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Artist's Statement
Irene is a ceramic artist specialising in small sculptural objects and ceramic design reflecting Japanese aesthetics. Her works feature delicate paper-like ceramic structures juxtaposed against found textures of fabric, stone, wood and steel. Irene's work references ancient Eastern influences of Ikabana flower arrangements, Zen sand gardens and Japanese Wabi-Sabi concepts of the perfect 'imperfection' of the natural world. Irene's extensive ceramics education encompasses study in the Atelier model of studio arts practice, the study of ceramics as an 'art' medium for the expression of personal and social narratives and as contemporary product and commercial object design. Irene studied her Bachelor of Fine Arts at National Art School, her Master of Contemporary Art for Educators at Sydney College of the Arts and a Master of Design at UNSW College of Fine Arts. She continues to add to her knowledge at every opportunity. In 2012 Irene was awarded a business start up grant, ArtStart, by the Australian Arts Council giving her the opportunity to establish her studio at Sydney Olympic Park and securing her first gallery. Irene has exhibited with the Inner City Clayworkers Gallery for the past 4 years. Her work may also be found at Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery. In 2006 Irene began her first community arts project with the Salvation Army's Streetlevel Mission in Surry Hills, Sydney. She delivered an art portfolio preparation project that introduced participants experiencing issues of disadvantage to the possibility of securing art study in TAFE courses. The project was successful and she delivered the project again in 2007. Irene has delivered 6 further projects to date and is currently delivering the Ultimo Arts Co-op through her small not-for-profit organisation the Starving Artists Collective Inc. In 2008 Irene was introduced to the concept of social enterprise as a means of community engagement and personal empowerment for people experiencing issues of cultural, political or social disadvantage. This concept has formed the foundational base of Irene's community arts work to date. Irene maintains a strong interest in this field. As part of her ArtStart grant Irene realised she would need to embark on the study of small business principles as art school had taught thorough art making skills but not the essential business skills a successful arts practice requires. At completion of her small business studies, Irene was exceptionally fortunate to receive a period of mentorship from each of 2 inspiring women who are still forging their successful businesses today, Chrissy Crust of Chrissy Crust Consulting and Rosemary Shapiro-Liu of Triple Win Enterprises. Irene has further interests in the other art disciplines of drawing, jewellery, mixed media art, painting, photography and printmaking. She lives in Sydney, Australia, loves the beaches and adores her son and many pets. |
Artist's CV
Group Exhibitions
* 2014 Glebe Art Show * 2014 'OSCAS' National Open Studios - Armory Studios @ Sydney Olympic Park * 2014 'Selected works' Bondi Pavilion * 2014 Pyrmont Art Prize * 2014 'Illusions' Inner City Clayworkers Gallery * 2013 'Clay Day' Australian Ceramics Association Artisan's Ceramics Showcase * 2013 CSG 50th Anniversary 'Celebration' Exhibition * 2013 'OSCAS' National Open Studios - Armory Studios @ Sydney Olympic Park * 2013 'Clay on Display' Royal Easter Show * 2012 'Awsome Clay' Australian Ceramics Association Artisan's Ceramics Showcase Awards * 2014 Port Hacking Potters 48th National Competition Winner Category 4 'Paperclay' * 2012 Port Hacking Potters 47th National Competition Winner Category 4 'Paperclay' * 2012 Australia Arts Council ArtStart Recipient * 2011 City of Sydney Local Action Grant * 2010 City of Sydney Local Action Grant Teaching * 2013 Annandale Creative Arts Centre Handbuilt ceramics, jewellery, mixed media art * 2013 Muddy Fingers- Clay Chaos 4 Kids Clay project for children 3-6yrs * 2012-2013 P-plate Project Handbuilt ceramics * 2010-2013 COWBelles Community Craft Jewellery, papercraft Outlets * Inner City Clayworkers Gallery, Glebe * Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery, Gymea Collections * Australia, Ireland, England, Greece, New Zealand |
