PODCAST DEBUT

The Potters Cast podcast has been a firm favourite in the studio over the last couple of years, a twice weekly gift that has really inspired and motivated me to keep doing what I love - making things out of clay whilst making a living. The winter is long in rural County Down and at times can feel quite isolating so the Potters Cast has been a warm reminder that I am not alone in the challenges I face as a solo maker working in ceramics.

When Paul Blais contacted me to be on the show, I obviously jumped at the chance whilst feeling quite nervous about the whole experience. Paul was as friendly and warm as ever and made me feel super comfortable from the start.

Click below to hear me talk about my clay career, inspirations and the support that has allowed me to keep this dream alive.

A Slip Caster in Ireland | Rebecca Killen | Episode 480

THE NEW YORK TIMES!

Completely over the moon/shocked/elated (all the good emotions) to have my name mentioned in the New York Times amongst some fabulous Irish ceramicists. Amazing to have Irish ceramics celebrated in this way and put firmly on the map for design led products inspired by our wonderful landscape, #proud. Follow the link and have a read

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/25/style/irish-ceramics-made-for-collecting.html

The Bay Collection is directly inspired by the ever changing splendour of Dundrum Bay where Rebecca's home is situated. 'Each morning I am greeted and blessed with the most wonderful views which spread across the bay, leading to the majestic Mountains of Mourne'. The winter morning skies streaked with pink and gold are a beautiful contrast to the stunning shades of summer blues that encompass the bay throughout the warmer months. Each piece in the Bay Collection is completely unique with marbled bone china, painterly brush strokes and hints of gold lustre. 

IRISH DESIGN SHOP - STORIES

The Irish Design Shop kindly invited me to be featured on their ‘Stories’ where I chat all about my new studio space and the processes involved in creating the Homegrown Collection.

Rebecca Killen is an award-winning ceramicist based in picturesque Castlewellan, Co. Down. She specialises in slip casting to create both functional and decorative pieces which draw on a sense of nostalgia. Rebecca's work is available to purchase here.

-Tell us a little bit about what you make:

I aim to create ceramic products that can evoke memories, a sense of nostalgia or serve as decorative pieces in the home to be used and treasured for years to come. Our bottles, dishes and vessels are made in small batches using the slip casting technique. This involves pouring liquid bone china into plaster moulds which I have made from found objects and turned forms.

-Could you describe your studio to us? What is your favourite thing about the space and how do you get into the mindset of making?

I have had a busy and exciting Summer, moving into my very own ceramics studio. The space is located at a horse riding centre beside a forest in Castlewellan, Co. Down. It used to be a tack shop for the centre but when I arrived we had a blank canvas to play with, to make our own and create a multipurpose space where I can work from and display the products. I have tried to create an inviting studio where people can not only view and buy the work but also get an understanding of how the pieces are made.

My favourite thing about the space is the tranquillity of the location, it is so peaceful with beautiful views across the County Down countryside yet there is a certain buzz about the place with people coming and going to the trekking centre.

To get into the mindset of making I usually listen to podcasts or audiobooks, they really help me to focus on the day’s tasks and when doing some of the more repetitive parts of the making process. Some of the podcasts I listen to are orientated towards pottery and creative businesses where others are purely for escapism.

What is your favourite tool and why?

I don’t use anything overly complicated in the studio, but couldn’t create the work I do without a few simple tools; fine paintbrushes, sharp pottery knives and I seem to get quite attached to certain sponges that fit precisely in my hand to smooth along the rims of the bottles.

-Can you describe the making process and inspiration behind your Homegrown collection?

I love working through all the required processes to make a piece of work, it takes around 2 weeks from start to finish but there is something very relaxing about getting into a rhythm of working whether it be casting a batch of work, sponging away the little impurities in the clay, glazing the pieces or applying the hand painted decoration. The Homegrown collection celebrates places of historic industry throughout Ireland. I have been collecting beautiful antique bottles from old mineral water companies and pharmacies for a few years. The shapes and textural detail on the bottles are really intriguing and aim to connect the viewer to a particular place. All the pieces are created using bone china, in itself a material with traditional associations but I hope to bring a fresh approach to the medium with the Homegrown collection offering bottles in millennial pink, dusky blue and white each finished with stripes of gold along the rim.

What led you to choose this craft as a profession? What do you love most about it?

