Today we are talking to Mary O Regan, a hugely inspiring maker, who is self taught, uses her craft as a healing process and also happens to make the most incredible mugs we have ever seen.
Why did you start your business?
I was tipping away part time in pottery while working as a counsellor in a school for kids with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Myself and my husband had decided to foster and were excitedly waiting to see who was coming our way when three magic humans came into our lives. Suddenly we had three kids who had been through so much and really needed me around so I needed a more flexible job. So I left my job to be with the kids and kept my pottery business going on the side. It’s been a challenge to juggle everything but thanks to the flexibility and understanding of stockists especially Bronwyn in Wild Design I’ve been able to keep going!
Do you use any sustainable materials or have any eco ethos associated with your products?
I source my clay and glazes from a local pottery supplier. I’m always trying to develop procucts that can replace plastic alternatives and I’m working on improved design for a travel mug.
Where did you learn your craft?
I taught myself pottery while working in a training centre for young people on probation a few years ago. At the time I was a bit of a jack of all trades which is really common in those places, I was the deputy manager, counsellor, art teacher. The CEO wanted to buy a pottery wheel for the place and asked me if I could teach a class. We bought a wheel and I started classes the following week, I was only half a step ahead of the kids but it was actually really brilliant to be all learning together. The lads loved it, it was really therapeutic and so exciting to see work coming out of the kiln. I used to bring them to the Sculpture Factory to collect their work, it was so inspiring for them! When I left that job I left pottery behind, but 3 years ago when I was going through fertility issues I really needed a hobby! The wheel was gathering dust in my old work so they let me borrow it. I couldn’t make a baby so I started making pots instead and it was incredibly healing and exciting. the work just started flowing out, people were interested in buying them, even in the early days when they really weren’t great! And it all just grew from there!
What is your favourite part of your business?
Sometimes when I’m sitting in my sun drenched pottery shed in my back garden, with music or a podcast playing and a big lump of clay ready to turn into something I can’t believe my luck that I get to do this. I love the making, that’s the most fun!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From everywhere! If I see a colour in nature or a piece of clothing or painting I try and think how I can translate that colour or the feeling of that colour into a mug or a jug or bowl. Colour makes me so happy and I love spreading the joy in colourful pots!
