Michelle Gallagher

Germany

“Iron Lady”

ceramic, glaze, underglaze 

Bio:

Born and raised in Ireland, I am currently living in a little village between Duisburg and Düsseldorf in Germany. After gaining my Sculpture and Art & Design teaching qualifications in Ireland, I went to teach art in Botswana. There was an unexplainable pull within me for Africa, I have loved traveling, experiencing and exploring different cultures ever since. I was involved in my first three person show in Gaborone in 1999. I returned to Ireland in 2000 and finished my BA in fine art sculpture from Limerick RTC. Since then I have worked as an artist and educator, in Eastern Europe and Asia before settling in Germany. I have been involved in many exhibitions in Hessen and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Artist Statement:

I am a visual artist who’s multidisciplinary practice encompasses ceramics, printing, drawing and sculpture. I often use clay mixed with traditional printing techniques. My artwork is firmly rooted in the processes of making and the materials I use dictate the work directly, ideas for pieces are envisioned in different materials, I love the challenge and the variety of exploration through materials. My work delves into many themes, with varied interests lying in the natural world and culture/society. At this time, I am particularly interested in female topics, especially the working woman/mother. Inspiration comes from observations in my own life and the lives of women in my family and society at large. I try and convey ideas about women’s invisible labor through double meanings and humor.