My work has been inspired by natural forms, primarily seed pods, and I have created a body of work based on pod-like structures.
I have developed a range of silver and 18 carat gold jewellery which continues the tactile theme, with small acorn cups assembled to hang in long trails from the neck and wrist, either from chain, or set into intricate fine wire nest structures which adorn the body.
Recent developments to this range incorporate small paper forms, which hang alongside silver pods, creating a contrast in materials and incorporating sound and movement into the work.
Using fine silver, and the technique of raising, I have started to develop a collection of small raised pod vessels. The vessels are constructed to be free standing and off centre, giving them a fluid natural quality. I have created fine hand made paper models which are viewed and exhibited along side their silver counterparts.’
Born: West Cork, Republic of Ireland.
Education:
2002 - 2004 ~ Residency at the P + O Makower Trust workshops, Bishopsland, Oxfordshire.
1997 - 2001 ~ (BA Hons) Glasgow School of Art, Jewellery and Silversmithing.
Selected Exhibitions:
2006 ~
'Origin', Somerset House, London.
'Goldsmiths' Fair', Goldsmiths Hall, London.
'Four Women Artists Celebrate the Environment', Broughton Gallery.
'Design Collection', Roger Billcliffe Gallery, Glasgow.
'Wedding Exhibition', Kath Libbert Jewellery, Saltaire.
'5 Emerging Talents', Lesley Craze Gallery, London.
'Collect', The Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
2005 ~
'December Collection', Roger Bilcliffe Gallery, Glasgow.
'Dazzle', The National Theatre, London.
'Chelsea Crafts Fair', Chelsea Town Hall, London.
'Shimmer', Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead.
'Goldsmiths' Fair', Goldsmiths Hall, London.
'North of the Border', Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.
'International Arts and Crafts', Victoria and Albert Museum.
'Collect', Victoria and Albert Museum.
'Collectable', Grace Barrand Design Centre.
2004 ~
'Object of Design', Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London.
'Christmas Craft Show', Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
'Alchemy 5', The Craft and Design Centre, Leeds.
'Christmas Present', Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead.
'By Popular Demand', Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool.
'Sparkle', Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland.
'Goldsmiths' Fair', Goldsmiths Hall, London.
'Solo Exhibition', The Architecture Centre, Bristol.
'Jewellery Unlimited', Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.
'Rare Find Summer', New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham.
'Collect', The Victoria and Albert Museum, London
'Jewellery For Valentines', The Pyramid Gallery, York.
2003 ~
'Silver Sparks', The Gilbert Collection, Somerset House.
further details ... www.shimara.com
designs gallery, 179 king street, castle douglas, s.w.scotland ~ open 9.30 / 5.30 ~ closed sundays