheet. Michelle Maher 9 Fernleigh Close Castleknock Dublin 15 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 michelle@ceramicforms.com www.ceramicforms.com Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Recent Exhibition Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Tipperary Excel Gallery 17th June - 7th July 2005 “ORDINARY PLENTY” A dynamic new exhibition of work by Contemporary Artists Michelle Maher & Susan Conneff “…Wherever life pours ordinary plenty…” Patrick Kavanagh, Advent 1942. This body of work explores the idea of renewal and rebirth as inspired by the Patrick Kavanagh poem Advent. Their collaborative work incorporates the sometimes haunting and evocative work of Susan Conneff’s contemporary painting with the dynamic and ambitious ceramic pieces created by Michelle Maher. Through their pieces they seek to explain the ordinary, the banal, the everyday – the very things that give meaning to our existence. The idea of the wonderment of a child when they look at the world around them and their quest as contemporary artists to recapture “…the luxury of a child’s soul…” There was a ceramic installation in the centre of the room featuring "The Age of Christ", an award winning installation by local artist Michelle Maher, which set the tone and mood of the exhibition. It consisted of a grouping of colourful cubes which had a strong visual impact for the viewers. Michelle has been bold in her approach to colour and texture and this lends itself to a feeling of abundance and energy in the pieces. Indeed the pieces invite touch and further exploration. In addition Michelle has created a series of ten interlocking wall pieces entitled “No need to go searching…” as well as many other energetic and colourful ceramic sculptures and wall pieces. Susan Conneff’s focus for this exhibition has been on rugged mountain landscapes and subtle botanical images. With titles such as "Time begins..." and "God's breath" her paintings have an elegance and beauty in them which is very striking. As new emerging contemporary artists they are confident and thoughtful in their approach to their individual practice and in coming together they have really done something very special. Their personal styles while distinct from each other blend seamlessly together and indeed their resolve to obtain excellence in their work makes "Ordinary Plenty" a unique collaboration. Following the success of this exhibition, Michelle and Susan intend to collaborate together again in the future. If you have any sales enquires about the pieces shown please feel free to contact either artist directly, see below for details. Six piece water feature by Michelle Maher "Spirit Shocking" €450 and various sized spheres €75-€350."Whispered Argument III-V" by Susan Conneff, €195 each.Various sized spheres €75- €350.Wall piece "Common Statement" nine pieces by Michelle Maher €500.Sphere by Michelle Maher "A Child's Soul IV" € 350. Painting by Susan Conneff from "Time Begins" series €950-€1400."God's Breath I & II" by Susan Conneff € 410 each.Overview of gallery.Interlocking wall piece "No need to go searching" €1300 & three piece set "Red Inside" €750 by Michelle Maher. Painting by Susan Conneff from"Time Begins" series €950-€1400."The Age of Christ" consisting of nine cubes by Michelle Maher € 750.Michelle Maher 9 Fernleigh Close Castleknock Dublin 15. michelle@ceramicforms.com 01-6405614 & 0872047695. Susan Conneff 3 Ardagh Court Blackrock Co. Dublin 086-8033445. Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Workshops / Classes Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher ADULT AND CHILDREN'S CERAMIC CLASSES Adult Ceramic Classes MONDAY EVENING 7.30-9.30pm (ALL YEAR ROUND) TUESDAY MORNING 10:00am-12:00 noon (ALL YEAR ROUND) OTHER DAY & EVENING CLASSES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST WEEKEND WORKSHOPS ONGOING I AM AVAILABLE TO FACILITATE COMMUNITY ART PROJECTS / CORPORATE GROUPS / PRIVATE PARTIES etc.Come and learn how to make hand built ceramics with an award winning artist in a purpose built, fully equipped studio in Castleknock, Dublin.We cover the following hand building methods: press moulds, hump moulds, slab building, soft slabbing, coiling, pinching, modeling - tailoring the method to your individual project. There is a strong emphasis on the course on good construction methods, excellent finish and finally on first-rate decorating techniques; we use coloured slips as well as a wide palette of glazes. We only use the best quality stoneware clay, slips and glazes. Relaxed & friendly atmosphere where first-class tuition is guaranteed.All levels are catered for from complete beginners to more advanced students and classes are small to ensure individual attention.The fee for adults is €150 for a six week block and includes all materials, glazes, firing and use of equipment and tools and of course the all important cup of tea! After the initial six week course you can then join up for another six weeks if you wish, some people choose to come to classes on an ongoing basis. Classes run all year round so no withdrawal symptoms over the summer months! You can join at any time so take the plunge and give pottery a try it’s a great way to relax.Not sure if pottery is for you, why not try an introductory class for €25 before you commit to a six week course? Prior booking is essential - please call Michelle to book your place at 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 or email me at michelle@ceramicforms.com Gift Vouchers available. I welcome students with special needs and I am currently running a class on a Monday afternoon from 2-3pm with a local pilot project for young adults with an intellectual disability from St.Vincent's, Navan Road. I am available to facilitate similar projects, please contact me with your requirements. Fiona Hannon putting the final touches to her slab built lamp, while it is leather hard.The finished lamp by Fiona Hannon, decorated in a Cobalt Matt glaze.ADULT WORKSHOPS 2005 Are you often disappointed by the glaze on your pieces or do you wish your pieces were finished better? Have you always wanted to try your hand at pottery? An intensive workshop is just what you need. Please contact me to register your interest in an intensive hand building workshop with an emphasis on good construction methods, glazes, slips and decorating techniques. The fee per day is €80 and includes all materials, glazes, firing, use of equipment and tools, as well as a light lunch and refreshments. This is a great opportunity to really