Cobh Pottery

Oh my, what an auspicious gift has graced me this morning! Some of my work journeyed to Oklahoma with Kiamichi and Pete this summer.
Kiamichi, who hails from the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, has sent me a dream catcher, so beautifully hand made by her, in response to my work. I am utterly moved and deeply honoured by this gesture. This beautiful token of artistry and spirit has left me humbled and will have me walking on air for days.❤️❤️

“A glimmer is a faint and wavering light reflecting on the water's surface- brief, yet captivating, it dances along the blue surface.”

Within the play of light and shadow, the glimmer emerges, as a faint and wavering presence, delicately reflecting on the water's surface. It is a transient enchantment, yet profoundly captivating, as it dances gracefully along the blue-green canvas.

The notion of the 'brief' immediately conjures a vivid image of a mesmerising dance on a blue surface, evoking the imagery of mermaids swirling beneath, their movements casting glimmers that ripple across the water's expanse.

Throughout history, the sea and its mysteries have been a wellspring of human imagination. We conjure the existence of cities crafted from ivory shells, or the presence of tentacled beasts lurking amidst the seaweed. How do these coexisting realms beneath the waves harmonise?
For me, it is a question that invites both speculation and wonder.

Those glimmers, especially on sun-kissed summer days, when all is tranquil above the waves, evoke a sense of timeless allure. In those moments, bare skin sparkles, and memories and chance encounters, whether fleeting or enduring, etch themselves into the fabric of our lives.

I hope my exploration of this theme is lighthearted but profoundly human, touching upon both the nostalgia and the anticipatory joy of long summer days, while delving into the enigmatic secrets that lie just beneath the surface of both humans and the sea.

"Who are the people in your neighbourhood, in your neighbourhood, in your neigh-bour-hood?” These timeless lyrics from Sesame Street evoke a sense of community and connection that many of us cherish from our childhoods.
Sometimes, I struggle with the overwhelming abundance of my interests and commitments. Yet, on rare and extraordinary days, my seemingly wild ideas materialise into something tangible and meaningful.
This week, I experienced such a rare moment. The women’s shed in Cobh, which I initiated a few years ago, successfully completed a pottery project dedicated to the beloved foundress of our local enclosed order, priory. This priory has been an invaluable supporter of the Cobh Women’s Shed, and our pottery group was both anxious and excited to contribute to the centenary of Mother Marie Adele Garnier's passing.
Regardless of one's religious beliefs, the life and teachings of this inspiring woman resonate deeply. She found divinity not in grandiose church architecture or ornate vestments but in the simplicity of a leaf, the metamorphosis of a caterpillar, and the changing of the seasons. Her story parallels those moments in my life when I’ve questioned my path and sought direction. In such times, I find solace in the beauty around me: the choreographed descent of autumn leaves, a mother bird feeding her young, the lush growth of June in the garden, daisies opening to the morning sun. These signs of life and the divine remind me to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Our beautiful country often harbours a competitive spirit that can be isolating and destructive, particularly among women. The sisterhood we all deserve can sometimes feel out of reach. However, the collaboration between the sisters of St. Benedict’s Priory and our Cobh Women’s Shed has been a poignant reminder of the strength found in women supporting one another.
Thank you, my sisters, for sharing in this unforgettable moment and for embodying the true spirit of community and solidarity.

Smudging and ritual -combining sacred moments that weave the threads of our spirit and the ancient practice of cleansing and purifying through the smoke of sacred herbs. Sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and other are gifts from the earth. Combing them with fire, we find a moment to pause and connect deeply with our innermost intentions.
Through intentional acts, we ignite that fire that leads to the delicate tendrils of smoke rising and through the air, in the hope that they create a bridge between the physical and the spiritual realm. Each wisp of smoke embodies a prayer, a hope, a wish for renewal and clarity.
The fragrant smoke, carries the very essence of the earth and it feels fitting to create these smudge bowls from that earth.
These little “Damira smudge bowls” were inspired by the beautiful little Cobh shop, called “Downstairs” They’re available from Downstairs Cobh and Yoga Republic Cork. ❤️

Thank you so much to the Irish examiner for your support

Wish List: Eight fabulous finds for our lives and our homes Esther N McCarthy sources everything from an air fryer that's also an oven to the latest goodies for coffee lovers

I'm so grateful to Imelda and Tereza of Tyda Art for sharing these captivating photographs, showing how my work intertwines with their everyday existence. Witnessing my work integrated into the fabric of their lives is profoundly gratifying. My aspirations remain rooted in the humble desire that, perhaps in some subtle measure, it contributes to the enrichment of others' daily experiences.

