M.A.K.E 2025: Korean Master Potter Tae Sung Lyong at Glencairn Pottery
Join us for M.A.K.E at
GLENCAIRN POTTERY
Co. Waterford, Ireland
May 14 | Masterclass with Tae Sung Lyong
10:00–16:00
May 16–17 | Visitor Hours during Anagama Woodfiring & Ceramic Showroom
11:00–12:00
15:00–16:00
19:00–20:00
Limited capacity – PLEASE REGISTER >
The Master Artisan Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) is an international collaboration between three distinguished master potters - Marcus O’Mahony (Ireland), Tae Sung Lyong (Korea), and Raphaël Meyer (France). Born out of their shared passion for wood firing and expressive ceramics, MAKE fosters a dynamic dialogue between traditional craftsmanship, innovative techniques and contemporary ceramic art.
The exchange began with Marcus and Raphaël’s participation in the Cheongdo International Woodfire Festival in South Korea in November 2024 and continues with Tae Sung Lyong’s visit to Ireland in May 2025 and France in June 2025. This marks the start of a long-term collaboration, connecting master potters and ceramic artists across Europe, South Korea, the UK and beyond.
A key objective of MAKE is to raise the profiles of master artisans by introducing their work to new cultural contexts and audiences. This first exchange brings Korea’s thousand-year-old ceramic heritage to Europe, offering a unique opportunity for those with an interest in ceramics to engage with the traditions and craftsmanship of Tae Sung Lyong.
The Art of Wood Firing
Wood-fired pottery is an ancient yet evolving practice, deeply rooted in Korea’s ceramic heritage. The process demands patience, precision and deep intuition, requiring the potter to control the fire over many hours, sometimes days, before revealing the final transformation of clay into art. The unpredictable interaction between flame, ash, and earth ensures that no two pieces are ever the same.
Beyond technique, wood firing is a journey that mirrors the perseverance and challenges of daily life. It reflects the need for patience and adaptation while maintaining a dialogue with the past. The process carries forward the wisdom of generations and continues to push the boundaries of contemporary ceramic artistry.
MAKE offers a unique educational opportunity for potters, ceramic enthusiasts, and students to engage in this dynamic exchange. Master potters share their expertise, bridging tradition and innovation while inspiring the next generation of makers. Through open dialogue and hands-on learning, they ensure these skills continue to evolve and thrive.
MAKE: Ireland
In May 2025, Marcus O’Mahony will host MAKE at his Glencairn Pottery, located near the historic town of Lismore in West Waterford, known for its castle, gardens and contemporary art galleries. During this week-long visit, Tae Sung Lyong will bring together a group of passionate wood-firing potters from Ireland and the UK for a unique opportunity to engage with an internationally respected Korean master potter in an informal, rural setting.
May 14 | Masterclass with Tae Sung Lyong
A one-day workshop at Glencairn Pottery, suitable for experienced potters. Learn advanced handbuilding techniques from master Korean potter Tae Sung Lyong. All materials are included, with the option to take your clay work home unfired or leave it for bisque firing with later collection.
6 spaces available | €150 per participant
Schedule:
10:00–12:00 – Masterclass Part I
12:00–14:00 – Break for lunch - with time to visit nearby Lismore Castle Arts, to see the current exhibition, castle gardens and café
14:00–16:00 – Masterclass Part II
To book, contact us
May 16–17 | Anagama Wood Firing
A three-day communal wood firing, led by Tae Sung Lyong and Marcus O’Mahony, offers a rare opportunity to witness this traditional process up close and engage in informal discussions with leading potters from Ireland and the UK. Visitors can see Tae Sung Lyong live at work in the workshop, demonstrating Korean handbuilding techniques. The showroom will also be open, featuring a unique selection of wood-fired ceramics available for purchase.
Visitor Hours:
Friday 16 May – 11:00–12:00 | 15:00–16:00 | 19:00–20:00
Saturday 17 May – 11:00–12:00 | 15:00–16:00 | 19:00–20:00
Due to limited capacity during the firing, it is important to register your interest for a timeslot by contacting us first
Meet the Master Potters
Tae Sung Lyong (Korea)
A master of Korean ceramic tradition, Tae Sung Lyong is known for his deep understanding of handbuilding techniques, wood firing, and natural ash glazes. He has spent decades refining his process, honouring traditional Korean forms while pushing them into new expressive territory. Tae is the host of the Cheongdo International Woodfire Festival, an event that gathers master potters from around the world to exchange knowledge, techniques, and cultural perspectives. His work embodies the harmony between nature and craftsmanship, where the raw elements of fire, clay, and air merge into timeless ceramic forms.
Marcus O’Mahony (Ireland)
An Irish master of expressive ceramics, Marcus O’Mahony has been deeply influenced by Asian pottery traditions, particularly the philosophy of wood firing and spontaneous form-making. His studio, Glencairn Pottery in Co. Waterford, has attracted renowned international ceramic artists over the years, exploring the unpredictable beauty of flame and clay. Marcus’s work, combining wheel throwing and handbuilding, reflects his intuitive connection with material, process, and place, bringing a contemporary Irish perspective to an ancient firing technique.
Raphaël Meyer (France)
Raphaël Meyer is a French potter known for his expressive wood-fired ceramics. Influenced by Japanese traditions such as Bizen and Shigaraki, as well as contemporary North American ceramics, he explores the dynamic relationship between clay, fire, and ash. His work is deeply rooted in material preparation and the transformative power of long wood firings, resulting in richly textured surfaces. Based in Charente, France, he continues to push the boundaries of wood-fired ceramics through exhibitions and collaborations.