Christy Keeney studied ceramics at the Royal College of Art in London, and has also been commissioned by Sculptor, Eduardo Paolozzi, and HRH Prince of Wales. His figurative ceramics is an investigation into the human condition, and his forms are stretched to the point where sculpture and drawing overlap.
After spending 17 years in London, Christy Keeney returned to his native Donegal where he is now resident. His Sculpted slab, built heads and figures, demonstrate a wonderful sense of artisan technique, as details are drawn into the wet clay surface.
Keeney’s passion for clay remains as strong as ever. As a student thirty years ago he was a fine artist who, after some coaxing from his foundation tutor, somehow found himself enrolled on the pottery degree course. He developed a liking for clay but found throwing limiting and, in search of his own direction, discovered the freedom of sculpting clay. Throughout his career, Keeney has maintained a belief that no matter what the circumstances, you pursue your purpose in life.
Keeney’s commitment to his work is surely the behaviour of one pursuing a positive end that is not common amongst those who agonise deeply. The anguish he portrays is the mask he wears to hide his optimism and hope. The power of this ancient material that can capture the emotions of the human psyche continues to speak to us in the modern world. This is the spirit that Christy Keeney’s ceramics invoke, and why his sculptures continue to inspire and fascinate.
‘I prefer not to place my own descriptive explanation on to the work, but rather that’ spectators might derive their own meaning.’ Christy Keeney
