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…

Colourful Silver

10.12.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Sarah Stevenson, Dessert Bowls, Silver & Resin Enamel

Since it’s so dark and wintery out there today I went in search of some bright and colourful silverware. Thankfully there is no shortage of brilliant silversmiths who use colour in their work.

The first silversmith I’ve chosen to lift the winter blues is Sarah Stevenson. Her work combines the metal with a range bright colours that sit perfectly together. The dessert bowls above are a perfect example of this, the flowing reflective silver is beautifully contrasted by a bubble of colour. She makes these pieces in silver plate but also offers the option of having them made in sterling silver. So they can suit any price range.

The second silversmith that isn’t afraid of a bit of colour is Victoria Delany. Her range of tableware combines the traditional with the contemporary. These candlesticks are a great example of this. They are quite traditional in their form yet the use of blocks of colour transform them into something new and exciting. The colours used range from vibrant red and yellow to the more subdued grey and wood blocks.

Origin

10.03.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Origin contemporary craft fair was held in London last week. When I started researching this years show I had planned to write about all the great events going on and how great it was to see lots of new makers showing their work. But when I started looking at the list of exhibitors and their amazing designs I got completely distracted. I’ve now turned into a greedy child that wants it ALL!

So here’s a small sample of all the amazing things I want…

Jeremy Cole‘s ceramic orchid lighting. I love the delicacy of his lighting. These beautiful lighting pieces are made using bone china. His work is influenced by plants and flowers like his Aloe Blossom collection which is inspired by the agave plant.

I know I featured Eileen Gatt‘s work when I talked about Goldsmiths’ fair but when I saw this on the Origin Uk website I had to include it in my wish list. And it’s not just because I found another silversmith called Eileen!

Kate Wood, Barnacle Necklace Freshwater Pearls

If you want to see more beautiful jewellery like this have a look at Kate Wood‘s website she has lots more silver and pearl pieces.

Sarah Warsop is a jewllery maker who’s work is heavily influenced by dance and choreography. It’s really evident in her pieces which have a beautiful fluidity and movement.

I found this ceramic piece on the Origin website but when I went looking for the makers website it seems to be under construction.

Well there you have just a small sample of all the beautiful work on display in Origin this year.

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.

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.

Maya Selway, Kishu Vase, Vase Outline, 2011

Adi Toch

08.23.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Today I decided to give you a look at the work of Adi Toch. This Jerusalem born silversmith creates these amazing symmetrical yet organic forms. All her vessels have these beautiful bulbous shapes and explore the ways we use tableware and other functional vessels.

The perfect example is her ‘Pinch of Salt’ pot which is pictured below. As well as looking amazing this pot does exactly what the title suggests. It allows the user access to just one pinch of salt, perfect for anyone watching their blood pressure! The other ingenious thing about this vessel is that salt will not spill out if the pot is tipped over.

The other notable thing about her work is the choice of finish, each piece whether it be satin finished, oxidized or gold plated is done to perfectly compliment the form.

I think the ‘Reflection Bowl’ is a great example of this attention to detail. The deep dip of this vessel is exaggerated by her use of patina, with each drip emphasizing the curve down to the opening.

Click here to have a look at her website.

Busy Workshop Day

08.19.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

I’ve been busy with the business side of things this week so I was delighted to get back to the workshop properly today. The break made me all the more productive, I even took some photos to prove it!

Check out my new tapered polishing mop, it’s for polishing inside vessels.

I just took this photo to show off my new pink glitter pliers! Aren’t they amazing and you can’t misplace them on a messy bench.

Shimara Carlow

08.03.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

I recently came across the work of Scottish based silversmith Shimara Carlow. It turns out she was born in West Cork so since it’s the Cork Craft Month I thought it was as good a week as any to show you some of her work.

As well as her jewellery collection she has a large range of hand raised vessels. Some of which like the pieces above are oxidised and gold plated. Oxidisation is a process where you blacken silver using a solution called Liver of Sulphur. The solution reacts with the silver to create this deep black finish. I’ve read that you can use food that gives off sulphur like boiled eggs but I haven’t tried it. Apparently you mash up a warm boiled egg and put it in a plastic bag with the silver item. It sounds a bit messy but the Liver of Sulphur smells so bad I’d be happy to try the less smelly alternative. Oxidisation only works on metals like copper and silver so the gold in Carlows bowls remains unaffected.

Here are some more photos of her silversmithing work, have a look at her website to see her jewellery.

Fine Silver Eggshell shots, Shimara Carlow

Fine Silver Perfume Vase, Shimara Carlow

Silver Napkin Rings

07.07.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

This week I’m finishing an order for a set of silver napkin rings. The napkin ring are a simple set of six rings, the only decoration being the hallmark. In my rush to get the order filled I forgot to take photos of the first few stage of the making. I’ll go quickly through what I’ve done already but if you want to see my post on making a silver ring click here. The process is pretty much the same but on a larger scale!

There was a delay in receiving the silver I ordered so I lost a few days of making but thankfully I’m back on schedule. I started by cutting six lengths of silver. I ordered a strip of silver 25mm wide and 1mm thick so all I had to do was cut this strip into six lengths. From napkin rings I’ve made in the past I know that I want the diameter to be between 40-45mm. So I need to work out how long each strip of silver needs to be. Thankfully I remember enough of school maths to know that the circumference of a circle is calculated by multiplying the diameter by Pi (3.14)

So circumference = 3.14 (Pi) x 43mm. So each strip is 135mm in length. These strips are then rounded up on a stake into a rough circle. It doesn’t have to be perfect as the hammering done after they are soldered will give them the perfect round shape. The most important thing at this stage is to get the two ends of the silver sitting perfectly together. The better they meet the tidier your soldering joint will be. Once they are soldered I begin hammering them into their finished shape. Once I’m happy I give them a quick polish and send them off for hallmarking. As there is only one assay office in Ireland they get sent to the Irish assay office in Dublin Castle.

And here they are, back from hallmarking and ready to be finished.

Sterling Silver Napkin Rings back from Hallmarking