Wall pieces, sculptural vases, tea light holders and Connemara raindrops are among the ceramic creations that have made a name for local artist Rachel Webb.

Rachel is one of a posse of designers nationwide who are being put under the spotlight by the Crafts Council for its ‘Made Local’ programme to encourage the public to support original, quality and reasonably priced Irish-designed and made pieces.

The native of Castlerea, Co Roscommon, who has made Galway her home since studying fine art in the former GMIT, Rachel was initially not sure where she fit in when she graduated.

“I did little gifts to see if there was an appetite for porcelain which I fashion from clay, I don’t throw it on a wheel. I love the whiteness of it, the purity of it.”

Her first big hit were the ceramic Connemara Raindrop photo holders, which were popular as gifts for bereavements, weddings and farewell mementos.

Next came her signature piece, the framed Heart of Gold, which celebrates various relationships.

Each piece in her works is crafted separately and fired in the kiln in her workshop in Briarhill three times, so it can take up to a week to complete each element.

“The possibilities are endless when making with clay. Ceramics really suits my personality – there are so many processes to it and it keeps me very busy.”

Caption: Rachel Webb in her Galway studio.

To check out her pieces, log onto RachelWebbCeramics.ie

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