Killaloe’s Andrew exhibiting at National Craft Gallery

AN exhibition which features the work of Killaloe-born Andrew Whitelaw has officially opened at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny.
The exhibition includes work from the 12 graduates of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Skills and Design Course. Andrew won the coveted Crafts Council of Ireland Chief Executive’s Award at the exhibition opening. He comes from a family with a background in ceramics as his mother and father are both practising makers and throughout his upbringing, he was surrounded by the family’s collection of contemporary pots.
After finishing secondary school, he spent a year travelling through Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. He began his third-level education in 2009 at the Limerick School of Art and Design, completing the first-year foundation course, while in 2010, he was successful in obtaining a place on the Ceramics Skills and Design Course.
“My source of inspiration comes from contemporary forms and vessels that are not necessarily ceramic but glass, metal or wood. I like to translate and capture these ideas in my sketchbook and on the wheel. I make functional pots from porcelain. I want to give character to the work I make, through colour and quality of form. It is important to me that my work is individual and displays a high level of craftsmanship.
“Times are tough but I believe there’s a great career to be made in ceramics. All my peers are in the industry and doing well. This has been a brilliant programme and the plan now is to keep making and keep learning,” the talented 22-year-old said.
Karen Hennessy, chief executive of the Crafts Council of Ireland said the exhibition is the culmination of two years of hard work from the participants. “Commencing a successful career in the craft sector requires both skill and business acumen, and our course is designed to equip students with both.
“Having developed their individual creativity through dynamic work practice and the technical knowledge and skills required to support quality and innovation in design and production, these graduates now have the confidence and competence to enter the ceramics industry. Their experience over the last two years will stand to each graduate as they establish themselves as makers and we look forward to continuing to support them through the Crafts Council of Ireland programmes. I wish them every success in the future.”