Lesley Kelly is a ceramic artist, based in Ireland, producing both sculptural and functional vessels. The communicative power of her tangible forms involve a methodical bond with clay. In shaping a narrative around complex family dynamics she assigns powerful meanings to each piece. Her work fits within an existing language of contemporary sculpture and is held in a permanent collection in the Hanyang Museum, Seoul, Korea, been selected for numerous exhibitions and published in 'Irish Ceramics' 2014 and 2020.
Working in earthenware using wheel-throwing, hand building and sculpting techniques and reactive glazes ensure an individual result, not to be replicated. Kelly currently works from her established studio in Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Exhibitions:
2024 - Ceramics Ireland Select Exhibit, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, Ireland.
Selected: Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Made Local Campaign 2024, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
2021 - Original Kildare, Pop Up Shop, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
2020 - 'Kildare Art Collective & Friends', McKenna Gallery, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
2019 - Solo Exhibition, Woodbine Book Shop, Kilcullen, Co.Kildare, Ireland.
'Kilcullen 700' group exhibition Clay and photography, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
2017 - ICA 'Yarn Bomb' community art project, Newbridge, Co.Kildare, Ireland.
'Art in the Community', An Tearmann, Kilcullen. Co. Kildare, Ireland.
'In Focus', Photography Exhibition (founding member), Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
2016 - Permanent Collection: Hanyang Museum, Seoul, 'East - West Heritage Exhibition'
'1916 Collaborative Art Project' with Laois Education Centre, Ireland.
Selected: 'Sculpture in Context' Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland.
2015 - 'Four Elements' Olivier Cornet Gallery, 3 Denmark St, Dublin, Ireland.
2013 - Selected: 'Annual Hermione Art Exhibition', Alexander College, Dublin, Ireland.
2011 - 'Inter-changes': In conjunction with the hosting of the International Year of Craft, Zozimus Gallery, Dublin, Ireland.
Selected by the Crafts Council of Ireland for their education panel CRAFTed.
Partnership in Action 'Moving Statues' Project with Larkin Community College, NCAD and the National Museum of Ireland.
'Reverie' The Leinster Gallery, Dublin, Ireland.
Selected: Ceramics Ireland juried exhibition, Zozimus Gallery, Dublin, Ireland.
Selected: 'Contemporary Sculpture' in Irish Gardens, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Selected: 'Irish Contemporary Ceramic Awards' Millcove Gallery, Cork, Ireland.
Selected: RDS National Craft Awards, Dublin, Ireland.
2010 - 'Inter-changes' Craft & Context Symposium, Fulbright, Craft Council of Ireland and NCAD, Dublin, Ireland.
'Inter-changes' Craft and Context, Mason, Hayes & Curran Solicitors, South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin, Ireland.
'Influx: Craft and Context', Irish Museum of Modern Art, Pembroke Row, Dublin, Ireland.
2009 - Selected: Ceramics Ireland juried exhibition, Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center, Dublin, Ireland.
Plan Expo, Home & Architectural Show, RDS, Dublin, Ireland.
NCAD Graduate Degree Show, Thomas Street, Dublin, Ireland.
NCAD Christmas Craft Fair, Cow's Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland.
2008 - Zozimus Gallery, Dublin, Ireland.
2008 - 'Christmas Arts Exhibition', Cambridge, England.
2006 - 'Anglian Contemporary Art Fair', Essex, England.
'New Cambridgeshire Artists Exhibition', Needham's Restaurant, Cambridge, England.
'Needham's Christmas Art Exhibition' Cambridge, England.
03-04 - Showcased at All Saints Craft Market, Trinity Street, Cambridge, England.
Book Publications:
Irish Ceramics, John Goode, 2014, 2020.
Memberships:
Ceramics Ireland
Design & Crafts Council, Ceramics Ireland, Original Kildare.
Education:
2012 - Professional Diploma in Art & Design Education, National College of Art & Design, Dublin, Ireland.
2011 - Master in Arts, Ceramics, National College of Art & Design, Dublin, Ireland.
2009 - B.Des in Craft Design (Ceramics) First Class Honours, National College of Art & Design, Dublin, Ireland.
2006 - City & Guilds 7302 Level 3 Certificates in Teacher Training in Adult Education, England.
2005 - City & Guilds Certificate in Creative Studies, Cambridge, England.
1994 - PLC Certificate in Art, Design & Crafts (Merit) Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Dublin, Ireland.