Artist Statement:

I love to make both tableware and non-functional pieces. I like the discipline and refined qualities of the tableware. The function of a piece is very important. I love the challenge of making a pot that works well and feels comfortable and balanced to lift and use. The glaze is my own recipe, it has a satin finish and can be used in the oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer.

Raku is exciting, like controlled chaos. The making gives me the freedom to play with form, both in the making and decoration. Then comes the firing; keeping my nerve, especially if it is a big piece, when looking into the kiln to see if the glaze has smoothed out properly. The excitement of lifting the red hot pot from the kiln and placing it in a bin of wood shavings, which will immediately ignite, then placing the lid on and looking for the trickle of yellow smoke. I love the smokey smells of raku. Sometimes I walk into the store where my kiln and bins are kept, get a whiff of smoke and I immediately want to do some more raku.

"From The Flame" Hand thrown Raku lidded pot by Ann McNulty. Commisssioned for permanent display in the William Jefferson Clinton International Peace Centre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. Height 58.5cm (23inch)

Tall Raku Bowl diameter 38cm (15inch) height 20cm(8inch)

Raku Bowl diameter 35.5cm (14inch)

I have worked full-time in ceramics since 1978. The sources of inspiration for my work come from all around me, landscapes, sunsets & architecture, an idea is sparked off, goes through the process of abstraction and is finally expressed in clay and glaze.

My pots are all hand made and each piece is individualy decorated. The tableware can be designed and made to suit the customers particular requirements, either in colour or function.

Commissions are accepted and I have a mail order service. My studio gallery is open Monday to Saturday where a wide range of my work is always on view.