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An interdisciplinary artist, sculptor and researcher who explores questions of materiality, matter and making.
Billie Ireland responds to the recent ‘material turn’ in both theory and practice, emphasising the need to think differently about the world against a backdrop of climate crisis, species extinction, resource depletion and social inequality.
Purchasing any piece of quality craft is always a special experience. However, sometimes you might have a specific vision of your own in mind that you just can't seem to find. And that's where you might consider commissioning your own bespoke piece from First Of March.
There is something very special about the experience of working with a Master Craftsman to create a unique piece or collection. Whether you're seeking a bespoke piece for your home, an accessory for a special occasion or a centrepiece for your office, it's an opportunity to create something that's truly unique, where a commission becomes a creative conversation - a journey of discovery, exploration and delight.
At First Of March our Master Makers relish the challenge and creative possibilities a commission offers. They take great care and pride in their craft, and invite you to collaborate and engage in the creative experience when embarking on your personalised project.
And the process is much simpler than you may think!
Complete the short form below for your chosen Maker to get in touch to discuss your ideas in depth, and understand what you'd like to create and suggest a direction for your handmade commission.
Only when both you and the Maker feel completely comfortable and happy with the concept will the project begin.
Simply enter your details below along with any ideas you may have, and together, let's explore the possibilities!
Billie is a passionate and experienced creative and public artist. She specialises in crafting transformative experiences through research-driven art interventions. With a diverse skill set encompassing land art, sculpture, print, and film, her work resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels.
She has produced creative responses, workshops and courses for institutions and galleries, gaining a reputation for delivering, engaging and quality projects relating to materials, ecology and time.
Her research project for The Centre of Material Thinking, Aberystwyth University looks at materials, carbon and pyrolysis. This extends to her contributions to the Biochar Demonstrator project with the University of Nottingham and sustainable research of the more-than-human world.
She is a founding member and curator of NSTK a podcast & platform collating people whose work is rooted in and influenced by ‘not knowing’.
Billie has won public commissions and calls to produce a variety of site responsive, environmental works in Wales, England and Overseas. In seeking opportunities to collaborate and innovate, she aims to continue pushing the boundaries of art as a catalyst for environmental stewardship and collective healing. As an artist she is committed to igniting meaningful dialogue and open attitudes between the arts & science within the public and private domain.
EDUCATION
MA Fine Art . Aberystwyth University (Distinction) 2021
PGCE/FE Nottingham Trent University 2003
Post Graduate Certificate in Arts Practice. Derby University 2000
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Freelance Public Land Art Projects & Residencies
Kunstarena Dikemark Norway– Land Art 2023 https://www.asker.kommune.no/kultur-idrett-og-fritid/
kultur/kunst-i-asker-kommune/aktuelt-og-utlysninger/aktuelt/
Portalis Project 2023 Creative Interpreter 3 land art commissions Making land & sea interventions and
gallery works, working alongside dancers and a Mesolithic orchestra Exploring the earliest connections
between Ireland and Wales from the Mesolithic post ice age period. https://portalisproject.eu
Artscape 2021- Land Art Creative Commission, inspired by carbon capture. Included live work in
progress, plus talks, drawing workshops and a live biochar demonstration. https://artscape.wales/
2021/12/21/billie-ireland/ https://youtu.be/kgNUtsPF2_I
+Positive 2022- Art+Science. Recipient of Gwenllian Ashley Art Prize. SOA, Aberystwyth. Wales
The Lives We Want 2021 (cross-disciplinary collaboration with poets surrealist Mar Jacob & Welsh Poet
Laureate Mererid Hopwood) Aberystwyth University & Arts Centre Wales
Centre for Material Thinking (ongoing) - Aberystwyth University - Research Project Fellow
(ongoing)Bound to Nature - Biochar at the Uplands Research Unit A platform for Interdisciplinary
research related materiality, matter and making. viewing climate crisis, species extinction, resource
depletion and social inequality.https://materialthinking.net/projects/
LECTURING, WORKSHOPS, BIOCHAR & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
https://www.billieireland.co.uk/projects-entry/workshops-teaching-events
Arts Council Wales -Have a Go Fund - Secondary Referral Unit & Primary Schools
Oriel Davies Gallery, Wales. Open Newtown community event, Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth
Nottingham College - Team leader/ Lecturer - LLDD Enterprise Skills 1999-2015