Eileen Moylan

Jewellery Designer & Goldsmith Cork

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You are here: Home / Archives for My Inspirations

Silver Cone

12.07.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Silver Cone 10th Century
Silver Cone 10th Century

I’ve been following the Irish Times series ‘A history of Ireland in 100 Objects’

Every Saturday Fintan O’ Toole writes about an object, giving an insight into different periods of Irish history.

He adopts three main rules when selecting each item.

An “object” is defined as a single man-made entity, a definition that excludes buildings. The objects are generally presented chronologically. And unless there is an overwhelming reason to the contrary, the objects themselves are accessible to readers in public institutions or spaces’.

The series started in February with a Mesolithic fish trap and brought us up to iconic pieces such as the Tara Brooch and Ardagh chalice in Spetember.

While there have been many great objects discussed I chose to write about this silver cone. Firstly because it is so beautifully made and also to give me the opportunity to pick apart the techniques used to make such an intricate piece.

By now you will know that when I look at an item of silver (or any metal really) I analyse the way it was made and dissect each process and technique. I’m hoping it’s something most makers do and not just a weird trait that I’ve developed!. I love trying to figure out how an item was made and seeing how the techniques used affect the aesthetic. Some of my favourite pieces are the ones which still baffle me.

Silver Cone, 10th Century
Silver Cone, 10th Century

This silver cone dates from the 10th century and is made from woven silver thread. O’ Toole describes it beautifully when he says

It sits in the palm of the hand as lightly as a confection of spun sugar

It gives a sense of the delicacy of the piece. The cone is woven from three separate strands of silver each of which is made up of between 15 -18 extremely fine wires. The effect is amazing with hundreds of wires appearing to seamlessly make up this three dimensional form.  Researchers in the National Museum found a residue of some sort of organic material inside the cone which they believe to be a wax. This wax would have acted as a support on which the woven design would have been created.

When you consider the hours it would have taken to create such an item it comes as a surprise to find it was one of 18. The hoard was found in a cave in Dunmore just north of Kilkenny city. A length of silver wire was also found which seems to have been attached to the cones. They also discovered a tiny piece of fine silk which suggests that this was a very ornate dress with a silver wire border and the silver cones acted as tassels or perhaps buttons. The silk was one of the most exciting finds as it was more valuable than all the silver ornaments put together. It was dyed either red or purple (making it even more expensive) and most probably came from the Byzantine empire or the Arab world.

When I read about the hoard and the function of the silver cone it not only made me appreciate fully the beauty of the object but also made me question the wearer. As O’ Toole puts it

Who this woman was is as mysterious as the presence of this extraordinary example of Viking power-dressing in Co Kilkenny. All we know is that someone had a dress worth a king’s ransom, shoved it in a crack in a cave in a moment of panic and never got to come back for it.

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // National Museum, National Museum of Ireland, Silver, silversmith, silversmiths techniques

Silver Bowls

12.02.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Sugar Bowl, Elizabeth Peers
Sugar Bowl, Elizabeth Peers

Since I wrote about making a silver bowl I decided to show the work of silversmith Elizabeth Peers and her beautiful hand raised bowls.

I was reminded of her beautiful hammered bowls when working on the silver bowl last week.

Two Beakers, Elizabeth Peers
Two Beakers, Elizabeth Peers
Sugar Bowl, Elizabeth Peers
Sugar Bowl, Elizabeth Peers

I love how tactile her work is, it’s just calling to be picked up and held in your palm. This could be because her bowls are perfectly ‘hand sized’ and also because of the way in which she finishes here work. The evidence of the hammer remains on the surface of her work. Which again draws the viewer to inspect the silver by touch. Here are some more images of her work, hope you like them…

Pinch Pots, Elizabeth Peers
Pinch Pots, Elizabeth Peers
Beryl and Pip, Elizabeth Peers
Beryl and Pip, Elizabeth Peers
Beaker, Elizabeth Peers
Beaker, Elizabeth Peers

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary silverware, Silver, Silver Bowl, silver vessel, silversmith, silversmiths techniques

Crafts Magazine

11.14.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Crafts Magazine
Crafts Magazine

I had planned to write about the workshop today but the postman arrived with the new Crafts magazine and I spent the past hour reading it. So instead I’m going to write about the magazine that has dragged me away from the workshop!

