Meet the ceramics maker Tracey Lilley
Working from my studio in Churchtown North Cork I create unique handmade ceramics inspired by the surrounding Ballyhoura mountains
Tracey's story
Growing up in the countryside and living next door to my grandfather who was a gardener I always had my hands in mud. Even now the smell of the earth brings up precious memories for me.
Living in North Cork the Ballyhoura mountains have always been my backdrop and this is where I escaped to when I was forced to take a break from my job in health care due to long covid and adopt a slower pace of life.
It was while on my walks I decided that I wanted to create something for my home that would recreate the profound sense of tranquility and connection to nature that I experienced there and so returned to clay. I had studied ceramics in the Crawford college of Art and Design when I left school and so returned there to an evening course which was the beginning of my new journey of Tracey Lilley Ceramics
Slow process makes unique pieces
For me every stage of the making becomes a meditative process
From my walks to collect fresh materials, to rolling out the clay, carefully shaping it by hand and even carefully wrapping up the finished piece and letting it go.
This deliberate pace allows for a mindful engagement at every step
Allowing a deeper connection to my surrounds and my work
Prioritising quality over quantity