I have loved working with clay since studying art at school, my teacher was also a potter and his passion for clay was infectious so he has a lot to answer for. My journey into a career in ceramics has been quite methodical, I specialised in ceramics at the Belfast School of Art and took a year out to study business at a liberal arts college in the States. After graduating, setting up a business combining my passion for ceramics and my new found skills in business felt like a natural progression. In saying this it hasn’t been all plain sailing, I have had so much help over the past few years with business and creative mentors and have completed a business development scheme (Craft NI’s Making It programme) which was massively beneficial in the early growth of my business. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love every day, it is such a privilege and something I try to not take for granted. I am loving being in my new studio, opening this space has really been a dream come true for me.

INTERVIEW FOR TRUSSLE BLOG

A massive thank you to award winning lifestyle and travel writer Philippa Hennessy who has written a series of blog posts celebrating independent maker/designers for Trussle. Keep reading for the final entry of the series, an interview with yours truly :)

Meet Rebecca: Creating Unique Ceramic Giftware For The Home

7th June 2018

Homes are special places, each containing a unique story within. One of the ways we shape that story is by filling our homes with items that mean something to us, from family photos to living plants to designer furniture.

Recently we’ve been thinking about the people that craft those items - who are they, and why do they dedicate their lives to helping make our homes unique and special? In this short series, we speak with some of those people about their passion and why they do it.

Our thriving arts sector is an important aspect of British culture. But what about our neighbours across the Irish Sea? The arts scene in Northern Ireland has never been in better shape, thanks to its fierce support for up-and-coming home-grown artists.

The action doesn’t stop in Belfast. County Down may have earned its fame as the film location for Game of Thrones, but visitors are also lured here for its galleries, exhibitions, and displays of vibrant arts and crafts. Contributing to this energy is ceramic designer-maker Rebecca Killen, who lives and works in the small coastal village of Dundrum.

Producing moulds from exquisite antique bottles that once existed in past industries, she describes how she aims “to create ceramic products that can evoke memories, a sense of nostalgia, and serve as decorative pieces in the home to be used and treasured for years to come.”

Showing an early aptitude for art, her career path took her to the Belfast School of Art where she studied Fine and Applied Arts, after which she embarked on an artist-in-residence programme. With a short spell of teaching experience under her belt, she completed a business development course and it was during this time, in 2014, that Rebecca Killen Ceramics was established.

Now in its fourth year, she’s developed a number of collections of which the latest, the Homegrown Collection, sees the revival of the old fashioned milk bottle. This has proved so popular that she’s introduced the Bangor Bottle, cast from a mould of a rectangular pharmacist bottle. If only our medicine still came like this.

I’m intrigued to know more about her unique, handmade products, her penchant for experimenting with new surface textures and colours, and just why she’s drawn to local industrial history.

You have an enviable flair for design. Did you discover art at an early age?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved art and it was certainly my favourite subject at school. I owe a lot to my art teacher (ironically, my husband Pol is an art teacher) who was a potter with an infectious passion for ceramics and introduced me to clay. I naturally took to the material. I found - and still find - the unlimited possibilities of clay fascinating. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on ceramics. I come into my own when designing pieces with a final vision in mind.

Taking the plunge and going into business on your own is a gutsy move - what spurred you on?

My fond interest in ceramics and a determination to turn my passion into a sustainable career. After university and studying business, I felt I was equipped with the necessary mix of skills, together with a material with potential and good surface integrity, to build a brand.

Business skills don’t always come naturally to creative people. How have you handled this transition?

My mantra is: ‘Work hard, dream big’. If you work hard enough you can achieve your goals. Everything can be learned, practised and improved upon. I’ve had to seek mentorship and act upon trustworthy advice.

Oprah popularized the phrase: “Do what you love and the money will follow.” Setting up a new business can be challenging - what’s been your experience?

I’ve relished it - the freedom it brings, the great sense of fulfilment and having control over my future. But I can’t deny it’s been without its hitches. I’m a one-woman band, so all decisions lie with me.

What do you believe sets you apart from other similar product offerings?

All my pieces are handmade which means that no two are identical. The distinctive blue and white palette gives them a unique hallmark.

Appealing to a certain audience helps to define my brand. I’ve seen a positive response from female homeowners age 25-plus based in the UK - although encouragingly, a few buyers in America have discovered me - often looking for gift ideas. That said, I’m keen to build up a wider range of products to suit a wider audience with varying price points.

Do you have any favourite products?