Crafts magazine is published  bi-monthly by the British Crafts Council. As the title suggests it doesn’t just deal with silversmiths but covers all craft medium like ceramics, glass, and textiles.  There are very few publications dedicated completely to silversmithing but I really like that I can view a range of disciplines in one magazine. Often there will be a piece in glass or wood that I fall in love with and draw inspiration from in my own work.

As well as lots of interviews with emerging and established makers they also have a great review section. They review current exhibitions and books. Many of the contributors are makers so you get a different perspective on a variety of disciplines. It’s great for keeping up to date on upcoming exhibitions. I usually check it out before going to London so I can plan my exhibition itinerary!.

When writing this I did a quick calculation on how  many years I’ve been reading Crafts magazine. I have issues going back to 2000 and I think I’ve been reading it since I started art college in 1996. That’s fifteen years!! They must be doing something right if I still love seeing it arrive in the post!

If you want to check it out rather than committing to a subscription have a look at their website as it has lots of information on the latest publication as well as taster articles and images.

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary jewellery, Crafts Magazine

Safe Secrets: The Story of the Coggalbeg Hoard

10.24.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Coggalbeg Hoard
Coggalbeg Hoard

Many of you may have read the story of a gold Early Bronze Age collar which was found in a skip after the robbery of a Co. Roscomon pharmacy.

Apparently when Sheehans pharmacy in  Strokestown Co. Roscommon was robbed the burglars  turned out the contents of the safe into a skip after taking the money and valuables of interest to them. What they didn’t realise was that buried in the papers was a priceless gold torc.

Following the robbery the Sheehan family told gardaí that the safe contained three items of gold jewellery. The detectives established that the papers from the safe had been dumped in a skip nearby. Because of the flat, thin nature of these gold pieces (weighing only 78 grams in total) they went unnoticed by the robbers. After trawling through the skip the gardaí found the crescent shaped collar and two small gold discs.

Gold Lunulae
Gold Lunulae

It transpires that these items had been kept in the Sheehan’s safe since 1947.  The hoard was originally found by Hubert Lannon when he was cutting turf in his bog at Coggalbeg, Co. Roscommon. It was discovered when investigating the provenance of the hoard that Mr Lannon had died at age 93  just three weeks before the robbery in March 2009. His family were able to confirm that he had found the gold in his bog and had given it to Mr Sheehan the Strokestown chemist.

Once the gold had been recovered it was sent to the National Museum of Ireland to be cataloged and dated. This hoard is extremely important as it contains the first pair of discs to be found since the nineteenth century.  The find is also important as it represents the first recorded association of a lunula and gold discs. This is very significant for archaeologists as they study the period in which collars and discs would be worn.

Last week the Coggalbeg hoard went on display in the Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar. This amazing find will remain there for all to see until June 2012.

What a strange set of circumstances resulted in this hoard finding  its way into public view. How many other treasures are buried in safes and under beds around the country?!

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // Bronze Age, Early Bronze Age, Gold, Jewellery, Jewelry, Lunulae, National Museum of Ireland

The business

09.27.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

My Bench
My Bench

Since this is my 100th blog post I decided to share some ideas I have for my future work and future posts.

I’m planning to do a monthly update on my business and how I sell my jewelry online. I intend to do one of these posts every month so I can share handy tips and tricks with any of you out there interested in selling your artwork. As well as sharing all the things I’ve learned it will give me an opportunity to look over the developments of each month.

