Colour and imagination come alive in new exhibit in Limerick City Museum

LIMERICK MUSEUM is presenting the ‘Canticle of Creatures’, an exhibition of ceramics by contemporary artist Deborah Watkins.
Deborah was invited to develop a series of ceramics inspired by an artefact from the Limerick City Museum collection.

The artefact is a tiny bronze spigot (tap) from the 15th-16th centuries, which was used to dispense liquid, like oil or vinegar, from a container such as a barrel.

The resulting exhibition is a vibrant miscellany of ceramic sculptures, vessels, and tiles, where gleaming colour and fluid form combine to evoke exuberance and otherworldliness.

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The exhibition title, ‘Canticle of Creatures’, is inspired by a poem by Franciscan monk St. Francis of Assisi, renowned for his love of animals and nature. Deborah draws a connection to the museum’s location on Henry Street, formerly a Franciscan Friary.

A graduate of the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Deborah earned a first-class honours degree in Craft Design (Ceramics) in 1991, followed by a Diploma in Art Education two years later.

She later moved to Connemara, where she operated her own pottery studio in Clifden for several years. In 2008, she began painting landscapes deeply influenced by the colours and textures of her early career.

Deborah’s work attempts to describe the drama and ever-changing atmosphere that is present in the landscape and coastline of Connemara.

Returning to ceramics in 2020, Deborah now creates unique, hand-built ceramic landscapes that can be displayed flat or hung on a wall, each treated much like a painting, making each one unique.

Deborah shared her excitement about the show saying: “This exhibition is the result of a year of creative development and commitment to the project. I recognised an energy in my chosen artefact that I have sought to bring to the work.

“I carry my own stories as well, so imaginary creatures and habitats are thrown into the mix. It is my hope that visitors will pick up on this energy when they experience the show.’’

Dr Matthew Potter, Curator of Limerick Museum, added: “This fantastic exhibition offers a glimpse into Deborah’s interior world.”

The exhibition will be on display until November 30 at the Limerick Museum.