Cork as Inspiration
I live on the northside of Cork city and for years I walked into the city centre to work in a shop on Patrick Street. I'd walk as the bus would get stuck on summer hill north. I loved the view across the city as I descended into town. As I walked, I looked. At everything railings, walls, cracks in the pavement, the architecture of all the unique styles. Storing all this information and learning local stories from people.
My job in the city ended like many when covid hit. The fast-paced retail busy mum life stopped and I had time to slow down and take time to decide what I wanted to do and what I could do when having a partner, kids and pets.
I have been inspired by Cork city, it’s buildings, views and stories from it’s 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.
Further Inspiration
I love how jewellery can be new and innovative, exploring materials and methods…
In my leaf brooch collection I used skeleton leaves, dyed them covered them in latex for durability before encasing them in silver and gold textured frames.
And then really traditional, using techniques that are 100’s of years old.
I used Granulation in many of my past pieces and really loved researching this technique and how to fuse the little balls to the silver surface without solder.
It fascinates me how ancient civilisations executed this technique. I applied the granulation to silver pieces that echo the lines and folds of the female form.
Inspiration Roots
I studied at Duncan of Jordanstone art college in Dundee, where I graduated with BDes hons in jewellery and metalwork.
My pieces were inspired by my love of life drawing. I looked at the folds of the female form and combined this with the old technique of granulation.
I loved the way the tiny balls of gold or silver are fused to the surface and not soldered. There is something really satisfying about melting silver until it naturally balls.
I also explored using leaves. I created a series of brooches that framed a dyed skeleton leaf. I enjoyed bringing colour to the silver or gold. The design won a London Goldsmith award.
Story, bud?
Got a question about our classes or jewellery? Are you looking for something a little more bespoke? I’m intrigued - tell me more…
