Denise McAuley’s Materia Medica is a series of 4 ceramic bottles inspired by antique pharmaceutical vessels. Each is carefully wheel-thrown, then subtly distorted to evoke the physical tension we carry in our neck and shoulders, a symbolic representation of emotional and psychological weight.
The bottles are labeled with ailments of modern life Impostor Syndrome, Burnout, Vulnerability, Estrangement. Inside, each contains a delicate porcelain scroll or “prescription,” offering not a medical cure, but an invitation to reflect. As vessels, these bottles embody the human form, fragile yet resilient. Speaking to the strength and vulnerability that coexist within us all.
Crafted in stoneware using copper oxide and cobalt, with ceramic ink decals and glaze, the surfaces reveal complex chemical reactions during firing.The aged, oxidised finish gives each piece a timeless quality, echoing the enduring presence of stress and the potential for transformation.
Rooted in McAuley’s dual experience as a trauma nurse and ceramic artist, this work bridges the physical, psychological, and emotional. Materia Medica explores how art can offer therapeutic insight and become a vessel for healing in itself.
These pieces challenge the assumption that wellbeing is found only in medicine. Instead, they prompt a holistic view where creativity, self-reflection, and conversation play vital roles in resilience and recovery. By evoking curiosity, empathy, and personal resonance, Materia Medica invites the viewer to consider how we carry, confront, and ultimately respond to the pressures of contemporary life.
Materia Medica was awarded the Most Outstanding Work by a Non-Member (sponsored by the Irish News) in the 144th Royal Ulster Academy of Art Exhibition.
Materia Medica is available to buy on a commission basis (£1,000 for set of 4 or £300ea.)
email : moneyvartceramics@gmail.com