The joy that accompanies witnessing my creations woven into the fabric of others' lives is a sensation that never fails to humble me. Throughout my decades of making, the notion that individuals would find value in my work remains a deeply humbling reality.
At the core of my existence lies an unwavering devotion to the process of natural making, a realm where every touch of the clay encapsulates a sense of purpose and fulfilment, that I am privileged to be able to exist in.
The juxtaposition of grappling with imposter syndrome while experiencing the elation of seeing my work take on a life of it’s own in the homes of other’s is a poignant testament to the complexity of the maker’s journey.
It's within these ancient, local, crafts, steeped in history and tradition, that the essence of our collective heritage resides. They represent a sacred link to our past, preserving the wisdom and artistry of our ancestors. Yet, their survival in the face of modernity's march is often precarious, threatened by the allure of novelty and convenience.
Thank you so much Patricia for brightening my day with your lovely images of your gorgeous cooking complementing my work.

In the expectant dance of departure and return, one often discovers the profound truth that absence can make the heart grow fonder.
For me, the Octopus had always been a denizen of distant and exotic waters, an enigma of the deep. It was on the beaches of my husband's native Greece that I first encountered this mesmerising creature.
Years later, upon my repatriation from a lifetime spent as both emigrant and immigrant, I stumbled upon Ireland's diminutive curled octopus. This serendipitous encounter brought me back to Victor Hugo's timeless tale, 'Toilers of the Sea.'
As I wandered the streets of Cobh, hand in hand with my young son, I couldn't help creating fairytales whilst overlaying a naive narrative of Hugo's island community onto our own, envisioning the faces of those I passed as potential characters in his saga.
Who among them would dare to challenge the Octopus, that elusive symbol of mystery and menace? And who, might find themselves entwined in a love story destined for the high seas?
The Octopus, revered by ancient civilisations, continues to captivate us with its blend of allure and apprehension. It is a creature that beckons us to plunge into and explore the depths of our imagination and confront the unknown with a sense of wonder and reverence.
I was so delighted to deliver these to Downstairs Cobh this evening. It's such a privilege to be able to sell my work in such a beautiful shop in my local town, the original inspiration for these pieces.

Preparing for Cacao Ceremony.

I am delighted to have re-joined the Cork Craft and Design group and shop, after about a 10 year break, while I navigated being a mama. In my latest work, which will be available in the shop in April and may, rendered in the ethereal medium of high-fired porcelains and stonewares, I channel the essence of my somewhat feral upbringing in the verdant expanse of the Irish countryside. Through a lens tinted with nostalgia, I conjure the dreamlike recollections of my youth, where the presence of native wildlife and flora danced in harmony with my imagination.
The elusive foxes, their presence hinted at by the silent whispers of their burrows, and the cautious watchfulness of hares, evoke a sense of mystique and wonder. Despite my earnest childhood attempts to bridge the chasm between these worlds through inviting homes constructed from twigs, grass and stones, as well as other gentle enticements, these creatures maintained a sacred distance, forever ensconced in the tapestry of my childhood stratosphere.
I invite you to traverse the well-trodden pathways of memory with me, where bare feet, scraped knees, faithful dogs and days lost in fantasy, bore witness to the simplistic beauty of daisies, cowslips, primroses, daffodils, and ferns. Once taken for granted as mere backdrops to my youthful explorations, these botanical treasures and the Irish wildlife now weave themselves into a rich tapestry of recollection.
It is in the interplay between reality and fantasy that my work truly resonates. The mythos of the fox and hare, perpetuated by childhood fairytales, transcends mere narrative to become a poignant allegory of human connection and longing. Through my work, I beckon you to embrace the ineffable spirituality of the Irish landscape and to reclaim the wistful innocence of your own childhood reveries.

It's that time of year again...hen houses and bunnies.❤️

Feeling the love! Happy Valentine's week.❤️

Throwing - the ultimate test of my mindfulness.

I just received this lovely photo of one of my handmade Christmas decorations on someone's tree. I never lose the delight and disbelief that people buy my work. I'm so grateful that people want it in their homes and a truly honoured by it. Thank you Una.❤️🎄⭐️❄️🙏❤️

Some of the last of these year's porcelain stars going in the kiln this week Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Porcelain and pink makes me wink.

I'm honoured to be recognised as a commissioned artist in this cherished cultural event.

CICF Awards Repository – MTU Cork School of Music - Cork International Choral Festival For over a decade, previous festival director John Fitzpatrick, and trophies coordinator David J. Butler have been concerned for a location to safely and

Cups to honour Mama Cacao at a Cacao ceremony this weekend.

I'm delighted to be participating in the Design and Craft Council of Ireland's campaign
Understated decadence is the theme for this Christmas garland.
Handmade porcelain stars, hand sewn onto a festive green velvet ribbon.
Simple, elegant and indulgent.

I'm so delighted to be part of this initiative by the design and crafts council of Ireland.

Doodles in clay.

Porcelain stars are filling my skies.🤩⭐️🌟✨

Working with porcelain again and I'm loving it..A fishy kind of dance. 🐠🐟🐡

Snowflakes and stars in August.. It's been a while since I worked in porcelain and I'm remembering why I loved it so much.❤️