Little Gem
One
of the lesser-publicised, but no less valid, arts in Dublin 15 is the
traditional art of jewellery making. Whereas fine arts and performing
arts tend to garner all the headlines, some people have the idea that
ancient crafts continue to labour along in the shadows, seemingly practiced
by a few die-hard Luddites.
Nothing of course could be further from the truth, with artists like
Castleknock’s Fiona Wickham spearheading the revival of jewellery-making
in Ireland. Fully trained in interior design and colour consultancy,
she had always possessed a passion for beads and colours, often experimenting
for her own personal use.
However, after winning a Fingal Craft award in 2006, she decided to
turn the hobby into a business and set up her own jewellery design company,
Bejewelled.
“I specialise in creating one-off pieces of beaded jewellery using
beads sourced in Ireland and around the world,” she says. “There
are endless possibilities for using beads – necklaces, bracelets,
earrings, shawl pins, brooches, napkin holders, Christmas decorations,
bookmarks etc. All the jewellery is handmade by me and I like to specialise
in colour matching. This has proved to be particularly popular for bridesmaids’
dresses, debs, wedding outfits, parties etc. Pieces can also be inspired
by a special occasion, treasured memory or mood.
“Despite the fact that everything is one-off and handmade, I try
to ensure that my prices are affordable and aim to suit every budget.
I would like every woman to experience the feeling of having a piece
of jewellery that is made especially for her. I make a point of only
buying a small number of each bead – this helps to keep my collection
fresh and to ensure that no two pieces are quite the same.”
Dublin 15 art lovers will have a chance to view, and also purchase,
some of Fiona’s creations at an exhibition of her works from June
13th to 30th at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre gallery adjacent to
Ashtown Castle.
As well as jewellery, the exhibition will also feature hand embroidered
wall hangings, pictures and decorated bags.
Community Voice, Media
House, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15
Phone +353 1 822 1432 - Fax +353 1 640 4444
info@communityvoice.ie
All
content and images are © Perceptions[Publicity and Event Management]
Limited. All rights reserved
Site developed by Vincent Cahill
