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Ceramicist Siobhain Steele in her workshop in Kildinan, Rathcormac, putting the finishing touches to a piece. Photo: Sandra Quinn

For most people a lump of clay is just that, but for ceramicist Siobhain Steele, it is a piece of art waiting to take shape.

Siobhain works from her studio at her home in Kildinan, just outside Rathcormac and she told The Avondhu that she has always had an interest in art and design, but only discovered ceramics after returning to college five years ago.

"When I was younger, I was always making things and I had a creative side, so when I got the opportunity to go back to college, I thought it would be a good time to explore something new. I had always wanted to be self-employed and it's great to be doing what I love every day," she said.

After completing a course in art, craft and design in Colaiste Stiofan Naofa, she realised that ceramics was the medium with which she wanted to work. She then continued her studies, graduating with an honours degree in ceramic design in the Crawford College of Art and Design in 2013.

While some people may think of art as being a hobby or something to do in your spare time, Siobhain did the course with the intention from the outset of making a career out of whichever artistic path she chose.

Siobhain's work is inspired by nature and being in the heart of the countryside in Kildinan, that inspiration is right outside her window. In August 2013, she began designing a new range of contemporary giftware and she launched her new products into the local weekly Fermoy artisan, food and craft market in Toss Bryan's, Ballymaloe Christmas craft fair and with the Fiona Turley Gallery Crafts shop in Kilworth.

"Starting a new business in the middle of a recession has been a huge challenge, but I've been particularly delighted with the support from local people. I'm a strong believer in the importance of supporting local shops and businesses," she told The Avondhu.

The Local Enterprise Office (formerly the North Cork Enterprise Board) were a great help to Siobhain over the past two years providing assistance in the areas of training and business development. While she was completing the final year of her honours degree, she also completed a 'start your own business' course in Fermoy, which was run by the local enterprise board.

In January of this year, under the umbrella of NCEB, Siobhain along with fellow Cork businesses presented her range of ceramics at Showcase 2014, Ireland's Creative Expo in the RDS and was delighted with the response from retailers.

"My products are now stocked in 16 outlets, which include craft shops and galleries around the country, from Donegal to West Cork.

"Locally, my ceramics are available at Fiona Turley Gallery Crafts shop in Kilworth, The Douglas Craft and Design pop up shop in Douglas Village next to M&S, IMB Design in Paul Street, Cork and at Dan Joe Fitzgerald Mallow Ltd in Mallow," Siobhain explained.

A full list of stockists and products is also available on her website www.siobhainsteeleceramics.com.

Siobhain has a wonderful range of ceramics, lamps, vases, bottles, giftware and sculptures and other stunning pieces. 

"I think there is deep meaning in what's around us. My pieces are simple and elegant and because of the abstract nature, people can take their own meaning from it and everyone will see something different in each unique piece," the artist said.

Her pieces would be the ideal gift for a retirement, wedding, anniversary, birthday, christening, engagement or to be presented as an award.

Siobhain's collection of work is very reasonably priced, considering that each piece is handmade and produced locally. Products are priced from just €6 right up to €300, depending on what the customer is looking for.

Siobhain is constantly designing new work and as well as providing products for galleries and gift shops, she also welcomes commissions.

Throughout Craft Month in August, members of the public can get a sneak peek into the world of a ceramic artist, as Siobhain will be having an open studio and people are welcome to contact her to arrange a visit to her Kildinan workshop.

Siobhain is a member of the Craft Council of Ireland, Cork Craft and Design and The Society of Cork Potters.

CONTACT DETAILS: Siobhain Steele Ceramicist, Moulane House, Gearagh Cross, Kildinan. Website: www.siobhainsteeleceramics.com. Phone Number: 087-7548526. Email: Siobhainsteele@gmail.com. Facebook: Siobhain Steele Ceramics. Twitter: @siobhainsteele

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