Artist of the Month, February 2024 - Hugh Clawson

Hugh Clawson is a self-taught artist from North Belfast. On leaving school, Hugh trained as an Upholsterer. However, he always wanted to be an artist, and in 1994 he had the opportunity to rent a studio at Brookfield Mill and began the long journey to fulfil his ambition. Since then, he has taken stained glass and bronze casting classes at Belfast Technical College and has gone on to work in a wide variety of mediums. Hugh currently works from his studio based at Conway Mill, where he continues to pursue his passion for art.

The Punk is part of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland art collection. The sculpture is created from wood and found objects, and was inspired by the idea of creating sculptures of people in the style of circus art. The piece was exhibited at the 142^nd Royal Ulster Academy of Arts Annual Exhibition. 

Further information about Hugh and his work can be found at www.facebook.com/hughclawsonartist/