The new tall vessels from the Bay Collection, made of marbled coloured clay. And I’m extremely fond of the milk bottles, being one of my earliest designs.

Given your surroundings, I imagine you’re rarely lost for ideas!

My work is influenced by the environment - living in such a beautiful part of the world gives me so much inspiration. The everchanging splendour of Dundrum Bay at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, where we live, was the starting point for my newest collection.

I’m also influenced by nostalgia. I vividly remember drinking from the tiny glass milk bottles at school. The conventional milk bottle is an iconic shape and, along with the traditional blue and white pottery, is reminiscent of my childhood.

Is the blue and white design your signature style?

It’s important to have a signature style and my brand is renowned for the blue and white designs, so I’ve purposefully not employed a wide range of colours. However, I do love colour, hence introducing the millennial pink.

What’s the most satisfying part of the design-make process?

I love it all and find it really therapeutic - from concept and design to forming and firing. The magic happens during the glaze firing when matt black transforms into a rich, glossy blue. Not much beats opening the kiln to see the end result.

Through your creations, you aim to evoke memories and nostalgia – how do you achieve this?

By using traditional iconic shapes that give a nod to the past, but sit comfortably in today’s home - such as the milk bottles and old Irish mineral water bottles.

The Homegrown Collection is continually growing as I’m always on the lookout for beautifully textured bottles that give a glimpse into industries of the past. The quirky, millennial pink bottles and the white and dusky blue bone china bring a fresh approach.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve made?

One of my earliest projects was a ceramic garden water feature, based on the colours and forms of rock pools close to where I live. Next on my list is a range of functional tableware.

The business has been growing steadily since its inception - what are your plans for expansion?

The business is now at the stage where I can hire some help, and I’m incorporating a dedicated area within my new studio where my products can be displayed and sold.

Longer term, I want to increase my export markets by building on the success of trade shows and introduce my work to stores in Europe and the USA.

My dream is to see Rebecca Killen Ceramics become a worldwide household name. Ultimately, I can’t ever imagine not working with clay.

Let’s talk about your home. We all have different decorating styles and preferences - what’s yours?

I’d describe my style as relaxed, natural, and inspired by our coastal surroundings. I like to fill our home with handmade objects from local fairs and artists, which I enjoy curating in groups. Some of my husband’s art also hangs on the walls.

You’re clearly a country girl at the heart. Can you ever see yourself living in a city or another country?

I lived in Belfast for 10 years and really enjoyed my time there. I’m now drawn to the coast’s natural beauty. I was actually born in England but moved to Northern Ireland at a young age and, while I’d never say never no to living in a different country, for the time being I’m content where I am. It’s possible to manage a business that can have an international impact from a rural location.

This article was written by Philippa Hennessy, an award-winning lifestyle and travel writer and blogger. Photographs courtesy of Esther Irvine.

THE HOMEGROWN COLLECTION

The Homegrown Collection is growing...In April 2017 we launched the collection with new Belfast bottles and an older milk bottle shape in millennial pink and pure white.  After the encouraging reception of the range I am delighted to share our brand new bottles, in a brand new shade.

The Homegrown Collection, a family portrait.

Introducing the Bangor Bottles, cast from a mould of a gorgeous rectangular pharmacist bottle, if only our medicine still came like this.

Say hello to another from the mineral water family, this time in our new shade of dusky blue, all the way from Trim, County Meath.

I know I shouldn't have favourites but...... Hello, I'm pink, I have a heart and I'm from Newry ;)

Wondering how to style the Homegrown collection? Single stem minimalism, let the Newry bottle do the talking.

Or a small posy of gorgeous blooms from the fabulous Foxtrail Flowers who ALWAYS deliver the goods.

The Clonard bottle looking right at home.

The classic Milk Bottle, an oldie but a goodie :)

The Homegrown Collection celebrates local historic industries from across Ireland and I hope to continue growing the family as I come across beautifully textured bottles that give us a glimpse into the past.

A massive thanks to the amazingly talented Esther Irvine Photography for bringing the Homegrown Collection to life.

To shop the collection visit my Etsy store

COLLABORATION WITH ESTHER IRVINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Earlier this year I did a very exciting product shoot with talented Northern Irish photographer, Esther Irvine and I couldn't be happier with the results. If you follow Rebecca Killen Ceramics on social media you may have noticed Esther's fabulous work.

Esther also came to visit the studio to get a 'behind the scenes' insight into how our bone china products are made beautifully capturing each step of the creative process.

