'A Personal Journey' A solo exhibition of new work by renowned ceramicist John ffrench The Kenny Gallery, Galway July 14th - July 27th, 2006

Galway's famous Arts Festival in July will see the opening of "A Personal Journey", a new exhibition of ceramics by artist John ffrench who has been described as the person who introduced colour into Irish ceramics.

This new collection will be made up of a series of wall panels, and of freestanding pieces such as bowls, dishes, pitchers, tall vases, jugs and various curious vessels, some functional, more sculptural, all decorative. The work is bright, happy, colourful and occasionally childlike - .the kind of artworks that would put you in good humour.

The poet and artist David Jones once observed "making a work is not thinking thoughts but accomplishing an actual journey". John ffrench is one of these makers whose new exhibition reflects a personal journey into the extraordinary world of Irish myth and legend along with allusions to other dreamlike forms. These are strong and personal statements, full of imagination and movement and reflecting his many travels.

The colours of these pieces are intense and exuberant, touched with the luminous quality of the sun and its liquid glazes. And the shapes! They are wild, surreal, fantastic, exciting and innovative.

John was born in Dublin and studied at The National College of Art and Design. He first exhibited his paintings and pottery in 1948. Since then his career has led to a considerable international reputation. He has worked in the Broge Studio, Florence, The Ring Ceramic Studio, Kilkenny, The West Bengal Studio, Calcutta and the Dolphin Studio in Massachusetts. One of the pioneers of studio pottery in this country, he founded Arklow Pottery in 1962, and in later years he established his own ceramic studio in County Clare. He also taught ceramics for many years before his retirement. His work is included in many important collections in the USA and in Europe, and he is represented in The National Museum of Ireland and the Crawford Museum in Cork.

Eminently collectible new images from a distinguished artist.
Watch out for a David Shaw-Smith documentary on John ffrench to be screened by RTE in the Autumn.

For further information, please contact Tom Kenny

The Kenny Gallery, High St and Middle St, Galway, Ireland P: + 353 91 534760 F: + 353 91 568544 E: karen@kennys.ie W: www.kennys.ie