UPDATE
Due to health reasons, I've made the difficult decision to close the studio.
Thank you for being a part of my journey.❤️
About Mouse House Studio
Our Heritage
I take great pride in my heritage within the ceramics industry. I hope my great-grandfather would be proud. He left Ireland and went to work as a potter in Newcastle Upon Tyne and Sunderland. I'm learning more about him as I research the Northumberland historical potteries.
Why Mouse House Studio?
I am asked this question so frequently now that I'd like to share how the business name came to be.
Yes, I have made ceramic mice (photo is a paper clay mouse I made in 2022), but no, that is not what the name is based on. I had been looking for a business name for some time, something different.
In 2021, I moved into my art studio. It is a very tiny space, as you will see if you watch the above video. My grandson loved coming into my house to paint, make pinch pots or crafts. One day he said, 'I love coming into your wee mouse house!'
It brings such joy and creativity into our lives that I knew this was it...
'Mouse House Studio' was born.
The Products
These three pots were the beginning of my exploration into the wild clay of Co. Mayo. The small roughly formed bowl I made to see if it would hold together after it had dried. The pinched bowl on the left behind it, I fired in a bin in my garden to 845ºC. Water would slowly drip out of it over a matter of days, so back to the clay. The larger bowl I threw on the wheel, mixed with 30% stoneware and was fired in the kiln to 1050ºC. There were many ups and downs with adding the proper amount of temper (grog) to the clay and getting the right glaze fits, but the process of digging, slaking, cleaning, sieving, drying, wedging in grog (pre-fired stoneware) is such a grounding process which results in beautiful pottery.
The Design Philosophy
I believe that art should be both beautiful and reflective. Inspired by the west coast of Ireland, my landscape paintings and portraits are representations of the beauty here in North Mayo.
About Us
Handmade Quality
Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every item reflects the commitment to quality ceramics. My dedication to sustainability drives me to use organic, eco-friendly materials whenever possible, resulting in unique ceramic items that stand out.
Pastel Portraits and Paintings
All of my paintings are worked using soft pastel on acid-free paper, which helps maintain the integrity and vibrancy of the artwork for years to come. This choice of materials helps ensure that the artwork lasts longer by resisting yellowing, brittleness, and other signs of aging. Acid-free paper is a standard choice for archival and museum settings, where the preservation of art is paramount. I work primarily with Sennelier and Schmincke soft pastels, utilizing Conté crayons for minute details.