Identity Range.
These pieces were born out of my pondering on what it mean to be Irish, how come by a twist of fate or by design, I was born and raised in the island of Ireland and in particular, Northern Ireland?
I’m sure you know someone who’s Irish, the whole world turns green on St Patrick’s day - and we include everyone in that celebration, it’s about inclusivity .
The Irish, as a race for centuries have been torn or sent away from their homes and it was a tradition to have a ‘living wake’ when someone went to America, Australia,wherever, as they knew they wouldn’t see their families again - all of this is represented by the ripping of the clay.
However when parted, we cling to those traditions, some more than others - represented by the Irish clover knot pattern - in some places on the pieces it is more defined than others.
Yet even though we have been parted like the ripped clay, when we come together in our pieces and make a whole, no matter what colour or shape we are, our light and joy always shines though - though the rips and holes in the clay.
when I make one of these pieces, I follow the flow of energy and the clay is embossed, ripped and painstakingly brought together again. Each piece is individual and unique and the Energy of the piece itself, tell me when it’s finished.
These pieces, inspired by Irish identity can speak to anyone who is parted from their loved ones, country, for whatever reason and the lighting of a candle inside one of these pieces is a powerful beacon shining out.
