Meet Ben Ledi Ceramics
As with any potter, Oonagh’s house and studio space are dedicated to a collection of pottery that has been growing for years. Most notably is a cupboard displaying pieces by Walter Keeler which mark the important times in Oonagh’s life. What started this collection is a teapot that Oonagh’s partner gave her instead of an engagement ring, and the tradition continued throughout their lives together. This fact shows that Oonagh has had a lifelong interest in all things pottery, even though she was not a potter by profession. Her fascination with the craft started from the age of 14, sparked by a former high school teacher. This turned into Oonagh picking up the odd course throughout her adult life but never having the time to fully immerse herself into the craft. However, once the children left the house, Oonagh found herself once again taking a throwing course at the Glasgow Ceramics Studio and joined the WASP studio as an associate member. During the 2020 lockdown, Oonagh bought her own kiln, which became a real turning point for her. Since then, she has been able to do pottery from the comforts of her own house and is now able to dedicate a couple of days a week to making.
When asked to describe her preferred style of pottery, Oonagh mentioned that she is drawn to a 'simpler' style of pottery, gravitating towards simple shapes and straightforward glazes, although she also loves the look of salt glazes. To her, the shapes of pottery are very important. She can tell from the shape of a mug what she thought of the process of making it:
"I think I can look at a mug and tell whether I enjoyed making it or if it was a bit of a chore, which is a bit mental. With any hobby you can always get into the flow, and then it doesn't feel like a chore to be making stock. But other days it is a bit more of a task."
Oonagh also has a specific product she likes to make, which is mugs. Mugs are her best-selling product in Made in Stirling, and at some point, Oonagh thought she was fed up with making them and tried to dedicate some time to experimenting with other products. It was during this time that she realised she missed the simplicity of making mugs. She finds the process of making them very therapeutic and loves the idea that they are functional items that will get used daily.
Oonagh still wants to carve some time out for being experimental, and being part of the SPA (Scottish Potters Association) is the perfect place for it. Although being surrounded by so many ceramicists is sometimes daunting, for Oonagh it is also the perfect excuse to push herself a bit further and share techniques and practical tips. Being part of the Made in Stirling collective has also been hugely important for Oonagh, as she doubts, she'd be making as much pottery without it. Made in Stirling has helped to increase her confidence, as it is still a special feeling for her when people buy her pottery. She still sometimes doubts the quality of her makes, and sees faults in her products, but seeing how many people value her craft has helped to boost her confidence. She still can’t quite fathom that she manages to sell.
Ultimately, for Oonagh, pottery is not just a hobby to occupy herself with now that she is retired. It has started to become some sort of therapy, forcing her to be fully present whilst throwing. When a piece doesn’t turn out as expected, Oonagh finds joy in destroying it on the wheel as well, saying it’s a good way to get rid of some anger. Another therapeutic aspect of pottery is that it takes Oonagh back to the childlike joy of playing in mud, something you don’t necessarily get to do much of as an adult.
You can see Oonagh’s work on display in Made in Stirling, both in the shop and in our gallery spaces, where she is currently showing alongside 43 other potters in the SPA showcase.
