Cork - the inspiration

I have been inspired by cork city, its buildings, views and stories from its people. Lots of people leave their home of Ireland, emigrating far across the globe. I myself am from Scotland. You find connection with pieces inspired by familiar places. Places that hold stories for you. Memories and times of your youth.

I wanted to create handmade jewellery that hold these connections that people can gift to loved ones reminding them of their own stories.

So where did I start. It had to be with that big fish. One stormy day when the sky was grey and thundery. I saw this big gold fish in the sky, illuminated by the sun hitting off it. I've been kinda captivated by it ever since. Always looking for it when I'm in the city centre. Seeing which way it was facing. Then I learned stories from a friend who worked making shoes up Shandon and the sat on the steps of the tower eating their lunch.

Where else has a big Goldie fish? It's pure Cork.

For a few years this idea to make fish jewellery has sat with me and never left. It was time to make my ideas become a reality.

And so I did...

To get back into making the first piece I created I made for me. I was absorbed into the world of silversmithing. Time flew and creativity flowed.

I created my first few pieces to sell at Benchspace 1st Christmas Market in 2023. I created the event and thought it was only fitting to produce some work to sell. 

How I injected local personality into my jewellery pieces

I had been looking for a gift for a friend that was moving away from cork. Not originally from Cork but we had made great memories here together and I wanted something timeless and contemporary that would help her remember her time with us. 

After searching, I did find something Irish not particularly Cork. This made me think…. What would I make….

I want to make pieces of contemporary jewellery that connects the wearer to Cork. The perfect give for someone moving away.

I am always exploring and thinking of new ideas. Too many ideas. (that’s why I only do small batch production and one of a kind). I’m always thinking of the next idea.

I’ve made pictures of the shandon tower cut out of copper and brass.. even as I write this I have thought of another direction for this to go…

I also love phrases spoken in Cork, and I hand stamp these into the inside of bangles so it’s a little conversation between me and the wearer. It’s “pure decent”. 

I also do a sweary version too.