Harnessing fire and earth
- Marcus is a skilled maker with extensive experience
- His work is in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland
- His pots combine savoir-faire and risk
Marcus O’Mahony creates functional, expressive pots rooted in the rich history of ceramics. He is a skilled potter, working at the wheel to shape the clay. Yet Marcus also has another tool, his hand-built wood fired kilns. Here his pieces transform through fire and heat. Over many years he has experimented with surface treatments, firing types and even placement of the pots inside the kiln. Each element contributes to the finish of the work. The effects can range from the dramatic to the subdued. Although experienced in the techniques he practices Marcus knows there is always room for the unexpected, making this an exciting process which connects him to the pots from creation to completion.
INTERVIEW
The first piece I made was a clay whale at the age of eight, that was the very beginning. But it was in Japan in 2007, when my pots emerged from the firing at Tokoname IWCAT (Woodfire Workshop) that I was hooked. I built my first wood kiln shortly after that.
I established my studio and kiln in 1994. The idea was to offer workshops alongside developing my skills. I was attracted to the idea of self-reliance and self-sufficiency that were part of the studio pottery scene at the time.
I have a number of woodfire kilns. Firings can last up to 50 hours. They are a collective effort and I am lucky to have a very supportive team. The exposure of clay, glaze and slips to the prolonged heat can result in unique surfaces.
The friendship and solidarity within the pottery community. I have made deep and lasting friendships through pottery. Potters can be very generous with sharing their knowledge and experiences.
