12 MARCH - 18 APRIL 2026  THE GROVE GALLERY

BREATHING FIRE ANNA LOUISE BAYDEN FREYA

Breathing fire expresses the feeling most potters experience  as they move through the steps of creation , beginning with wet clay in their hands, drying , firing decorating , firing again , sometimes multiple firings to achieve the finished permanent piece, it’s the feeling that gets buried deep within your soul and it becomes something that is part of you almost as necessary as breathing itself.

This series of earthenware sculptural work explores themes that have continued to remain important to the Killarney artist, myth and symbolism from many parts of the globe featuring spirit animals and guides have played a part in legends and tales from long ago.

Living in a world where technology and greed is worshipped, these ancient stories send messages from our ancestors, through ancient art idols and text. Images of these animals were used to protect, bring fortune as well as fertility.

Combined with the celebration of the female form which has been a constant in my art, evoking emotions through connection, healing, journeying through grief, transformation, finding strength and resilience.