As well as my love and interest for art in particular ceramics, I have always had a large interest in animals. Having worked on Cardiff City Farm for a number of years and, as a child, having the ambition to some day become a veterinary surgeon, I find that ceramicists who use animals as the subject of their art are of particular interest to me. .
During this investigative study, I am going to be looking into the work of Janet Beeny. Beeny is one of many artists who have chosen animals as a theme for their work I will be taking a particular insight into what influences the work that she produces and why she makes animals play the major part in her work. I will also be looking into what methods and techniques are used in the making of her pieces and how she stands in relation to contemporary animal ceramics.
I have chosen Beeny for this study because, after viewing her work, I think that she successfully captures the form and personalities of the animals that she makes. This, added to her stylised techniques, makes her work very successful. Hearing that Beeny had once worked at Cardiff City Farm herself made it possible for me to understand where her influences and ideas come from. In relation to my own work I found that her inspiration was similar to my own, having recently completed a project largely based on horses. .
Beginnings and Inspiration.
Beeny graduated (BA ceramics) from Cardiff Art College in 1986 after completing both her intermediate and foundation art qualification in the Rochdale .
College of Art. She returned to take her masters in 1988 and following this completed her P.G.C.E. at the Howardian Community Education Centre in 1996. During this time Beeny has become successful in her field, exhibiting her work in a great number of galleries, publications and group exhibitions. She has also been actively involved in workshops, demonstrations and lectures as well as being a visiting crafts person in schools and galleries.
