The Work of Art

What if a life could be shaped as slowly and as intentionally as clay, held, turned, and transformed by oneself, by the elements and by time?In this episode of The Work of Art, I visit potter Lisa Mc Cabe of Corranny Forest Pottery, in her quiet studio overlooking a wild stretch of woodland and water in Fermanagh.Our conversation moves through her journey into clay, the steady pull of making, and the moments and people that gave her the courage to continue. There’s a deep sense of connection here, to material, to place, and to a way of working that feels both grounded and alive.This is a gentle, unhurried conversation about creative life, shaped by instinct and attention, with birdsong never far in the background.

In this episode of The Work of Art, host Lynsey McKernan sits down with Jacinta Caraher, founder of Purple Peach, for a lively and honest conversation about creativity, fashion, and building a life around making things.With backgrounds rooted in the fashion world, Lynsey and Jacinta naturally touch on clothing and design, but the conversation quickly opens into something deeper, the creative instinct, the need to experiment, and the realities of shaping a career around creativity.Jacinta shares her thoughts on the importance of having a “crazy corner” for ideas, a space where creativity can run free, as well as that powerful feeling many creatives recognise: the pull in your bones that tells you you need to make something. They also talk about the joy of studio life, embracing play in the process, and finding ways to live your best creative life.Whether you're a designer, artist, maker, or simply someone curious about the creative mind, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the mindset and lifestyle of a working creative.

What happens when a passion turns into a profession?In this episode, I sit down with music photographer Ciara McMullan, whose career grew from a deep love of live music into documenting gigs, concerts, and the moments audiences rarely get to see. From packed venues to long nights on tour, Ciara captures the energy, connection, and humanity that exist beyond the stage lights.We talk about how obsession can quietly evolve into a career, finding creative inspiration in the people closest to you, and the very real, and sometimes unglamorous side of life behind the music industry.This is a conversation about creativity, persistence, and trusting your instincts enough to follow where they lead.

What happens when you step away from the path you’re expected to follow and choose one that feels more aligned?Paula McEntee is a graphic designer, creative director, and founder of Saoi Studio, with a career shaped by curiosity, empathy, and long-term thinking. After over two decades working in studio practice, including many years at Dublin-based Red Dog, where she became Creative Director, Paula returned home to County Monaghan to build a practice rooted in values and meaningful collaboration.In this conversation, Paula and Lynsey Mc Kernan reflect on creative growth over time, the quiet confidence that comes with experience, and how motherhood can influence both career direction and personal priorities. They explore sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the role of empathy in shaping design work that truly makes a difference.A considered conversation about creative evolution, intentional choices, and building a career that supports both life and work.You can find out more about Paula and her work at www.saoistudio.ie

What if the long, uncertain, creative path is actually leading you exactly where you’re meant to be? Maureen Selina Laverty is an inclusive design researcher, fashion designer, and design lecturer whose creative journey spans fashion, academia, and research. In this conversation, we talk about her well-travelled path, the experiences that have shaped her thinking, and what it means to come full circle in both life and career.Maureen and host Lynsey Mc Kernan first met over 25 years ago while studying Foundation Art and Design at the University of Ulster, before both going on to study Fashion Design at NCAD. Although they began their careers on similar paths, their journeys led them in different directions; a thread that weaves through this conversation.We discuss Maureen’s early years growing up in Northern Ireland, her time working with Alexander McQueen and on Savile Row, her PhD research at NTNU in Norway, her move back to Belfast, and the ideas and values that continue to drive her work today.A thoughtful and honest conversation about evolving creative lives, long-term practice, and finding meaning in the work you make.

What if building a life in the arts or the world of design wasn’t a fantasy… but a real, achievable path?This trailer introduces The Work of Art, a podcast about creative journeys, the spark, the hustle, and the creative career.Hosted by artist Lynsey Mc Kernan, the series features weekly conversations with artists, designers, makers, and creatives working across disciplines, exploring how they’ve built meaningful and sustainable lives from their creativity.Through honest conversations and real experiences, The Work of Art aims to show that it is possible to make a successful life in the arts.New episodes coming soon.