Stoneware ‘Narrows’ jar by Tracey Johnston. Handmade in County Down.

The original artwork design on this jar came from map drawings of the west coast of Strangford Lough and Lecale (AONB). Strangford is a wave-dominated tidal environment which dictates how we move around, live and enjoy the water. The Narrows is a very turbulent area where the Irish Sea meets the lough and is well known as a danger zone but also a place where a tidal turbine produces natural energy reflected in the dynamic design on the jar.

Approximate measurements: 30cm.

About the maker:

Tracey Johnston is a Northern Irish Landscape Ceramic Artist who works with nature to make vessels that seek to connect us with our natural surroundings in the areas of discovery, survival and function. Our Irish landscape tells a fascinating story of years of exposure to change, through the elements and human interaction. The artist wants not only to replicate the beauty of our landscape and coastlines, but also incapsulate the emotions and reasons we have for living in, walking on and retreating to it.

Working with stoneware, throwing, casting and hand building, using oxides to colour with the added dimension of glazing and multiple firings, Tracey’s work is unpredictable and organic just like the landscape she is influenced by.