I’ve included some photos of the workshop and the images I have over my bench that influences new pieces that I’m working on at the moment.

I’ve done this for two reasons.. firstly since this is number 100 I thought I keep it light on text, I think after this many articles my keyboard deserves a slow day!

Secondly now that I’ve shown you what inspires me and told you that I’m working on new pieces I’ll have no where to hide! I’ll have to just set aside the time from all the other work and make time to develop this range.

If you have any suggestions for the next hundred posts be sure to email me at eileen@eileenmoylan.com

Categories // My Business, My Inspirations Tags // Silver, silversmith, silversmiths bench

Goldsmiths’ Fair

09.24.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Goldsmiths’ fair starts on Monday, this exhibiton gathers together 168 jewellers and silversmiths to display their work in Goldsmiths’ Hall, London. The fair takes place over two weeks with each exhibitor having a week to show their work. The event is open to the public so anyone can go along to see the work, meet the designer and if they wish purchase the items on display.

Goldsmiths' Fair
Goldsmiths’ Fair

I think this is one of the great thing about Goldsmiths Fair, not only do you get to see some of the best in handmade jewellery and silverware but you have the opportunity to speak with the maker. Whether to discuss their inspiration and making technique or to embark on a commission.

I’ve never had the opportunity to go along to the fair but hopefully next year I’ll plan a trip to London.

If like me you can’t pop in and have a look at the work, take a look at some of the exhibitors websites. I’ve picked out some work by silversmiths who are participating in the event.

Kevin Grey, Liston Bowl, 2011
Kevin Grey, Liston Bowl, 2011
Maya Selway, Kishu Vase, Vase Outline, 2011
Maya Selway, Kishu Vase, Vase Outline, 2011
Eileen Gatt, Mad march hare vessels
Eileen Gatt, Mad march hare vessels
Mary Ann Simmons, Bowl
Mary Ann Simmons, Bowl

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary silverware, Silver, silversmith

Seoid 11

08.31.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Sabrina Meyns, handmade paper, dandelion seeds, 18ct gold
Sabrina Meyns, handmade paper, dandelion seeds, 18ct gold

I’ve been writing alot about the Year of Craft in Ireland which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Crafts Council of Ireland.  As well as lots of great events going on around the country Irish craft has been exhibited worldwide. A perfect example of this is the Seoid exhibition which is currently touring Australia. This month the work of eleven Irish jewellery makers is on display in the Pieces of Eight Gallery in Melbourne.

This exhibition which has been curated by maker Claire McAlister showcases the work of both established and emerging contemporary jewellers working in Ireland. The title of the exhibition ‘Seoid’ is from the Irish word for jewel is pronounced ‘showed’.

Angela O'Kelly, Sculptural Arm Pieces fabric and paper
Angela O'Kelly, Sculptural Arm Pieces fabric and paper

The show has gathered together works in different mediums from Angela O’ Kelly’s vibrant fabric and paper pieces to Eily O’ Connell’s silver organic forms.  It is a brilliant display of how different artists draw inspiration from a range of sources and materials. Each interpreted using their own distinctive style and approach to jewellery making.  As well as curating the show Claire McAlister also exhibits her intricate jewellery which combines silver and wood veneer. Her work often rivets these two materials together to create movable, geometric forms such as the brooch below.

Claire McAlister, Brooch
Claire McAlister, Brooch

 

 

Eily O'Connell
Eily O'Connell

Eily O’ Connell’s work has received much publicity recently and when you see her dark, organic forms it’s easy to see why. Her work is beautifully crafted, with brightly coloured gemstones emerging from brittle looking forms. She creates these new life forms which replicate organic matter yet they are not quite as they seem.

By acting as the divine creator, Eily O Connell mimicks the power we have to alter nature’s path, which ultimately leads to chaos and the sinister presence lurking throughout her work.

