Patrick Ward from Dundrum Co, Down. Graduated from the University of Ulster, York Street Belfast 1999 with Dip He/BA. Hons. Fine & Applied Art specialising in sculpture using found objects and materials.

In 2002 Patrick went to Finland for a one year art residency and has lived there ever since. During his time in Finland Patrick has been involved with 35 exhibitions and projects.

Coming back to Ireland, The Art of Craft Exhibition 2016 is the first exhibition in Ireland that Patrick applied for since 2002. “I am really happy that my work was accepted for the Art of Craft Exhibition which has a reputation for showing the highest quality craft from leading makers nationwide.  I am delighted that the public enjoyed my work and how my work ‘Stags Head’ has been received.”

“I have been making mosaic art for 10 years and `Stags Head` is part of a collection of work and working technique which I have been developing since 2014”.

The process involves inlaying hand-cut ceramic tile into the wood bark. Patrick explains that his inspiration for his new work came from living in a forested environment where off-cuts of wood are readily available and how the material allows him to experiment with a different type of base. “My challenge was to make the ‘Stags Head’ good enough that it didn´t need any background mosaic”.

“This is the development stage my work is now at and I continue to be inspired by nature concentrating on the small details to capture the essence and character of the animals”.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me, the public who voted for my work and thanks to the exhibition organisers Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Market Place Gallery and Craft and Design Collective. Thanks also to all the other exhibiting artist, designer makers at the Art of Craft Exhibition

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