“Bunty O’Connor grew up absorbing the infusions of culture in Trinidad. Her work includes figures, plates, mugs, bowls, mosaics and sculptures. The figures include what O’Connor calls ‘demi-gods’, creatures which catch the spirit that infuses the artistic life of the Carribean Islands.”

“Through experimentation with Trinidad’s clays, she and husband Rory have recorded recipes that would be valuable to the other traditional potters, and to the country’s universities. “The central part of Trinidad consists of clay laid down over millennia by the mighty Orinoco River (flowing from Venezuela). We are a tiny island in its delta. This sedimentary red clay is our basic raw material. Our Ajoupa terracotta comes mainly from a huge clay pit where local brick and tile manufacturers get their raw material.”

“Ajoupa Pottery opened for business in 1987 as a workshop located in the hills of Carapichima, Central, Trinidad.  The main focus was on experimenting and creating beautiful thrown, pressed and handmade terracotta wares and ornaments for sale. That particular workshop is no more but Ajoupa Pottery has been invigorated with new life and a new vision. The new design studio, its storage and workspaces are being constructed by Rory, using salvaged and local materials and in some cases cedar wood from their own backyard.”

“To walk in the garden is a privilege. Bunty is doing tremendous work with seed collecting and propogation of indigenous trees. The family hikes regularly and much of her inspiration and creative spirit comes from this close connection with her landscape. She is surrounded by five acres of slightly undulating land that looks northwards up to the northern range and throws a backward glance to Tamana in the central range.”

Listen to Bunty’s interview on Episode 483 of The Potters Cast here: http://ThePottersCast.com/483