Pottery Bothy: Tracey Johnston Ceramics
Visit ceramist Tracey Johnston in her new residency in the Pottery Bothy. Discover more about ceramics and how Strangford Lough and the history of Castle Espie are inspiring Tracey's current work.
Tracey says:
I am a ceramic artist with an interest in landscape and an anthropological approach to research. I seek to make work that reflects the Ulster coastline and our emotional need to walk its shores and swim its waters. My work, sometimes thrown from local clay, comes from research that involves experiential walking, sketching, painting, reading and conversations. Each piece of work has a unique story of its own. I seek to make work that gives insight into the importance of the liminal space, between earth and water, in shaping our notions of place and belonging. In returning my jars to the space that inspired them, I desire to communicate life, nature, mental health and survival.
Castle Espie has a history of brick, pipe, tile and pottery works. Research is underway into the historic importance of this site and special consideration is being given to the preserved pieces of pottery, which are on display in the visitor centre. The aim is to produce a new body of work which spans the transition of potteries to nature reserve, speaking both of the past and the present use of this wonderful part of Strangford Lough. The most recent work has been a large salt pig dated 1874 which is currently being reproduced, 150 years later.
The Potter's Bothy is open Tues, Wed, Thurs from 10am - 4.30pm in the Sensory Garden.
