Janet Halligan

Janet’s work combines a playful sense of the surreal, through her amazingly realistic replication of real life objects, with a wonderful understanding of sculptural shape and form.
Often she experiments with functionality in the shape of jugs, vases and cups that incorporate her fascination with fastenings, ties and fixings, juxtaposing a seemingly ordinary vessel with an extraordinary identity for the piece.
Fascinated with different surface textures, her pieces often emulate, leather, metal, cardboard, with an extraordinary likeness to the real thing.
Shoes, bags, belts, clothing and everyday household items are the simple inspiration for her work. A detailed study of objects that surround us everyday, make us re-evaluate the shape, form and texture of things we normally take for granted.
Defying the eye is just the first impression the viewer gets, the game of imitation, drawing you into her work. Further investigation reveals so much more than just a detailed copy. Shape, colour and amazing use of the ceramic material lead the viewer to ponder the significance of everyday objects all around them, while admiring how Janet skilfully manipulates one material to represent another.
Nothing is quite what it seems with Janet’s intriguing work!
Each bespoke piece is individually made. Work is slab-built and glazed using a range of stoneware glazes and metal lustres to highlight details.
If you like Trompe l’oeil art work, you’ll be fascinated by Janet’s work.