PRESS RELEASE
“ Close to the Ground” Teresa Dunnigan
April 7 – 30, 2009

Lyghtesome Gallery
Antigonish, N.S.

On display at Lyghtesome Gallery from April 7 – 30 is an exhibit of new work by ceramic artist Teresa Dunnigan of Pinevale, Antigonish County, entitled “Close to the Ground”. Featured in the show are a series of large smoke-fired tile panels, painted with metallic oxides and mounted against a variety of backdrops, some metal, some birch, all framed in oak. The wall collage work is accompanied by a collection of raku pottery pieces for which the artist has prepared appropriately meditative Japanese Ikebana flower and dried grass arrangements.

Best described as studies of nature, texture and colour, the entire body of work in “Close to the Ground” is made with recycled clay and found materials and reflects the artist’s keen eye for simplified, organic form and subtle surface treatment of the clay.. A continuing exploration of themed tile work over the last few years has allowed for the expression of deeper intuitions beyond pure design or straight representational landscape. Dunnigan’s work appears to have emerged out of the fire still connected somehow to the earthy, animated mysteries of the natural world.

Originally from Montreal, Teresa Dunnigan studied ceramic art at John Abbot College in Quebec and furthered her arts training through self-directed study, including drawing and painting courses at St.F. X. University. She first began exhibiting at Lyghtesome Gallery in July 2002, after opening up her pottery studio and business called Canarie Poterie, located at 372 Old Pinevale Road in Antigonish. She now exhibits her work in galleries across Nova Scotia, regularly participates in juried fine craft shows and the annual province-wide Studio Rally, and also offers pottery classes out of her home studio.

Ceramic artist Teresa Dunnigan, at work in her Pinevale studio, preparing an Ikebana arrangement for her “Close to the Ground” solo exhibit in April at Lyghtesome Gallery.