Jack Doherty was born in Northern Ireland and studied Ceramics at the Ulster College of Art and Design, Belfast. On graduating he worked at Kilkenny Design Workshops before establishing his studio in Co Armagh in 1978. He was Chair of the Craft Potters Association for 12 years, a founder member of Ceramic Art London and has been guest editor of Ceramic Review magazine. His work is exhibited internationally and is represented in many public collections in Ireland, the UK, Europe, Japan and China.
Doherty questions the role of clay objects and considers their changing place in a contemporary world. His vessels are based on the archetypal ceramic forms, pots for holding, storing and keeping safe but for him, the concept of function is ambiguous and multi-layered containing the qualities of both art and utility.
Using his signature soda-fired porcelain, new for this exhibition Jack has made a series of ‘Guardian Vessels’ with folded rims and drawn surfaces. He has also been working on a group of spherical forms, carved and heavily textured, some to be held in the hand, others large and bold.
“Through my education, practice and persistence I have developed a unique method with an aim of utilising the versatility of clay to its potential.”
“My making process is a daily repetition in a calm and quiet place. My work is a reflection of thoughts and sensibility in these moments of making.”
“I am wary of having a formula, thinking I have cracked the code… The feeling of satisfaction is surely my enemy. I need to stay focused on trying to create work that has real freedom in it, freedom from materials, method or mentality.”
“Central to my work is the concept of the vessel: creating associations with sharing, ritual and celebration, reminders of our humanity, our history and connection with nature.”