Keith Varney - Ceramics


keith


Following a successful career as a furniture designer and cabinetmaker, Keith returned to education in 2005 seeking a new challenge and direction in life. He first discovered clay during a National Diploma in Design Crafts (ceramics/glass/fine metals) at City of Bath College, after achieving a triple distinction he felt compelled to take this new fascination further and applied for the BA (Hons) 3D Design; Ceramics at Bath School of Art and Design where he gained a first class degree.

In 2011 Keith built his studio and stated to develop his practice, while working part time as a technician and tutor in the Department of Art and Design at City of Bath College. After 2 years dividing his time between the studio and college he has now moved on to place his ceramic practice at the centre. Keith was selected by the Crafts Council in 2012 for Hothouse 3. As part of the Hothouse programme he is currently being mentored by Carina Ciscato and buddied by Sasha Wardell, their help and guidance has been invaluable. The Crafts Council Hothouse support has made a real impact on his practice and will continue to help establish his career as a ceramic artist.

Keith now exhibits widely across the UK, including exhibitions at New Designers, Tent London, Art in Clay, The Contemporary Craft Festival, Ceramics in the City, Quest Gallery, RBSA Gallery, Bevere Gallery and the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. In November 2011 he exhibited with Joanna Bird, London, in an exciting mixed media exhibition, showing his work shown alongside many established and successful artists. (click for video)

2013 has been an busy and rewarding year with many oportunities to exhibit and show his work to a wider audience. He is delighted to have won the award of 'Best Ceramics' at the Contemporary Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey. Keith has been selected, along with 9 ceramicist who came together through the Crafts Council Hothouse programme, for the ‘Exploring Spode’ research residency at the British Ceramics Biennial due to be held in Stoke-on-Trent this autumn.

Download Keith's CV pdf

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