Artist Statement

 Creating quiet objects of contemplation can be an illusive goal but a very enjoyable pursuit if you dedicate the time needed to accomplish it. To hold a piece, touching its contours, observing its shape, textures and form, I hope for the time that you spend with it, you think of nothing else; closing down your mind to external noise and the distractions of your day forgotten, if only for that moment you unconsciously find serenity. To be able to give this to someone is reward in itself. 

To produce these pieces I spend a lot of time in nature, observing and studying. A beneficial after effect is that it promotes a quiet mind which helps hugely in finding creative ideas to reflect on and create a physical manifestation of the peace and tranquility that I feel into a ceramic form.

For example, I studied and combined two marvels of nature to produce my Na Farraige Series; the shell of a sea urchin and stalagmites. They were key in resolving the dilemma of how to create spikes that truly looked organic. Applying thin layers of clay, allowing the sediment in each to settle and water to evaporate, then when reaching leather hard I repeat the process again and again. 

All good artists will attest to this; having many creative ideas does not always equate to them being the correct ideas for the project at hand. With determination and a lot of experimentation the correct ideas and a plan of action will present itself. The direction is not always the one you originally started with but you embrace and trust this process and it will always work out..… eventually. 

I enjoy going down the rabbit hole of creativity, you never know where you will end up if you’re open to an adventure.