Check out Esther's latest blog post, not only is she is a super talented photographer she also has a beautiful way with words.

Thank you Esther x

ETSY AWARDS AT LONDON DESIGN FAIR

Wow what an incredible competition to be apart of! We are so honoured to have won the regional award for Northern Ireland in the Etsy UK and Ireland annual competition and part of our prize was to exhibit a selection of our work at the London Design Fair at this years' London Design Festival. Check out some pics of an inspiring weekend in London.

Our Cobalt Bottles exhibited in the Etsy stand alongside fellow Northern Irish designer Katie Brown's silk scarves, Yvonne Ellen's upcycled plates and Ireland's Matt Jones turned bowls.

SLIP CASTING WORKSHOP AT TORY BUSH

On the 3rd September we took our third slip casting workshop at Tory Bush Cottages situated at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains. We had a full group with one lovely lady coming all the way from Austria to join in on the Creative Weekend.

We began the morning session with an introduction to slip casting, explaining and demonstrating the industrial yet creative process that I use to create my work. We then all got to work on our own bottle casting into pre prepared moulds using fine bone china.

While the bottles remained in the moulds for a couple of hours we got started on another technique in which we used plaster and underglaze to create a unique bone china tile.

After a beautifully prepared lunch by Claire we were then able to take our bottles out of the moulds, and after a little cleaning and sponging, apply our own hand painted surface pattern.

Everyone did such an amazing job on their bottles and tiles, the results speak for themselves...

The bottles and tiles have all been taken away to my studio where they will go through a bisc and glaze firing. The bottles can be used either as a functional flower vase, or milk jug or a lovely piece to remember your weekend at the Mournes!

Our next Creative Weekend in The Mournes is on the 15th October and spaces are filling up fast.

Info:

1 nights accommodation at Tory Bush Cottages
2 workshops (ceramics and print)
Home cooked meals for the duration of your stay
Refreshments during workshop
info@torybush.com
Ph Claire 07866928846 or David 02843724348
or message us at the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CreativeWeekendsMournes/

All of the above for just £185

ETSY AWARD WINNER

WOOOOHOOOOO we won the regional award in the 2016 Etsy UK and Ireland Awards and will be representing Northern Ireland in the winners showcase at the London Design Fair at Tent London, 22nd-25th September.

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to vote for the Cobalt Flower Bottles in the People's Choice Award and although it didn't win I am overwhelmed by all support throughout the campaign.

MAKE YOUR OWN BONE CHINA BOTTLE WITH REBECCA

INFORMATION

The Craft Weekends at Tory Bush consist of two full day workshops, accommodation for two nights, home cooked meals and refreshments and cake during the workshops. £185/person

DATES

24th-26th June - Ceramics and Printmaking

2nd-4th September - Ceramics and Printmaking

*DAY WORKSHOP PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE* £45/person

CONTACT

To inquire about taking part in the Tory Bush Craft Weekends, please get in touch. Either contact Rebecca - Click here

Or contact Claire 07866928846 or David 02843724348 from Tory Bush Cottages.

Rebecca has teamed up with Tory Bush Cottages in County Down, to give you the unique opportunity to create your own bone china bottle in the most idyllic setting. Tory Bush Cottages is situated in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains and the views are truly breathtaking, the perfect setting for our slip casting workshops.

The workshops run from 10am - 4pm with breaks for a tasty home cooked lunch and freshly baked scones, cake and tea throughout the day. Rebecca will guide you through the slip casting process, where you will each make your own functional bottle using fine bone china.

The bottles remain in the moulds for a couple of hours, so while we are waiting you will have the opportunity to create a beautiful ceramic tile using a printing technique with under glazes and plaster. Why not use the stunning surroundings as a source of inspiration for your work.

Or use your own art work as a source of inspiration.

Once the bottles are removed from the moulds they are now ready to be decorated using under glazes, this is your chance to really make your bottle unique!

Rebecca will then take your bottles and tiles off to the studio to be fired and glazed and fired again ready to be delivered in a couple of weeks. The bottles can be used either as a functional flower vase, or milk jug or a lovely piece to remember your weekend at the Mournes!

