Chloe Lennon

Ceramicist

Earthly textures

Chloe finds her joy in nature
She is inspired by the landscape she lives in
In her work she explores humans’ relationship to the environment

As a child, Chloe Lennon was fascinated by nature and, growing up in the countryside, she was not afraid to get her hands in the mud. Today, her clay artworks express that fascination through artistic articulation and the skills of a craftsperson. Her investigation has taken her on a journey through the rugged landscapes of Ireland, focused particularly on the textures of the Earth: rock, moss, peat soil. Interrogating the relationship we have with the environments which we inhabit, Chloe creates works that delve into the relationship between industrial environments and the natural world. Her work aims to express the striking contrasts between these two realms. She invites contemplation on humanity's transformative role in nature.

Interview

How did you learn your craft?: I first touched clay while I was in school, but it was not until I began studying at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 2012 that I started to consider ceramics more seriously and chose it as the medium for my degree.
What is special about working with clay?: For me, the joy of clay is in its tactility. Having grown up in rural Ireland, I was accustomed to using my hands to play with nature, so the inherent connection between the body and the material in ceramics resonates deeply with me.
What is your process?: I am definitely a planner, possibly to a fault. I write notes or draw sketches on my phone if thoughts occur to me while out of the studio. I sketch things, sometimes dozens of times, to decide on surface textures, glazes, dimensions before I even touch the clay.
Is there a memorable moment in your career you could share?: In early 2022, I had the privilege of being invited by the Design and Craft Council of Ireland to speak in the Irish Pavillion at Expo 2020, Dubai. It was such an honour to be invited as a representative of Irish craft at such an innovative event.

Chloe Lennon is a rising star: she began her career in 2021