Catherine Brennon - Biography.

 

 I am a fulltime professional artist, working from my studio in Voelklip, Hermanus. Before moving to Hermanus in 2014, my photographer husband (Lawrance Brennon) and I created and ran a specialist gallery focusing on fine art ceramics and photography (The Underberg Studio) in KZN for 12 years.

I have regularly exhibited at the regional and national exhibitions held by Ceramics SA since 1999.  I have taught and held workshops throughout South Africa and Namibia via the organization, and still teach sporadically from my studio in Voelklip or on invitation.  I hold a 3 year Diploma in Ceramics (1979) and a B.Tech Degree in Ceramics (2003) from Wits Technicon. I have attended various specialized courses in the UK and Italy and am active on several social media platforms in order to gain exposure to what is currently happening in the international ceramic and art communities.

 

My vision as an Artist has always been to make beautiful items that give pleasure and contribute to the positive side of life. Connecting with people is of primary importance and motivation in my work. I am passionate about art, but clay in particular. Living in Hermanus, between the sea and the mountains, has had a definite impact on my life.  Nature continues to be my biggest source of inspiration and is usually evident in my work. I mostly work full time from my studio, but can also be found visiting local beauty spots, walking the cliff path overlooking the sea or taking regular photography trips into the Karoo.  My work reflects this lifestyle.

Clay has always been an obvious tool of expression for me.  Over the years I have come to use it in a more intuitive way as some of the necessary technical skills have become second nature to me.  I have learned to do this by painting and drawing (on canvas or paper) more, and now have an extra arrow in my creative bow as it were. I see nothing as separate and try to keep my mind open to new creative opportunities as they present themselves.

Whatever I make is from the heart, rather than with a commercial intent in mind.  I just want others to enjoy my work as much as I do.

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Artist's statement.

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My vision as an Artist has always been to make beautiful items that give pleasure and contribute to the positive side of life. Connecting with people is of primary importance and motivation in my work. I am passionate about art, but clay in particular. Living in Hermanus, between the sea and the mountains, has had a definite impact on my life.  Nature continues to be my biggest source of inspiration and is usually evident in my work. I mostly work full time from my studio, but can also be found visiting local beauty spots, walking the cliff path overlooking the sea or taking regular photography trips into the Karoo.  My work reflects this lifestyle.

Clay has always been an obvious tool of expression for me.  Over the years I have come to use it in a more intuitive way as some of the necessary technical skills have become second nature to me.  I have learned to do this by painting (on canvas or paper) more, and now have an extra arrow in my creative bow as it were.

Whatever I make is from the heart, rather than with a commercial intent in mind.  I just want others to enjoy my work as much as I do.

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