A Note From Stephen:

On Finding a New Home for the Studio

I thought I’d share a little about where I’ve been working these days. In October 2022, I moved the studio into St. Comgall’s on Divis Street — right at the Lower Falls, the very place where the Troubles began. It’s a strange thing to set up a creative life in a building with that much history in its walls, but from the moment I walked in, I fell for it completely.

The light here is something else. The space, the height, the atmosphere — it’s honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever worked. Evenings are my favourite: the south studio fills with this soft, golden wash that makes everything feel a bit cinematic. Winter does bring a chill, but there’s a certain charm in that too. That’s when the kilns earn their keep and become the warmest, friendliest members of the team.

St. Comgall’s has grown into a proper hive of activity. The old school now houses a mix of businesses, makers, and community groups, all bringing their own energy, noise, and colour to the place. And just this year, in 2025, the new visitor attraction “The Falls Where the Troubles Began” opened on-site. It’s powerful, carefully thought through, and well worth visiting if you’re anywhere near west Belfast.

So yes — this is where the work is happening now. A place full of history, light, and life. The studio feels like home, and I’m grateful for it every day.

More soon,
Stephen