Wacki was created by Emma O’Donnell, a native of Kinsale with a keen interest in ceramics from a very young age. She explains: “I studied art in school and back in 2009 my art teacher told me I could sell the ceramic octopus lamp I made for my Junior Cert project. This is really where the idea for Wacki came about. I finally went and bought a kiln in 2020 and started Wacki.”
Emma chose the name Wacki because it stands for Wild Atlantic Ceramics Kinsale Ireland and the fact that the sea creatures are indeed wacky! They are inspired by sea creatures found along the Wild Atlantic Way. Emma sculpts her Wacki creatures out of clay and then hand paints with glaze to finish. The Wacki catalogue includes framed pieces with ceramics that can be personalised and stand-alone ceramic creatures.
The business started off when Emma got involved in Kinsale Arts Weekend in the summer of 2020. After this weekend some locals started noticing Wacki. Emma has decorated some of the bedrooms in the Blue Haven and outside Cosy Café.
In 2021 Emma plucked up the courage and went into the retail world. She started to stock Wacki products in Cronin’s of Kinsale. To this day, Wacki can still be found for sale in Cronin’s of Kinsale.
Since 2020 Wacki has continued to grow. At the end of 2024, Wacki will be at its first Christmas fair in Ballymaloe and in 2025 Wacki will be available in more retail shops across Ireland.
All Wacki creatures are individual and unique. Sometimes life can get a bit too serious but hopefully these friendly “Wacki” creatures will bring a smile to your face.
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