Artist in Residence 2022
Local Designer/Maker Áine McKenna specialises in creating beautifully unique ceramics for gift and home.
Following a degree in Fine and Applied art from University if Ulster she went on to do a Masters in Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University in the heart of the potteries, Stoke on Trent.
During this time, she had the unique opportunity to do an industrial placement with leading tableware manufacturer Dudson Ltd. and so began her love for surface pattern.
After graduation she went on to work for Royal Stafford/Poole pottery as a surface pattern designer. Utilising her skills as a fine artist she was able to create collections depicting hand painted elements and her illustrations for mass produced tableware.
Having a strong affiliation with the pottery industry, she is hugely influenced by industrial techniques and processes and her fine art background is evident in the work she produces today.
Áine currently creates stunning translucent pieces from porcelain paper clay.
“Paper clay allows me to create work that is very thin while still retaining strength. There is a certain delicacy, unique glaze finish and a beautiful translucency to my work.” It is both delicate and feminine with a romantic concept.”
The product range includes porcelain envelopes, paper bags and sketch book vessels, to name a few.
The innovative designs are intended to amuse and delight the viewer as they learn it is not actually paper but ceramic.
Time-out from making during Covid forced Áine to reflect upon her work and ambitions moving forward. It fuelled the desire to create new products and explore new techniques including the development of her illustration on other product ranges.
With over 10 years’ experience working in ceramic design, Áine will now take up the post of Artist in Residence in Down Arts Centre, supported by Newry Down and Mourne Council.
The residency is designed to allow makers the opportunity to develop their practice and enhance their skills.
As Artist in Residence Áine will be on-site full time where visitors can see her at work. She will also deliver a programme of pottery classes available for both adults and children, all while developing a new body of work and curating exhibitions.
Áine’s work will be available to buy at the craft shop in Down Arts Centre.
Facebook: @ainemckennaceramics
Instagram: @ainemckennaceramicdesign