Journey to Creative Clay…

Who is Creative Clay?

Hi, I’m Raquel Walsh, the hands (and heart!) behind Creative Clay. My journey to becoming a ceramicist has been anything but straightforward, but every step—and misstep—has led me to where I am today, running my own ceramics studio and loving every moment of it.

From Fashion Dreams to Clay Realities: I grew up in Shannon, County Clare, in the southwest of Ireland. Like many creative teenagers, I dreamed big. At first, my heart was set on fashion design, and I headed to art college with plans to make it happen. But during my foundation year, I discovered clay, and everything changed. I don’t remember a single lightbulb moment, but somehow, fashion faded, and clay became my new love.

In 1990, I started at Limerick School of Art & Design, where I spent four unforgettable years. For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged. Surrounded by like-minded creatives, I knew I wanted to have my own ceramic studio someday. But before I could settle down, I needed to explore the world and gain some life experience—and so began my adventure.

The Wanderlust Years

I spent a year backpacking and working in Australia, followed by two summers at Coppercreek Camp, a children’s Summer Camp, in Northern California, running their Clay and Craft program. Beautiful weather, amazing people, and doing what I loved? It was a dream come true, even if I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time.

After camp, I embarked on an Interrail adventure around Europe with an Australian friend from Summer Camp, then spent a few months in Israel working on a moshav (a small farming community). I picked peppers and sunflowers (a challenge for someone just 5 feet tall!), visited China and Hong Kong, and even returned to Australia before finally heading back to Shannon, ready to settle into “real life.”

My Return to Ceramics

My first job back home was at Avis Car Hire at Shannon Airport. It was fine, it was a good job that allowed me to buy my first home. But then the turn of the century my journey back to clay began. I started work at Irish Country Pottery in Shannon, where I supervised the glazing department. It was an incredible experience that gave me practical skills and industry knowledge—and it’s also where I met my husband, who is a fellow potter! Originally from Cornwall, he had come to Ireland to study at the Ceramic Skills and Design Training Course in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

Then, the recession hit. Like so many others, we were made redundant. It was a blow at the time, but in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. Redundancy gave me the chance to stay home and enjoy precious time with my babies until they were ready for school. When my daughter approached school age, I felt the pull to return to ceramics and finally pursue my dream of running my own studio.

The Birth of Creative Clay

In 2015, Creative Clay was born. It felt like coming full circle. All the experiences I’d gathered along the way—the travels, the jobs, the challenges—had prepared me for this moment. Now, every day I get to do what I love: create beautiful, handmade ceramics that bring joy to others. From vases adorned with delicate hand-formed flowers to wall art with my signature ladybird, every piece I make carries a little bit of me.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust the timing of your journey. Sometimes, dreams take longer than expected, and that’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out all at once. Confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes after you take the leap.

So, if you’re chasing a dream, keep going. Take the twists and turns as they come. Believe in yourself, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. For me, the journey took over 20 years, but it was absolutely worth the wait.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my story. If you’re curious about my work or want to learn more about Creative Clay, take a look around my shop or Why a Ladybird? I’d love to share my passion for handmade ceramics with you.