VOTE FOR REBECCA KILLEN CERAMICS IN THE U.K & IRELAND ETSY AWARDS

We are completely over the moon to be shortlisted for the UK and Ireland Etsy Awards. The Etsy Awards celebrate the best of creativity in the UK and Ireland. Entrants have the chance to win up to £10,000 cash prize, product showcase at Tent London during London Design Festival, business support from The Design Trust, retail opportunities with John Lewis and more. With over 3000 entries Rebecca Killen Ceramics has reached the last 60 with the popular Floral Cobalt Bottle but now we need your help.... 

To win the people's choice award of a £10000 bursary (that could transform our small ceramic business) you need to vote and validate if using your email address. Click on link to vote if you like our handmade bone china bottles.

VOTE FOR REBECCA KILLEN CERAMICS

You can now also buy our handmade bottles from the etsy shop, click to check it out and purchase a piece of handcrafted bone china.

INTERVIEW WITH CULTURE NORTHERN IRELAND

The lovely Jane from Culture NI got in touch to chat about my involvement with Tory Bush Cottages craft weekends and what has lead me to a career in ceramic design (making milk bottles for a living).

Making It in the Mournes

Newcastle ceramicist Rebecca Killen on finding commercial success for her signature crafts and showing South Down sightseers how it's done

Spring and summertime in the Mournes. It’s a tantalising prospect, awakening visions of green fields, lush blossom, glorious mountain scenery, all in an area where rural traditions remain an integral part of everyday life.

Nestled into sloping meadowlands, with Slieve Donard and the dense woodlands of Tollymore Forest Park rearing up behind, Tory Bush Cottages are a popular haven with visitors seeking refuge from stress, routine, hustle and bustle.

Over the next few months, proprietor David Maginn will be showcasing South Down's rich artisan history with three creative weekends, comprising accommodation, home cooked food, great views and expert tuition in ceramics, willow weaving and print making. In charge of the three ceramics courses is 29 year-old Newcastle born Rebecca Killen.

Killen is one of a new generation of exciting young Northern Ireland craftworkers who are establishing themselves and their work in the UK and further afield. A graduate in fine and applied art from the University of Ulster, she is achieving international recognition for her attractive range of bone china milk bottles, dishes and vessels, all featuring her trademark white and cobalt blue colour palette.

It is one thing for a young artist to aspire to setting up his or her own business and getting the work into commercial outlets, but it is quite another to do it. Killen has been exceptionally strategic and focused in pursuing her goal and achieving the skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. She is the first to admit that having an artistic talent is just the start.

'During university, I took a year out and did a business-related course at Monmouth College in Illinois,' she says. 'I learned a lot of new skills, like advertising, marketing, international economics. I came back home to finish my degree and, after graduating in 2011, I did an additional course at the art college, developing my work with the support of a studio space. It was a bit like an artist-in-residence programme.

'I always knew that I wanted to continue the making process. I was determined to earn a living out of my ceramics and I was aware that I would have to invest a lot of time and energy to make that happen. When I finished my course, I worked as an art technician at Down High School in Downpatrick, which was my first experience of working with children and taking workshops. I enjoyed it very much and it led to my working with clay in different ways.'

Killen was one of eight craftworkers, all female, who were accepted onto Craft NI’s Making It 2013/2015 programme. Her host organisation was the Southern Regional College in Newry, where she was given her own studio, together with professional mentoring in the practicalities of business start-up.

'It was great to get to know the others in the group,' she recalls. 'They were working in ceramics, jewellery design, screen printing, glass and textile design. We were all in the same position and were able to share our problems and issues, as well as doing some projects together.'

The relationship with the college has continued and Killen now teaches there on a part-time basis, while expanding her range and pitching to new outlets. She is in the middle of a hectic period in her life, making plans for her wedding and searching for a studio space in the part of world to which she feels so connected.

'Yes, I have a lot going on at the moment,' she laughs. 'I was recently invited to exhibit at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate, along with seven other makers from Northern Ireland as part of Craft NI's Export Development Programme. It was a great show for my business, securing orders with new stockists across the UK. I now have five outlets in the north of Ireland and one in a new shop in Kildare Village. Plus I have a dozen or so in England and Wales - and one in Japan.

'The Tory Bush Cottages weekends will be a new challenge for me. Participants will be able to experience the complete process from beginning to end and will make the same things as me. At the end of the weekend, everyone will take away their own bespoke bottle that they will have made and decorated - just the same as mine.

'The cottages are right in the middle of the Mournes. It’s a magical place, a really creative environment, where people will be able to switch off and try something new. If I could find a studio around there, I’d be very happy.'

