Aoife O’Reilly

My work is driven by an intuitive playfulness backed up by a detailed, scientific approach to material. While these two aspects initially seem antithetical, one feeds directly into the other. This has allowed me to develop my own way of working, which I would call 'methodical optimism'.

I have a deep fascination with glass, in particular the kiln-forming process pâte de verre. Through systematic sampling and experimentation, I have developed a deep understanding of pâte de verre processes, traditional and contemporary. To reflect what these processes can achieve, I have made a series of pâte de verre recreations of natural objects.

Alongside my glass experiments, I have created a collection of ceramic freaks and weirdos. Working through creative frustrations, I reverted back to sculpting in a playful, intuitive state and embraced the absurd.

Together, the materials reflect the methodical and the optimistic, and creating a conversation about materiality and process.