Design/life: Sarah McKenna, Ceramicist

What’s your background?

I studied ceramics at University of Dundee in Scotland, and returned to Ireland in 1999. I have been working from Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk ever since.

I started by making sculptural pieces for exhibitions, but I slowly learned that I love making things people will use and that will become part of their homes.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

Once I have walked my boys to school, I walk to my own studio in the town centre. The ceramic production process is cyclical, so it could be a making, glazing or even a packing day.

I would break up the day with admin, emails or any other business task that comes up.

I am a real night owl and I do my best creative work in the late afternoon and evenings, so sometimes I will return the studio in the evening if a real juicy idea is hatching.

The creation of these impressed plates starts with a flat piece of clay which has been textured front and back with wallpaper patterns. A bright wash of colour is then applied before glazing. The triangular shape has softly rounded edges so that they will easily sit in your hand. The latest editions are available in blue deco, ruby damask, green seeds and the new midnight flora surface patterns and colours. The plates retail between €26- €46.

Tell us about a recent or favourite design or project that you have worked on?

I love working with people to customise my designs. The work I make is all about memories and nostalgia. The patterns, the imagery and the text have layers of messages.

When working with others, this adds their message to the layers already there and this brings me so much joy.

People often wait until after a wedding so they are secretly armed with the lyrics of the first dance to add to one of my pieces and it is always a wonderful surprise for the couple when they receive the gift.

What’s your design style?

I use a flat piece of clay which has been textured front and back with wallpaper patterns — the pieces are joined together with overlapping joins.

Even though the surface of the pieces is very ornate, the shapes are simple and functional. The pieces are finished with a bright wash of colour to highlight the textures before the finish with a food-safe glaze.

These tea light candle holders come from the Home Comforts range by Sarah McKenna. The pieces are impressed with a lacy pattern, with a bright red glossy heart included in the design. Retail price for one candle holder: €15

What or who inspires your work?

I soak up inspiration from every part of life, especially the use of everyday objects and how they sit in our homes and make us feel. I don’t want to add to the clutter, I want to make pieces which enhance our day.

What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?

I love the recent trend for inspirational posters. It has allowed us to be so much freer with our feelings and break out the sentimentality and positivity!

What’s your most treasured possession?

This is a difficult question! Over the years I have collected so many beautiful handmade pieces from Ireland and around the globe.

I have many pieces of amazing jewellery from Irish jeweller friends, which hold great sentimental value.

However, I think my most treasured possession would be a heart painting by Orla Barry which depicts a family of birds in a deep blue sky with a shiny gold moon. I feel so blessed to have such beautiful artists as friends.

The Impressed Bouquet Vase is a large handmade vase with a slim profile and a wide slim opening for flowers. The vase is textured with wallpaper patterns and comes in green, ruby and cobalt blue colours. Retail price for one vase: €95.

Who would be your favourite designer, or style inspiration?

Just for nerdy pottery reasons I love the volcanic surfaces of Peter Beard’s ceramic work. My style is more inspired by boho or eclectic interiors with layers of patterns and opulent textures.

What would be a dream project/design for you to work on?

My dream projects are always the next ones lined up — it sometimes takes me three years to get ideas from my head and into clay.

I am currently working on some screen-printed Irish linen to complement my tableware.

Have you any design tips for us?

When choosing gifts for weddings, it can be handy to take hints from the invitations as to what the couple’s design style might be.

Even choosing a gift in similar colours can be winning, as everyone will choose a colour they really love for their wedding colours.

These handmade ceramic tiles from the Home Comforts range are impressed with a lacy pattern, and adorned with a simple line drawing of a house. Retail price for each framed tile: €85.

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The pieces are joined together with overlapping joins. Even though the surface of the pieces is very ornate, the shapes are simple and functional