The country traditions of her home patch provided the backdrop to Killen’s earliest exhibited work. For her final year show at the art college, she produced a series of plates based on Downshire Pottery, the oldest pottery in Northern Ireland, which was set up in the 1700s.

They, in turn, prompted her to develop the more commercial range, which is now proving so successful. It is inspired by the nostalgic blue and white china she grew up with at home, as well as by her own love of all things retro.

'I collect old bottles and vintage things,' she explains. 'I remember when we used to get glass milk bottles delivered to the doorstep and those little bottles of milk at school. Their shapes look really great in bone china, especially with different surface patterns that are modern and abstract. The blue and white adds to the sense of nostalgia and reminds me of the past, of growing up in this special place.'

Tory Bush Cottages Creative Weekends will take place on 13 to 15 May; 24 to 26 June; 2 to 4 September. Places are limited. For more information on how to book visit www.torybush.com. To see more of Rebecca's work go to www.rebeccakillenceramics.com.

- See more at: http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/crafts/making-it-mournes#sthash.IpSnmoPn.dpuf

SÓ COLLECTIVE AT KILDARE VILLAGE

Check out this video from our one of our latest stockists Só Collective, a new store featuring purely Irish design based in Kildare Village. Só Collective is described as a 'unique shopping experience and thoughtful curation of both established and emerging Irish designers. Immersing guests in a rich world of imagery, texture and colour, the space forms an integral part of From the Isle, the exciting new initiative at Kildare Village designed to nurture and support Irish creative talent'. This place is STUNNING a real must see!!!

ANOTHER GREAT YEAR IN HARROGATE - BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR 2016

We were delighted to exhibit for second year at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate, this time with a group of 8 designer/makers from Northern Ireland as successful participants on Craft NI's Export Development programme. Take a look at some images from the event including a few new additions to the collection. Please keep an eye on the stockist page to find out where to buy Rebecca Killen Ceramics.

INTERVIEW WITH CRAFT NI

Export Profile – The British Craft Trade Fair 2016: Rebecca Killen Ceramics

Continuing with our maker interviews ahead of the 2016 British Craft Trade Fair, we're delighted to chat to Rebecca Killen, one of the eight NI makers attending with Craft NI, about her process, her work and her plans for the future.

Hi, Rebecca. Tell us a bit about yourself – how did you get into making?

I am ceramic designer/maker living and working in County Down creating blue and white bone china products for the interiors and gift ware market. I was first introduced to clay by a very passionate teacher and potter at school and have been using the material ever since. Whilst studying Fine and Applied Art at the University of Ulster I specialised in ceramics and also took a year out to study business at a college in America. After graduating I was keen to combine my making and business skills to create a business in which I could produce and sell a contemporary range of ceramics, so I applied for Craft NI’s making it 2013-2015 programme to help me achieve this goal. Having recently completed the programme I am now selling bottles, vessels and dishes in craft galleries and design boutiques across the U.K.

Could you tell us a bit about your making process?

I am currently working with bone china, a beautiful material to use. Its smooth and high quality fine finish provides the elegance and delicacy which I use as a foundation for the hand painted decoration. I use the industrial technique of slip casting which involves casting liquid bone china in plaster moulds that I make from turned models or found objects. The surface pattern is then applied, whether it be a hand painted pattern, ceramic decal or dipped cobalt glaze. Each piece is then finished with hints of gold lustre.

Every day in the studio is different (one of the reasons why I love what I do) but depending on what deadlines are looming, I could be doing anything from making moulds, hand painting the cobalt designs, glazing to packing and shipping the work. I usually cast first thing every morning to build up stock and the rest of the day is consumed by all the other elements involved in making my work. I allow time during the week to work on the business side of Rebecca Killen Ceramics where I am making calls, answering emails and marketing my products – time-consuming activities but a surprisingly enjoyable part of my business. I am also a part time lecturer at the Southern Regional College and help take a variety of workshops at Mount Ida Pottery, so the weeks tend to be very busy. The process of making is the most enjoyable part of what I do. I wouldn’t exactly say it is relaxing, however when you get into a rhythm there is something strangely satisfying about working with such an unpredictable material.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to maintain a healthy lifestyle so I try and get to the gym as often as I can, but after being inside the studio most of the week I love to get outdoors at the weekend. I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful part of the country beside the sea and at the foot of the Mourne Mountains so there is plenty to explore. I am also getting married this year so does planning a wedding count as a hobby?

Where can people currently see or buy your work?

