Stoneware Jar, ‘Trasnagh’ by Tracey Johnston. Handmade in County Down.

Number 1 of a series of 10.

Approximate measurements; height 33cm, width 31cm

Trasnagh

Stoneware, multiple glazes.

“Trasnagh is an island off Whiterock on the lough shore of Stranford. The women I swim with have an aim to swim to this island during the summer, and although it seems close it is just over a mile out into the lough. The jar has blue top and white base with a sprinkling of blue on the inside and doesn’t float straight, reminding us of the danger of the lough’s currents, cold temperature and jellyfish. It’s not simply all that is blue and beautiful on the surface of the water that needs to be considered when venturing out, but the dangers that lie beneath have to be respected too.” – Tracey Johnston.

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.