Clare potter explores ‘Form and Surface’ in new exhibition

CAHER-based artist Jane Seymour has teamed up with will fellow ceramics specialist, Mike Byrne, for an exciting new exhibition at Kenny’s Gallery in Galway.

The show, entitled, ‘Forms and Surface’ opens on May 6 and will include some stunning pieces with a range of different inspirations.

Jane is a self-taught artist and ceramist while Mike trained in Ceramic Design in Limerick.

Their work shares a commonality in its use of strong, slab-built, cut and altered sculptural forms, and refined surface treatment.

Mike builds tall abstract vessels, applying layers of different coloured slips, which he sands down to reveal the colours beneath, giving a smooth tactile surface.

Jane textures each piece, etching deeply into the surface of the clay with her drawings, inspired by an interest in the figurative, and uses oxides to colour her work.

“Although our work differs from each other and we come from very different backgrounds as far as training, we both make strong, collectable, sculptural pieces with unique approaches to form and surface decoration,” Jane said.

“Our ceramics will make a dramatic display together, and we believe this will be an exciting show of work.”

Jane grew up in rural England and Wales and comes from a long line of talented artists.

Her mother Sally Seymour was an artist and potter, as was her grandmother Muriel Medworth.

Jane’s grandfather Frank Medworth was head of Sydney Art School and her paternal grandfather was Albert Angus Turbayne, printer and book cover designer.

Her father John Seymour was a travel writer, and author. Jane’s upbringing was unconventional and with little formal education, however she was always encouraged to paint and draw even if the rest of her schooling was overlooked.

In the mind’90s, Jane moved to Clare where she built a house and an art studio and began to make ceramics.

Jane is inspired by the rugged landscapes and wild nature of her surroundings; the rounded shapes of sea washed rocks, storm lashed trees bent by the wind, and the dynamics of a particular community of crows living on the coast. She is fascinated by their individual characters and behavior patterns.

Jane is an experienced pottery teaching, working with adults and children of all ages and abilities, and runs classes in the community.

She is also involved in an enterprise called ‘CROI’ meaning heart, involving four women artists, four disciplines. She is a selected member of the Craft Potters Association (CPA).

The work of Janet and Mike has been widely collected and its quality recognised by ceramic organisations both in Ireland and abroad.