Tonnta criostalaithe chronicles the relation of the self to its surroundings. Inspired by the finite beauty and fleeting nature of the coastal shingle bay of Killiney, tonnta criostalaithe locates the self as existing within a repetitious but ever-changing locus. In allowing the transcendental nature of thalassic waves to echo as they break on the rocks, the threshold of intangible transient serenity exists. To understand the coexistence of the self and its surroundings, the Confucian idea of self-cultivation was examined.
Self-cultivation is understood as the development of one’s mind or capacities through one’s own efforts. Ideals of moral perfectibility and the continual development of oneself in body and mind lead towards an ideal state of being.
Tonnta criostalaithe presents the reflections of a desired harmonious coexistence of self and surroundings. Large-scale ceramic sculptures reveal the physical and metaphorical desires for elusive perfection.

Tonnta criostalaithe (Cyztallized waves), glazed stoneware ceramics, installation view

Tonnta criostalaithe (Cyztallized waves), glazed stoneware ceramics, installation view

Tonnta criostalaithe (Cyztallized waves), glazed stoneware ceramics, installation view

Tonnta criostalaithe (Cyztallized waves), glazed stoneware ceramics, installation view

Tonnta criostalaithe (Cyztallized waves), glazed stoneware ceramics, installation view

Tonnta criostalaithe (Cyztallized waves), glazed stoneware ceramics, installation view