Ros Harvey SRUA
A BRIEF RESUME FOR ROS HARVEY.
Ros Harvey’s family have lived in Malin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal for several centuries. Having left when she was 12, it is no wonder she returned to these roots in later life.
She began her exhibition career in Dublin in 1967. With the help of two small children, she built her own pottery and became one of the leading potters in the country. Her works were a sell out at exhibitions and she regularly had Shows in The Davis Gallery in Capel Street, Dublin. One of the very few independent galleries owned by the artist, art critic and journalist Gerald Davis. She was also a winner at the RDS Craft Show.
Throwing stoneware, making up her own ash glazes and exhibiting large pots and platters with her distinctive glazes became collectors pieces. Ros made a number of small clay sculptures at this time from sketches of animals in the Dublin Zoo. Later to be cast in bronze in Co.Mayo.
In 1979 she moved to England for a short period of time during which she injured her back. Thus ending her ability to throw large pieces of clay.
Taking helpful advice she threw and glazed white stoneware breakfast sets and coffee sets which she hand decorated.
At this time Ros also embarked on small watercolours. Painting had not been part of her idea of making a living, so the journey into mediums and supports, papers and framing became the new research.
Innishowen Rockscape (Pastel on paper, 2019)
Moving back to Ireland and Donegal, in 1988, changed her life once more. Together with a partner who was a Ceramicist, Printmaker and Wood engraver, the change for both of them was a huge challenge.
Tim set about collecting Irish stories and local tales to develop into woodcuts and limited edition books. Ros to recapturing the special Donegal light on the landscape and ocean. The discovery of soft pastels for this illusiveness, has achieved, for her, great acclaim.
The first One-man show of her pastel paintings was held in the Kennedy Gallery, Dublin, followed up with two more. The Forge Gallery, Collon, Co Louth held three one-man Shows and The Kenny Gallery, Galway also three. She has been invited to exhibit internationally, and to write articles and chapters on how she uses pastels with such strength and intensity.
During this creative time, Ros and Tim have renovated an old farmhouse, built a studio each, a print workshop, a framing shop where they frame their own work and have opened a gallery/showroom to the public, to display and sell their work.
For fuller details of Ros Harvey’s work, awards, exhibitions, and illustrated books please see her website. Www.rosharvey.com
