While Brendan Ryan was always drawing and painting as a child, he never took it seriously until a lot later in life, when he got a degree in applied art from the Crawford College of Art and Design.

Now he is in a group exhibition at On the Pigs Back in the former Woollen Mills in Douglas until January 14.

His work is distinctive and attractive. He makes miniature houses and shop fronts out of ceramics, based on photographs.

In 2017, Brendan graduated from the Crawford College of Art. His experience of being a mature student “was amazing,” he says, “It was completely different than school. When I was at school, I just wanted to leave. I hated it and loved art college.

"You go in to college with a thirst for knowledge. At lectures, all the mature students would be constantly asking questions.”

Now, Brendan does his art work from a studio in his home. His ceramics are Raku-fired.

He says: “People send me photographs of their houses. I have about six commissions to do before Christmas.”

Also, Brendan works with the Coolmine drugs and alcohol treatment centre in the Glen.