Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara O’keeffe

Hi Ciara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

To be honest, growing up I never knew what I wanted to do with my life. I knew what I didnt want to do, that was work in an office or wear a suit.

My parents owned two seperate small businessess and I would work in both to earn some pocket money, but I knew I didnt want to end up there either. In my spare time, I was always making, crafting or constructing something. My head was peaceful while my hands were busy.
I had very low self esteem and was critical of all my artistic endevours. I had imposter syndrome from a very early age. If I painted something or made a dolls house or a garage out of cardboard, I’d convince myself that someone elses work was better. I wasn’t brave enough to think that I could be good at something. Looking back at my younger self I would give her a hug and say be kind to yourself.
Fast forward to 20 year old me. I decided Art college was for me and I applied to Limerick School of Art and Design. I studied ceramic design for four years and left with a degree and a world of wonder ahead of me.
I never really thought about how I would make a living out of my art. I assumed I’d set up my studio start making art and the money would just automatically follow.
Note to my younger self- Wake up and smell the coffee!!!!!!!! Ireland in the late 1990’s wasnt ready for ART students setting up businesses and selling their wares. The opinion was, Art College graduates had to get a real job, whatever that was? The arts and being creative should wait for the weekend and were looked upon as a hobby.
On leaving college, I got a job in an interior design boutique, then a small pottery, then a framing shop until finally I threw in the towel and began teaching. I taught for about 15 years. I made my ceramics on the side. My teaching job gave me the income to buy my art supplies and keep making.
In 2018 an incident while teaching made me consider my future. I asked myself what makes my heart happy? What gets me out of bed everyday? and I kept coming back to Ceramics! My art and creating ceramicart was my happy place, my soul felt content and my mind was at peace. So in 2018 I handed in my notice and began the happiest chapter of my Life……..Ciara O’Keeffe Ceramics was born.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

As I’ve said earlier my road was bumpy but I adapted. The struggles were realities. I was lucky in comparason to some of my friends who left the arts altogether as they just couldnt survive financially. I think if you have a passion and its imperitive for the survival of your sanity you will find ways to make it work.

Most of the time I stood in my own way and my challenges were of my own making. I think if I had more belief in myself and trusted my gut more, I might have made different decisions, BUT we should only learn from the past, what is done is done. I would like to think younger artists and creatives could approach me now, and ask me questions. I’m an open book and I’d love to help where I can,

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

My journey as a ceramic artist began with a deep fascination for storytelling and a love for working with my hands. Ceramics offered me a unique medium where I could combine both passions. Over the years, I’ve explored various techniques and styles, gradually evolving my work to include framed wall pieces, sculptural story bowls, and most recently, Light Houses. Each piece is a narrative in itself, a visual story told through the textures and forms of the clay.

My creative process begins with an idea or a story that I want to convey. I sketch out my thoughts and then start working with the clay, letting the material guide me. For my framed wall pieces and story bowls, I focus on how the textures and shapes can enhance the narrative. With my Light Houses, I play with light and shadow to create a sense of mystery and wonder. Each piece evolves organically, often taking unexpected turns that add to its uniqueness.

I am most proud of never givng up. This is a tough industry to survive. I’m still here and hope to be for the foreseeable future.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

What has worked well for me is to surround myself with like minded people. Other creatives helped me navigate an unchartered world. Having a mentor is great, depending on who you choose. I’ve been blessed with people that Ive surrounded myself with. Contact successful artists and creatives, ask questions, and listen to their answers. some of it will be bull, but take from it what you need. I’ve a mentor who is in the music business for years and although I know nothing about the music business and he knows nothing about ceramics, we work well together. I constantly ask questions and I am hungry for knowledge. Always remember that everday is a school day. There is learning all around us, just remember to listen out for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ciaraokeeffeceramics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaraokeeffeceramics/

Image Credits
I took all the photographs