Ceramics (work-in-progress)
LAB | TSFT The Search For Truth
This project is inspired by a now dormant home laboratory space belonging to my Dad (Arthur Callaghan) in Madeley, Staffordshire. His room and its contents provide the starting point and source material for the creation of an eclectic 'capsule collection' of ceramic work. The lab currently exists in a state of suspension - ‘Marie Celeste’ like - time seems frozen, yet life persists. Flasks and petri dishes nurture unseen growth, spiders weave their webs as dust gathers on equipment and surfaces. It is deeply personal - a tribute to my father and his life-long research activities in relation to Conidiobolus - a genus of fungi (micro organism). It also celebrates our shared passion - ‘the search for truth' - through scientific and artistic endeavour.
*All encaustic tiles have been co-designed & co-produced in collaboration with Edinburgh based Artist & Master Tile Maker Craig Peebles (www.welbyandwright.com) Thank you dear friend.
Special mentions & sincere thanks to Neil Brownsword, Alison Rafferty (Howell), Finn (Dave Finney), Dave Dowler (all University of Staffordshire - MA Ceramics).
Heartfelt thanks to my family for incredible support in particular Jane (Wells) & Helen (Callaghan). Final tribute & acknowledgement must go to Arthur (Callaghan) of course - thanks Dad!
Danny Callaghan has worked in a wide range of arts, heritage and cultural industries roles for more than 35 years. His artistic practice has also been broad based; site and context specific public art, creative interpretation and street art. He has a life-long passion for tiles, art mosaic and architectural ceramics. As a maker, his own work is increasingly focussed on the creation of unique contemporary ceramics but he remains committed to public engagement & education.
Danny grew up in The Potteries; he is passionate about the city’s cultural and economic renewal. He believes Stoke-on-Trent’s unique history of ceramic production, and truly global legacy and links, provide an essential and powerful driver for local regeneration & future growth.