enhance your skills in a small class where first class tuition is assured. Only the best quality clay and glazes are used on my courses. All levels are welcome, especially beginners. For further details please call Michelle: 087-2047695 and 01-6405614 michelle@ceramicforms.com Esti Cubillo (Tuesday morning class) working on her coil built piece at the leather hard stage. POTTERY & CHAMPAGNE A WINNING COMBINATION!!! August 6th 2005 saw the arrival to the studio of seven lovely girls from Glasgow. The girls were visiting Dublin on a 'Hen' weekend and they had a great time working on a collaborative piece for the bride to be Nicole. We wish the future Mr. and Mrs. Mc Knight all the best on their big day. If you are interested in booking the studio for a pottery session to celebrate an event please call Michelle at 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 or email michelle@ceramicforms.com GALLERY OF STUDENTS WORKSlipped & glazed bowl by Kelly Meegan.Sculptural Candle Holder by Yvette Yates.Slipped & Glazed bowl by Yvette YatesBowl decorated with reactive glaze by Linda Finn. Lamp base slipped and glazed by Linda Finn. Garden Ornament slipped and glazed by Deirdre MacMackin. Press-moulded Garden Ornaments by Christine McMahon. Slab-built Vase by Rachel O'Keeffe. Bowl decorated in reactive glaze by Kelly Meegan. Wall Clock by Fiona Hannon.Wall clock by Grainne O'Keeffe.Mirror by Deirdre MacMackin.Slab-built Bird Box by Rosemary DuffWater Feature by Rosemary Duff.Slipped & Glazed Bowl by Linda Finn.Children's Pottery I am available to facilitate Community Groups / School Projects / Art Groups etc. for children. Please contact me with your requirements. Ciara Birkett & Maeve Connell at the Easter Camp.Lisa by 7 year old Maeve Connell.Maeve Connell & Grace Doyle. Bart Simpson by Tomas Nolan,age 10.Piggy Banks by Maeve Connell & Grace Doyle, age 7.Flower by Ciara Birkett,age 13.Michelle Maher 9 Fernleigh Close Castleknock Dublin 15 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 michelle@ceramicforms.com wwww.ceramicforms.com Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Awards Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher “The Age of Christ” by Michelle Maher An Award winning Ceramic installation at The Sculpture in Context Exhibition Botanic Gardens 2004 “…for they are not made whole that reach the age of Christ.” (Thomas Kinsella) The Age of Christ was an award winning installation that was shown in 2004 as part of the Sculpture in Context exhibition in the Botanic Gardens. The Award for a Work of Distinction was presented to me at the opening ceremony on 8th September 2004. Sculpture in Context over its twenty-year history has established itself as the largest outdoor sculpture exhibition in Ireland. Each year a different panel of selectors is invited to adjudicate this open submission event. The selectors in 2004 were Anna MacLeod, Fidelma Massey and Niall O’Neill. 95 sculptors from throughout Ireland and abroad presented over 120 works in a wide range of materials, this was the first year that the organisers introduced a number of awards for outdoor pieces which were recognised for their originality and artistic excellence. I have had a long fascination with the Thomas Kinsella poem Mirror in February. When I first read it in my teens I remember thinking thirty-three – now that’s old! Now as I too approach the age of Christ at his death I know that I have not “…looked my last on youth…” The Age of Christ seeks to express Kinsella’s sentiments about the aging process through the medium of clay. The installation was constructed in stoneware clay and consists of thirty-three cubes of varying sizes each containing an opening giving another dimension to each piece. Weighing over half a tonne it was sited on the surface of the pond in the Botanic Gardens. The cubes seemed to float on the water existing in the same space as more organic forms, their stark geometric shape at times clashed with their environment, but at times so too they blended easily. Each cube represents a year of our lives and as such are all different, yet in some ways are all the same. And so it is in life, for we are “…not young and not renewable, but man.” The exhibition, which ran until October 8th in the Botanic Gardens, then moved to Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park from 14 October to 12 November 2004. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the following for their help with the installation in the Botanic Gardens and Farmleigh House - Eric and Annette Dowdall, Paul O'Sullivan, Cathy and Mike Phillis, Sarah, Tom and John Maher, but most of all thanks to Simon O’Dwyer without his support I couldn’t have completed the project. My thanks also to the staff at the Botanic’s and to Noel at Farmleigh House. I am as always, indebted to Paul Martin of NCAD for his expertise in all things ceramic.Michelle Maher 9 Fernleigh Close Castleknock Dublin 15 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 michelle@ceramicforms.com www.ceramicforms.com Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Private Commissions Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Private Commissions are always welcome, please contact me to discuss your individual requirements.A unique piece of Ceramic Art makes a fantastic wedding present or gift for that special occasion.I am also available to make ceremonial pieces, garden sculptures, water features and decorative indoor pieces. Please allow 4-6 weeks lead time for commissions, if you need a piece sooner than this I always have stock items available for immediate purchase, please contact me for further details. Gift Vouchers available for Private Commissions. Michelle Maher 9 Fernleigh Close Castleknock Dublin 15 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 michelle@ceramicforms.com www.ceramicforms.com Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher Contact Us Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me: Michelle Maher 9 Fernleigh Close Castleknock Dublin 15 01-6405614 and 087-2047695 michelle@ceramicforms.com www.ceramicforms.com Ceramic Forms by Michelle Maher <A href="copyright.html">Copyright</A> ©2005 Michelle Maher</h5> <A href="home.html">Home</a> <A href="about_the_artist.html">About the Artist</a> <A href="markets.html">Markets</a> <A href="gallery.html">Web Gallery</a> <A href="workshops.html">Workshops / Classes</a> <A href="awards.html">Awards</a> <A href="gifts.html">Wedding Gifts / Commissions</a> <A href="contact.html">Contact Us</a> </tr> </p>