Art and biomaterials

Art and biomaterials

Workshop 6-8:30PM, Wednesday, 9th July

Led by Mary Doyle Burke (Visual Artist/Curator)

Biomaterials are the place where science and art meet hands-on, perceptions are challenged, and demystification and mystifications happen. Textures, grains and consistency offer opportunities for new definitions, narratives, and connections with the environment, while familiar territories are rediscovered. In this workshop, artist Mary Doyle Burke offers the opportunity to make and experience sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials made using food waste; experiment with processes and methods, and learn more for further research and challenges.

Environmentally-aware artists and makers continually evaluate their processes and strive to mediate, compromise, and make complex decisions about the materials they use in their practice. The Art and biomaterials workshop offers the opportunity for them – as well as curious fellow community members – to explore and discover possibilities outside the usual realm and gain new perspectives on their practice as part of the wider ecology.

We invite the wider community and communities of interest to join us in this workshop where insights and perspectives are shared during a hands-on gathering.

Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts and experiences in a relaxed exchange. No experience is required, but some ingredients will be asked to be collected prior to the workshop.

Biography

Mary Doyle Burke, a Visual Artist/Curator who’s practise focuses on sustainable art, circular practices, and the integration of natural materials in her work. She researches new possibilities for sustainable materials, currently developing biomaterials using natural ingredients for sculpture-making. They are energy-efficient, climate-positive, and can return to the earth when no longer required. By creating art that connects with natural cycles and human emotions, she encourages dialogue and facilitates change, making art a tool for community connection. Her practice aligns with the concept of exploring the plants that have regenerated in bogs and wetlands across her homeland, connecting with the cycles of human and nature.

Doyle Burke holds a B.A in Visual Art SETU 22 & Post Grad Art & Ecology 24 and was recently funded by CALMAST WIT to curate an exhibition “Breaking Boundaries” of Biomaterial Sculptures for the Science Ireland Foundation.

Facilitating Biomaterial workshops regularly, she has exhibited artwork and curated group & solo exhibitions nationally. Worked on many Community based projects for artists, including Founding Director of An Cheád Tíne Art Gallery & Studios, Kilkenny