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Ruby Byrne

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Artwork for Ruby Byrne

How would you describe the work you do and why?: 

Frost and Flame Ceramics is the creation of Ruby Byrne, a graduate of Cardiff School of Art and Design's Ceramic's Degree. While Ruby is a maker of many things, her main passion is clay.

While specialising in handbuilding Ancient Greek style sgraffito pottery for her degree project, THE CELESTIAL BODY, Ruby has recently foraged into more functional studio pottery after becoming a time exchange member of CUP Ceramics Studio based in Hereford. This has greatly diversified the style of ceramics Ruby works with, but one thing remains constant: the themes of fantasy and illustration decorating the surface of her works.

Frost and Flame Ceramics now includes functional ceramic mugs, thrown underglaze painted pots as well as handbuilt sgraffito pottery. Her new works are part of a project called A STATE OF WHIMSEY, and will be on display at CUP Ceramics during h.Art this year.

For you what does being an artist mean?: 

Representation of queerness and non-heteronormativity are pillars within Ruby's creative practice. While her work is not outwardly political in nature it stands against the systematic prejudice and phobia of queerness that is prevalent in today’s society. Her work is a celebration of queer culture, a display of a way of life that has been silenced, removed and misunderstood at so many points both currently and historically.

Describe what you call yourself/your practice?: 

Frost and Flame Ceramics is the creative venture of Ruby Byrne, a recent graduate of a BA Hons Degree in Ceramics from Cardiff School of Art and Design. THE CELESTIAL BODY is her on-going project, inspired by Ancient Greek Pottery, themes of fantasy and queer narratives.

Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching: 

Ruby specialises in large coil built pots, sgraffito and illustration, but is currently developing skills in throwing, turning and other slip application techniques. As part of volunteering at Cup Ceramics, Ruby assists in teaching workshops and technical aspects of running a studio, from firing kilns to mixing up glazes.

CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice: 

Ruby has worked with clay from a young age, from enamel glaze painting with her gran at age 10, through her GCSEs and A Levels in 3D Art, all the way to higher education.

Ruby holds a Foundation Degree from Hereford College of Arts and a First Class Honours Degree in Ceramics from Cardiff School of Art and Design

Exhibitions in the last 3 years: 

2022 – Llantarnam Grange – Showcase Exhibition

2022 – Cardiff School of Art and Design – Degree Show

2022 – Art in Clay Windsor

2022 – h.Art – Cup Ceramics

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