Locally you can find my work in Kiln and Loom and Coppermoon in Belfast, The Kingfisher Craft Gallery, Killyleagh, F.E. McWilliams Gallery, Banbridge and Synergy Studios in Newcastle. My work is also stocked in a range of galleries and design boutiques across the U.K and I have recently sent an order of work to an Irish design shop in Tokyo called Stor. I am excited to be exhibiting some new pieces at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate this April along with 7 other talented maker/designers from Northern Ireland. You can find us at stand 400.

Where would you like to see your business in a year's time? Do you have any big plans for 2016?

I hope for continued growth of my business, to be fulfilling orders for existing customers but also reaching new markets with my products. I would love to have my work in some larger retailers in the U.K and Ireland this year and also expand on my product list. I am hoping to take part in a couple of major selling events in the U.K and also intend to exhibit at another trade fair (early 2017) to introduce my brand to new audiences.

Find out more about Rebecca Killen, as well as her work and details on where to buy it, on the Craft NI Directory.

BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR 2016

After a successful show at the BCTF 2015, we are returning again this year. Find us at stand 400 where we will be exhibiting alongside seven other talented makers from Northern Ireland.

10th - 12th April 2016

LOCAL TALENT AT SYNERGY STUDIOS

We are delighted to be stocking our ceramics in a new exciting project coming soon to Newcastle Co. Down. Synergy Studios, opening this week is a workshop, studio and retail space located at the foot of the Mourne mountains and aims to provide a creative hub for emerging makers, designers and artists. They are hosting a Christmas Pop-Up for the month of December with a festive shopping evening on Friday 4th December

A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS

We have a collection of vessels, t-lights and bottles on display in Adore Contemporary Boutique for their current exhibition 'A Contemporary Christmas'. Adore is based in the beautiful harbour town of Falmouth, Cornwall and showcases the best of British contemporary craft. Their annual Christmas exhibition sees our work exhibited alongside talented designers; Gemma Scully, Katy Luxton, Bryony Stanford and Fleur Grenier. 

NEW WORK AT COPPERMOON

Call into Belfast's best kept secret Coppermoon to see a new batch of Rebecca Killen Ceramics on the shelves including these cute Cobalt Milk & Sugar sets. Coppermoon, a beautiful art and design boutique, showcases collections of jewellery, home and gift products to discerning customers worldwide and supports both local and national designers. Coppermoon have been stocking our products for over a year and we are delighted to launch our new Cobalt Milk & Sugar Sets in store. A beautiful piece for the home or a great gift idea!

HISTORY REPEATING AT THE DOWN ARTS CENTRE

During August Craft Month 2015, myself and Áine McKenna showcased our current collections at the Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick in the joint exhibition 'History Repeating'. Both local ceramic designer/makers, we were brought together on Craft NI's 'Making It' programme and have worked successfully together on a number of projects.

'Making It' is a 2 year business start-up programme for makers in craft and applied arts in which participants are placed in host organisations. Áine is based at Down Arts Centre and I at the Southern Regional College. As the 2013/15 programme draws to a close the exhibition showcased a body of work that demonstrated the progress made whilst on the programme, and the challenges of creating a commercial product range alongside conceptual ceramic art. 'History Repeating' makes reference to common themes embedded in both our work as we explored the notion of multiples and industrial processes.

Images - Opposite Page Photography

History Repeating - Down Arts Centre

History Repeating - Down Arts Centre

History Repeating - Down Arts Centre

History Repeating - Down Arts Centre

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Wall Dishes

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Wall Dishes

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Bottles

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Bottles

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Milk & Sugar Set

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt and Willow Vessels

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Vessels

Rebecca Killen Ceramics - Cobalt Dishes

Áine McKenna Ceramics

Áine McKenna Ceramics

Áine McKenna Ceramics

Áine McKenna Ceramics

To accompany the exhibition Áine and I carried out two workshops where we demonstrated the processes involved in each of our practices. Áine presented the process of handbuilding using fine sheets of paper clay creating porcelain envelopes and bags and I demonstrated how I make my bone china bottles, dishes and vessels using the slip casting technique.

We would like to thank all those who have visited our exhibition, the Down Arts Centre, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Southern Regional College, Craft NI and Opposite Page Photography without their support ‘History Repeating’ would not have been possible.

'History Repeating' runs until Saturday 29th August at the Down Arts Centre, 2-6 Irish Street, Downpatrick.