Punctured Earth

Punctured Earth is a collection of ceramic vessels that explores the relationship between ceramics, natural fibres, and raw materials. Driven by material exploration, this work explores how deeply fibres and clay can be integrated and pushed. Each vessel is wheel thrown using a variety of clay bodies, then embellished- or at times, engulfed- by natural fibres and plant matter. 

This project was driven by a desire to pivot away from my recent work (Fall 2025- shown below), which centered on themes of grief, loss and healing and instead, towards a more intuitive approach rooted in curiosity, material exploration and experimentation. It began as an intentional step towards lightness- both in palette and in process- focusing on aspects of making that feel generative and alive. Despite this shift, similar themes quietly emerged through the work. The act of puncturing the ceramic surface and later mending it with natural fibres echoed earlier exploration of rupture and repair. These gestures mirror experiences of grief and healing, though here they are expressed more subtly, through material interaction rather than more explicit narration. 

While grounded in material exploration, Punctured Earth reflects an ongoing dialogue with land, interconnectedness and renewal. Through bright colours, tactile contrast, and organic materials, this work considers healing not as a return, but as movement towards curiosity, lightness and new forms of engagement with the world.

Fall 2025

Slán Abhaile

“Safe Home” (Gaeilge)

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat,

Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl,

Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar do chlár éadan,

Go dtite an bháisteach go bog ar do pháirceanna,

Agus, go mbuailimid le chéile arís,

Go gcoinní Dia i mbos a láimhe tú.

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Slán Abhaile is a collection of ceramic vessels that explored themes of grief, loss, connection to my Irish ancestry, the land and folklore. These hand-built pieces incorporate a range of added fibres- from cotton, polyester to hand spun blackberry cordage.

This project began with the idea of creating intentional crackage in ceramic forms, puncturing holes along the edges of each break, and weaving over the break with natural fibres. This process was initially inspired by the feeling of breaking apart- of opening under the weight of loss and grief- and by the salve that nature provides in healing and soothing these wounds. This approach is most evident in the two darker ceramic pieces.

From here, I looked more deeply into Irish and Gaelic folklore, revisiting St. Brigid- the patron saint of Ireland- associated with poetry, protection, fertility and healing. She became a powerful way to connect my themes, while also offering a symbolic sense of protection and strength to hold grief. Brigid’s cross is stitched in the two lighter coloured vessels.

The use of the bright blue thread as opposed to the natural fibre, introduced contrast and a more feminine touch to the vessel, echoing the role of feminine care passed down through generations. At the same time, the thread provided an unexpected added layer of meaning, highlighting the awkward, in-between space I inhabit as I attempt to connect with my Irish ancestry from afar through piecing together family stories with more modern mediums of research.