Deana Lee shortlisted for top ceramics award

We're delighted to announce that Skylark artist Deana Lee (left) has been short-listed for the inaugural Potclays Emerging Makers Award. This international competition was open to ceramic artists/potters who had completed their studies within the past five years. The finalists consist of four British artists, one American and one Australian.

Deana and the other shortlisted artists have been invited to the 2011 International Ceramics Festival, held in Aberystwyth from 1-3 July, where they will each give 15-minute presentations to the professional and amateur ceramic audience, who will then select the winner of the award.

The International Ceramics Festival is one of the world's most prestigious biennial events for professional and amateur potters, and features demonstrations, kiln building and firings, slideshows, films and lectures, exhibitions, trade stands and bookstalls. The festival attracts more than 800 visitors from across the globe who gather for the weekend to discuss techniques, watch demonstrations and share ideas. At the 2009 festival, Deana worked for Tom Barnett, the well-known kiln maker, helping to create the Fire Capsule.

We all wish Deana the best of luck — check this blog in July to see how she got on in Wales.

You can read more about the International Ceramics Festival here.

www.deanaleeceramics.com

Pictured: Sensual Abundances I by Deana Lee

Skylark Galleries open late this Friday

Both Skylark galleries will be open late on Friday 29 April as part of the South London Art Map Last Fridays events. Perhaps you've been in the city for a royal event and have time to linger along the river before heading home. The galleries will be open until 8pm, and gallery artists will be on hand to talk about their work, including Eileen Martin (right), Jane Skinner and Gill Hickman.

Deana Lee's smoke fired ceramics (pictured below) are featured in Skylark 2.

Skylark 1's Spring Collection is on show in the window of its Gabriel's Wharf space and a short walk away at Oxo Tower Wharf the Art in an Egg collection will be on view in Skylark 2 - they make the perfect artistic Easter gift.

Come and join us for a browse and a drink.

Find out about directions to Skylark Galleries here.

Featured artist at Skylark 2: Deana Lee

Until 28 February, Skylark 2's Featured Artist is Deana Lee (http://www.deanaleeceramics.com/).

Deana creates tactile, organic, smoke-fired sculptures that have strong, round profiles and movement (below), as well as wall art (right), all of which are inspired by her passions: the natural world and travel.


Deana has always been drawn to the ancient method of smoke firing and how smoke and fire paint designs on the ceramic canvas, and she has taken these processes and used them in a more contemporary way to create a variety of effects that have depth and fluidity.


Come and visit the new-look Skylark 2 at the Oxo Tower on London's South Bank, and Skylark 1 at nearby Gabriel's Wharf.

New to Skylark: Deana Lee

Two new artists join the Skylark 2 team this month: painter Gregor Harvie, who will be blogging shortly, and ceramicist Deana Lee (left). Deana was born in Hong Kong and left a career in marketing to devote herself to sculpting with ceramics. Here she introduces herself.

"I was thrilled when Skylark Galleries asked me to join their collective as it is wonderful to be a part of an enterprising group of artists that have come together to promote their work and run not just one but two galleries. Prior to becoming a ceramic artist I worked in consumer marketing and I am looking forward to using my skills to assist in all aspects of the team's marketing plan.

"Since I was young I have always enjoyed playing with clay, and the organic sculptures that I create have strong forms and several facets. I spend hours ensuring each piece is highly burnished as this results in extremely tactile forms — my pieces are meant to be touched. As far back as I can remember I have been drawn to the ancient method of smoke firing and how the smoke and flames paint designs on the ceramic canvas. I have taken these ancient processes and used them in a more contemporary way to create unique effects that have depth and fluidity.

"I hope that you will have as much pleasure viewing and feeling my artwork as I have making them. I look forward to meeting you all very soon."

Deana is showing at:
Art in Clay: 13th Southern Pottery & Ceramics Show
www.farnham.artinclay.co.uk
21 - 22 November 2009
Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR