Ciara works with clay to make large-scale participatory artwork.
year of birth: 1994
birthplace: Germany (but grew up in Ireland)
current residence: Glasgow, Scotland
started professionally about 10 years ago
Where did it all begin?
I was always creative as a child and I took art throughout high school. Although I initially studied English Literature at University, I quickly dropped out after a year to pursue art at college instead, so that was the beginning really.
What is the worst advice you’ve heard?
A tutor at art school telling me what I was doing ‘was not art’, and that I should make more conceptual work.
I think art is boundaryless in what it can be!
Most beautiful moment during the creative process?
Seeing the joy of clay in the hands of others. I love facilitating workshops and just being in a room with people, as we all express our own creativity.
What doesn’t inspire you?
Narrowminded thinking.
What are you proud of?
In 2020 I felt quite disconnected from my work, so for the past years I have been working very hard towards building a practice that is closely aligned with my reasons for making and artistic values.
Who would you like to meet or who would you like to work with?
I’m energized by and love working with people, other artists and communities. So, I just want to keep collaborating with others wherever possible.
Favorite material?
Clay!
What would you have done, if not this?
Maybe something with animals – I would love to work at a petting zoo.
When was your biggest moment of doubt?
I have doubts pretty regularly, but I try to use them as moments of learning.
Who is your biggest supporter?
No one person – rather, I have an amazing network that weaves together to become a support net, including my wonderful partner, amazing friends and an incredible craft community. I am really blessed.
Favorite image?
What is to you, the most beautiful sentence?
“We embody. We learn. We release the idea of failure because it’s all data.
But first we imagine.”
From the incredible book ‘Emergent Strategy’ by adrienne maree brown.
What do you still want to do?
I would love to work on a public commission, making work with and for people to enjoy in their everyday life.
Where do you work?
I’m based within a wonderful community at Glasgow Ceramic Studio, in an old factory building in the East End of the city. We each have a desk/storage space, within a larger studio that has communal areas and many kilns – it’s a really amazing space to be a part of.
makers over hun passie. 