Since graduating with a Master of Arts in Ceramics, artist Jean Cleary has worked extensively in the area of ceramics for over 22 years. Jean’s expertise lies in the area of ceramic sculpture. The human figure is central to the work her sculptures. The sculptures she creates are made from a variety of clays, and ceramic surface treatments. ‘Looking’ has been an ongoing theme in her work. This ‘looking’ can be an inward action where we ‘look’ inside our minds, it can also be a direct gaze, an action with our eyes wide open. Recent works explore portrait heads with a resting cat featured in the composition of the sculptures, commenting on the human need to rest and reflect, with cats being the great educators on how to rest! This exploration of rest and reflection continues in the porcelain wall portraits. The standing figure sculptures are rounded full-figured female forms, the ‘cloak series’ depicts this female figure with various coloured cloaks enveloping their bodies.
Jean has completed sculpture commissions both public and private. Her artwork has been featured in various publications, Ceramics Ireland magazine, Irish Ceramics by John Goode, House and Home magazine and the Irish Sunday Independent. She has also featured on the TV programme Nationwide.