My artistic practice incorporates ceramics, public space installations and social engagement. With a background in activism, I explore the systemic injustices surrounding housing and the concept of a home, as well as broader social and environmental issues. Clay is my primary medium. It brings permanence and durability while still being versatile in the way it is used. I combine traditional techniques with contemporary tools like laser cutting, 3D printing, digital documentation–photography, website development, mapping–to support and expand the visibility and impact of my projects. I began working with clay in 2020 while studying to become a woodworker, following careers in environmental engineering and the service industry. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a committed practice. In 2022, I enrolled in the BA in Ceramics in Expanding Practice at LSAD, where I shifted from making functional ware to developing conceptual and socially engaged works. My activist background naturally shaped this new direction. Lately, my work "Don't Let Me Fall Apart" (dontletmefallapart.com) focuses on creating ceramic plaques, tiles, and mosaics that I install on buildings throughout the city of Limerick. These pieces carry messages that confront issues of vacancy, dereliction, and access to housing. I turn the street into a gallery and a platform for protest. Inspired by graffiti, street art, and signage, my work occupies the urban space and amplifies the experiences of those suffering from the consequences of this crisis. I believe that craft skills are powerful tools for creating visual artworks and project engaging with contemporary issues. Ceramic has such potential, going far beyond just the design aspect and can be used to tell stories. I combine traditional techniques of making with modern tools, mixing past and present together to communicate and start conversations. Sustainability is a central concern of my practice. I work with reclaimed clay and materials whenever possible, and I am actively working to reduce and eliminate the use of oxides sourced from conflict-affected areas. I optimise my ceramic firings by collaborating with other artists to ensure full kiln loads. And I design my pieces to be compact and modular adapting them to available equipment and enabling for greater studio flexibility and mobility. Which allows for ceramic creations in places where there is limited access to workshop facilities. I am looking at developing the collaborative aspect of my practice like I did with my last project “Don’t Let Me Fall Apart”. Whether through direct collaboration or contextual installation, my work is shaped by people and places.