 

Eily O'Connell, sterling silver, gemstone
Eily O'Connell, sterling silver, gemstone

 

If you happen to be in the Melbourne area call in to the gallery and see the work for yourself. If like me that’s a bit far to travel, have a look at the Seoid website to see the other amazing work from the eleven exhibiting artists.

 

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // contemporary Irish silver, contemporary jewellery, Designer, Jewellery, Jewelry, Silver

21st Century Icons

07.13.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

 

Christina Brosnan, 21st Century Icons
Christina Brosnan, 21st Century Icons

This month the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny is hosting an exhibition of jewellery entitled 21st Century Icons. The exhibition brings together the work of twenty two artists who have been given the brief to reinvent the traditional Bronze Age torc.

Sabrina Meyns, 21st Century Icons
Sabrina Meyns, 21st Century Icons

In Bronze Age Ireland the torc was a symbol of wealth and status and was often buried with it’s owner as currency in the next life. The torc has changed from this symbol of wealth and power to a mass produced item of jewellery geared towards tourists. The aim of this exhibtion was to challenge these artists to re investigate this much used image and ask the question what can it convey about the Ireland of today.

Justyna Truchanowska, 21st Century Icons
Justyna Truchanowska, 21st Century Icons

The results are brilliant in their diversity, with the exhibition displaying a collection of techniques and materials. The piece that stands out for me is Christina Brosnan’s. This flowing leather and brass piece combines the essence of a torc with contemporary forms. I also loved Sam Hamilton’s silver interpretation of ipod headphones. As I haven’t been able to visit the exhibition I have only seen a selection of the work but hopefully when I get back form Birmingham I’ll be able to take a trip to Kilkenny. I decided to include it in my blog so you all get a chance to plan your trip to the National Craft Gallery before the exhibition ends on 28th July. It’s a great time to visit Kilkenny as the graduate show from the jewellery and goldsmithing course will also be running.

Sam Hamilton, 21st Century Icons
Sam Hamilton, 21st Century Icons

 

Tuula Harrington and Roisin de Buitlear,21st Century Icons
Tuula Harrington and Roisin de Buitlear,21st Century Icons

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // contemporary Irish silver, contemporary jewellery, Crafts Council of Ireland, goldsmith, Jewellery, Jewelry, National Craft Gallery, Torc

American Silver

07.05.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Since yesterday was the 4th of July I decided to have a look across the ocean at American Silversmiths. America has a great history of silversmithing and has lots of societies and organisations dedicated to maintaining this 3000 year old craft. I didn’t know I was part of a 3000 year old club until I found the Society of American Silversmiths website. It’s nice to know they were dealing with the same hammering, forming and soldering problems all those years ago!

When most people think of American silversmiths they probably think of Paul Revere, the country’s best known silversmith. Although he was made famous for his legendary ‘midnight ride’ in the American Revolution and not his silverware!

I’ve picked out a few pieces from some American artists, of course there is lots more amazing work out there but this is just a little taster to celebrate Independence Day.

I found the work of Michel Royston through the Society of American Silversmiths website, where I also spotted the work of Cynthia Eid who’s masterclass I’ll be attending this month. I love Royston’s flatware. Like all the best functional work it is just crying out to be put to use. This ladle which is hand forged is a perfect balance of beauty and function.

 Silver ladle, Michel Royston
Silver ladle, Michel Royston
 Silver Salad Servers, Michel Royston
Silver Salad Servers, Michel Royston

The other American silversmith I wanted to talk about Randy Stromsoe. I posted a picture of his workshop last year when I was dreaming of my perfect workspace. I kept meaning to come back to his work but I couldn’t remember his name and figured some day I would stumble across it. When I was doing a bit of Googling for this piece I found him and was reminded why I wanted to revisit his work.

