FRANCES LAMBE

Lambe’s work springs from visual research into disparate areas of interest including geography, biology, botany and astronomy. This research is informed by her involvement in scuba diving. She is fascinated by the visual ‘inter-relatedness’ of life on our planet. Life forms that exist underwater mimic those on land. Visual information distilled from a variety of sources is combined in her individual pieces. Her work contains the counterpoint of opposites;
Smooth / textured
Minimal / intricate
Single / multiple
Convex / concave
Still / moving
Microscopic / vast
Surface / interior
Vertical / horizontal

Observed effects of weathering on surfaces influences the form and texture of the work.

Working with a variety of different clays from heavily grogged terracotta through white stoneware to porcelain, the work is usually left unglazed except for the occasional application of oxides. Particular attention is given to finishing each piece to ensure that the surface texture unites with the form. Lambe enjoys exploring the ceramic aesthetic of how each piece is ‘grounded’. Some sculptures sit on multiple bases, others stand on legs, some rock or swivel whilst others are suspended.

The sphere, the oval and undulating forms underpin Lambe’s visual language. The form of each piece is of prime focus. Pieces are constructed using the extended pinch method of hand-building and coiling. The constructed walls form a taut ‘membrane’ between the inner and exterior space. Holes punctuate the surface and link exterior to interior.

Lambe seeks to engage the viewer in a visual dialogue which explores cherished sources of inspiration.

Awards
Piece Prize Award
2006   Crafts Council of Ireland Travel Grant
2006   Cast Award, Sculpture in Context
2007   Sculpture in Context Award
2008   Peter Brennan Annual Pioneering Award

Public Collections
2005  
Louth County Council
Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, Embassy
.... Collection, Tokyo
Irish Department of Foreign affairs, Embassy
.... Collection, Belfast
2007  
National Museum of Ireland
2008  
Louth County Council

2008 Exhibitions
SOFA, Chicago, USA
Ceramics Ireland, Dalkey Castle, Dublin
Hallward Ceramic Exhibition, Merrion Square, Dublin
Sculpture in Context, Botanic Gardens, Dublin
International Ceramic Festival, Kozo Gallery,
....Thomastown
Image of Longing, National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
North Louth Artists, Louth County Museum, Dundalk
Going Green County Museum, Dundalk
Going Green, SpaceCraft, Belfasten, Louth County
....Museum, Dundalk
Us and More, Louth

Please contact us for other available works
info@jsauergallery.com