Lynda Gault Interview

Lynda Gault is a ceramicist based in Sligo whose pieces can be found in various shops and galleries all around the country. Opening her studio in 2007 she has already made quite a name for herself. Here at Morpheus, her work is some of the most popular that we have. Her stoneware forms show a deep understanding of the relationship between functionality and aesthetics. Lynda's glazes meanwhile, seem perfectly suited to the shapes she works with, enhancing both the movement and the solidity of her pieces. We caught up with Lynda this week, to discuss her work and the craft industry in Ireland.

How did you get into ceramics in the first place, what attracted you to it?
I did a course in Ceramics and craft design but was going mainly for the craft design as I always enjoyed textiles and other mediums. The course was my first time to use clay and once I did I fell for it. I then went on to do an apprenticeship in pottery.

What was the main influence on your work when you started?
I'd have to say the clay itself was my primary influence. It's such an organic medium, but it also has a stubborn side. There is so much to learn about it both in a scientific and a working sense. I just wanted to learn about it and see what I could do with that knowledge.

Do you think knowledge of the clay is still your primary focus?
I can't say that has changed much now as one can never stop learning, however the chemistry of glazes has taken over a bit in that sense. Glaze technology is like alchemy and formulating glazes can be at once thrilling and extremely frustrating.

Do you feel your style has changed as you've developed?
Like anything, the more you work, the more you improve your skill and becoming more skillful allows you to experiment more. I would have to say that my forms have become simpler. Clean simple forms only work well when they're well made and I feel that I'm only getting to the stage now that I'm capable of that.

Has the commercial side of ceramics affected your work?
The commercial side certainly affects my work. It is after all a business. It's really important to keep in touch with trends and markets and while these wouldn't be the drive behind a design, they need to be considered.

When you are creating a prototype design for a range, what process do you use?
I kind of work back to front. I come up with the glazes first and then work on shapes to suit. I find that once there is a piece I'm happy with in a range the rest follows relatively easily.

How do you know when a piece is finished?
I don't think they're ever really finished - they're constantly growing.

What do you think of the craft industry in Ireland?
I think Irish craft has a good profile at the moment. There are so many fine craft workers out there and the standard is very high. It keeps you on your toes!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I guess I'd just like to be able to continue doing what I'm doing and have a recognisable brand. Getting the name out there is a slow process but if it's not done by ten years it might be time to have a rethink!

How do you like to unwind?
Unwind? Now there's a notion I haven't considered in a while! I suppose it would be meeting with friends and family, or just relaxing in front of a film or curled up with a good book.

How have you handled the business side of your work?
I consider every side of my work to be business. Making pots may not sound like business, but production is the core of the whole thing.

Any advice for a young potter starting out?
I can't recommend proper training highly enough. The pottery school in Kilkenny is fantastic. I did the one in Derry but unfortunately it lost its funding so its no longer there. Working for another potter then will give invaluable insight into the working of a business. And if you are starting out on your own, be prepared to lose the romantic notion of pottery. It's a wonderful way to work and I wouldn't change it for the world, but it is, at the end of the day, work.

For more information on Lynda go to www.lyndagaultceramics.ie or drop into the Morpheus gallery to see her work.

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