contemporary silverware | Eileen Moylan

Fit For Purpose

04.17.2012 by Eileen Moylan //

While I get to see lots of exhibitions worldwide through various blogs and websites every now and then an exhibition comes along that I really want to see in the flesh. This is the case with the Contemporary British Silversmiths current exhibition ‘Fit for Purpose’ which in on show in the V & A until the 16th September. Already I’m trying to think of excuses to take a trip to London!

What I love about this show is the diversity of the work. Each silversmiths explores the theme fit for purpose producing an imaginative interpretation of the exhibition title. The function of each object is explored both practically and conceptually and the finished piece is described by its purpose. For example the piece by Kevin Gray above is titled ‘…to possess’. I love this element of the exhibition which is very telling of how the maker would like their work to be used and enjoyed.

If you happen to be in London and see the exhibition I would love to hear what you think, hopefully I might make it there myself during the summer 🙂

Theresa Nguyen

02.14.2012 by Eileen Moylan //

Since today is Valentine’s Day I decided to look at the silver flower work of silversmith Theresa Nguyen.

All these pieces are hand hammered using anticlastic and fold forming techniques. Each petal is created separately and joined together to give a light ness to the work. These pieces look weightless, especially ‘Der Rosenkavalier’ which soars up to the sky as if it continues to grow.

Hope you enjoy them.

Happy Valentines Day!

Silver Bowls

12.02.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

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.

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…