Deirdre McLoughlin (20th/21st Century)
Kuai (1996)
Ceramic, 32 x 24 x 14cm (12½ x 9½ x 5½")

Provenance: With The Peppercanister Gallery, Dublin.

Exhibited: 'Innovation from Tradition',...

Deirdre McLoughlin (20th/21st Century)
Kuai (1996)
Ceramic, 32 x 24 x 14cm (12½ x 9½ x 5½")

Provenance: With The Peppercanister Gallery, Dublin.

Exhibited: 'Innovation from Tradition', Brussels 1996.

 

Deirdre McLoughlin, the Dublin born ceramicist studied at Trinity College before relocating to Amsterdam to work in the studio of Rosemary Andrews where she developed her skill and passion for working with clay. Unlike other materials used by sculptors, such as stone or timber, which is cut from a shape that is already existing, with clay the artist can approach it without the restrictions of any predetermined form. McLoughlin remarked of her work I begin from the empty space in my mind and I work into the empty space before me. This image of her pouring herself and her ideas into the material and moulding it from the inside out, is reflected in the abundance of vessel-like forms in her work.

 

Japanese ceramics have a significant influence in McLoughlins work and she spent a number of years in Kyoto working under the tutelage of the S?deisha Group. She set up a studio there in 1984. A strong adherence to form is a predominant feature of S?deishas work and in turn this has been keenly adopted by McLoughlin in her own practice. Her making process is exacting. She uses subtle glazes, which surprise the viewer, having the appearance of clay but the texture of stone. While her sculptures often have a simple, recognisable shape, they can extend at odd and unexpected angles. And yet there is an inherent flow and dynamism to their form.

Now based full-time in Holland, she is represented by the Galerie Franzis Engels in Amsterdam and exhibits extensively in Europe. In 2004 and again 2014 she was awarded the prestigious Westerwald Prize, Ceramics of Europe and most recently was amongst the finalist for Loewe Craft Prize, 2018. Her work is part of numerous collections in Ireland including the Hunt Museum in Limerick and the Arts Council of Ireland, Dublin.

Niamh Corcoran, September 2019

 

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