Norman Villa Gallery in Lower Salthill is hosting an exhibition of two of Ireland’s foremost ceramicists, Sonja Landweer and Katherine West. From different generations but driven by the same esthetic, both strive for perfection in their chosen art form.

Sonja Landweer came to Ireland in 1965 on the invitation of the Kilkenny Design Workshop as artist in residence. The Irish landscape has been a constant source of inspiration, she lives in an idyllic garden setting in the lush Kilkenny countryside. Her work is based on nature, seed and plant shapes; circular vessels and organic forms are enhanced and highlighted by the skilful use of colour, texture and patination. Included in this Exhibition along with her ceramic work will be bronzes and some beautifully direct works on paper.

Katherine West is a graduate of arts colleges in Ireland, France and the USA, she has been artist in residence in America, New Zeland, Hungary, Korea, Italy and the Netherlands. She works from her studio in the Galway countryside and lectures in ceramics in the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology. Katharine works primarily in clay, central to her work are phenomena associated with nature; landscape, seascapes and the human body. She works in series, for this Exhibition the concepts of the ‘Link’ the ’Loop’ and the ‘Spindle’ are explored both physically and metaphorically.

Both Sonja Landweer and Katherine West Have international profiles having exhibited widely and are represented in public and private collections at home and abroad. This is an ideal opportunity to view beautiful objects carefully crafted with skill and passion.

The exhibition was opened by Audrey Daly, Curator of Ceramics at the National Museum of Ireland on Friday last and will run until November 10.