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’.
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.
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.
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.