Big Leaf Bowl, Randy Stromsoe
Big Leaf Bowl, Randy Stromsoe

I was looking at the website to see where he is based and discovered he has an exhibition space in Paso Robles, California. Paso Robles is a small town between Los Angeles and San Francisco that is well known for it’s wine. (I think it’s where the film ‘Sideways’ was filmed). Now here’s the weird thing…I’ve been to Paso Robles and I’ve stood in that gallery and I’ve drooled at his beautiful silver. And not until today did I put all of those facts together! When I was California last summer (sorry shameless name drop) we spent two days in Paso Robles sampling some of their amazing wine. After a tiring day of drinking wine we took a walk around the town and found a gallery that was having an exhibition opening.  Randy Stromsoe’s work jumped out at me straight away, not only because it was silver but because it was so beautifully made. So there you go, my tribute to the 4th of July resulted in the rediscovery of this silver that had been blurred by a weekend of wine drinking.

Randy Stromsoe Workshop
Randy Stromsoe Workshop

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // contemporary silverware, Silver, Silver Spoons, silversmith, silversmiths techniques, Society of American Silversmiths

Mindful of Silver

06.23.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

I’m finally getting around to telling you all about the Mindful of Silver exhibition which is currently running at Goldsmiths Hall, London.

This show curated by Julie Chamberlain invited twelve silversmiths to keep all the material produced during the process of designing and making a vessel. This material including sketches, photographs and models was then exhibited alongside the finished piece. The result is a really interesting combination of beautiful silver items displayed alongside tea stained sketches and roughly done models.

I loved the idea for this exhibition. I invariably look at silver items wondering how they were made and what influenced the aesthetic. With this work I still looked at the process and the techniques used in the final piece but now there was an exhibit of research work which begins a whole new dialogue with each piece. This informs another dimension of the work, both the concepts and silversmithing techniques.  So the show becomes about the intellectual process rather than the finished object.  For the curator this is fundamental, here she discusses her dislike of the word inspiration!

as if the final object had just pinged in out of nowhere. Intellectual development takes as long as the making.

It really enhances the work to see the starting point of the artist, some of which begin with the concept and other the techniques. The show’s name ‘Mindful of Silver’ also informs this idea, this marring of ideas and concepts with a respect for the silver as a material.

Some criticism of the exhibition has been that certain artists have not produced innovative final products or have not pushed themselves to fully explore the concept of the show. It has also been said that they have not been entirely honest in their supporting materials, which may have been edited and enhanced retrospectively. Whether any of these statements are true or not, it doesn’t take from the overall idea of the show. Silversmiths work is often just appreciated for the ‘making’ time and the material costs. It’s refreshing to see a show that highlights the concept and developmental work behind these silver objects.

I had great intentions of taking lots of photos but they don’t allow cameras so here are some of the catalogue pictures.

Lucian Taylor
Lucian Taylor
Becoming Spherical I and II, Silver, Lucian Taylor
Becoming Spherical I and II, Silver, Lucian Taylor

I wrote about the work of Lucian Taylor last week. Click here to read that article.

David Clarke
David Clarke
Deepest Deeperer Spoon, David Clarke
Deepest Deeperer Spoon, David Clarke

David Clarke displayed a number of manipulated antique silver spoons. This humorous  collection is informed by a number of models, drawings and photocopies which explore the the forms and how they can be pushed and exaggerated.

Sarah Denny
Sarah Denny
Plunging Form, Sarah Denny
Plunging Form, Sarah Denny

Sarah Denny‘s hand raised vessels evolve from a series of sketches which explore each stage of the hand raising process. Her work is influenced by forms in nature such as vegetables which she photographs and then draws over to explore the shapes and curves.

Theresa Nguyen
Theresa Nguyen
Spiritus, Theresa Nguyen
Spiritus, Theresa Nguyen

Theresa Nguyen’s work is also influenced by nature. Her preparatory work includes sketches and models of leaves, focusing on form and movement, in particular the overlapping patterns.

Categories // My Inspirations Tags // artistic process, contemporary British silver, contemporary silverware, Silver, silver vessel, silversmith, silversmiths techniques

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