HausOfBanshee

My original intention when doing my degree was to develop and refine my style as a digital mixed media artist. Long story short, this is when I fell in love with pottery. Two years later, with straight distinctions under my belt I couldn't stop thinking about ceramics (I'm thinking about pottery this very second). From exploring historical Japanese design and methods such as agateware, kintsugi and Mokume-gane, to embracing the alchemy of Raku, kiln timings, glazes and stoneware combinations. With the hundreds of fails coming out of the kiln, it’s all worth it when the warm form of a vase, tile or bowl is in my hands looks and feels beautiful that I know will last a lifetime...

I often get asked "Why Haus of Banshee?" Growing up I never felt drawn towards the princesses and maidens in the story books or on screen and instead found myself feeling more intrigued by the hags, witches and Medusas within the narrative. These loner women were often independent, self-sufficient, powerful and never dependent on a knight to swoop in and save the day. I often wondered what she was doing "off screen" after being fought off, or even what she does in her down time! What does her house look like from the inside? What trinkets and artefacts are carefully placed on her mantle or kitchen counter?

Recently the more I looked into these goddesses, witches and spirits in Mythology like Circe, The Furies and Artemis, I found that there were many similarities in that they were women living on the edge of society who could heal and care for others, were skilled in a variety of ways such as herbalism, astrology and even strong and fearful fighters and leaders. Women who were comfortable in their bodies and sexuality and wanting to live unapologetically, and were ticking all my feminist boxes! However in reality society would portray her as different and evil and punish her and use her name as a warning to other girls and women in society to scare them into conforming.

Being the daughter of an Irishman, I know about the Banshee. Sometimes described as a silver haired old hag screaming into the night, other times a beautiful long haired red headed woman singing softly whilst combing her hair sat on a fairy mound. If you were unlucky enough to hear her, it is a message of someone close to you is about to die. She does not kill but is actually a forewarning that death is on it's way. Is she that scary or is she actually knowledgeable and caring enough to find you and give you the heads up?! I think she's pretty badass when you flip the narrative.

All of their stories got my creative juices flowing. As a potter I found myself asking that question again and again "what trinkets and artefacts are in their home?" and then I just starting making to find out. Hand building each item thinking about these mythological creatures trying to answer this just felt empowering so I decided to keep going! I settled on calling my little creative bubble "Haus of Banshee" because I wanted to create a virtual space where like-minded people can come into my covenstead, maybe even take a seat and have a brew and enjoy items that tell stories or make one another feel great.

Thanks for visiting pottery lovers!

- Gemma Hudson-Findley (Maker of things at Haus of Banshee)