silver vessel | Eileen Moylan

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…

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.

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