Series of TIG welded vessels

This research explores the application of TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding in the fabrication of vessel forms. TIG welding was developed in the 1940’s and had been used by Japanese metalsmiths (e.g. Izumi Andoh) since the 1980’s and UK based silversmiths (Hector Miller, Grant McDonald) since the 1990’s. In these areas it has mainly found use as an alternative joining method to traditional soldering processes. The TIG process has shown great potential for innovation in fine metalworking but has been slow to penetrate the subject area because of the necessary investment in equipment. This research has explored new ways of using TIG welding to produce constructed forms, and in combination with irogane alloys, explored innovative surface texturing and surface colours. The enquiry has expanded possible areas for application of TIG welding in decorative metalwork. The research produced new metal forms by using welding in combination with press forming and hammerwork (e.g. softstack, closed segment vessels), and through the use of welding and textured hammering (e.g. Ritual vessels). The research has also produced new surface textures and colour patterns by combining the TIG welding with irogane alloys and patinated surfaces (e.g. Ceo 5) and has also made possible the construction of irogane vessels larger than standard sheet sizes (e.g. Ceo 7). Work in this series has been exhibited to a national and international audience at a solo exhibition at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh, 2008, and group exhibitions including ‘Treasures of Today’, National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, 2008; Dubh, AIHS, New York, and Oliver Sears Gallery, Dublin, 2012 (catalogue ISBN 978-0-906630-45-7); and ‘Out of the Marvelous’, National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, and Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Ireland (catalogue ISBN 978-1-906691-30-1); Oliver Sears Gallery, Dublin, 2013, (catalogue). Work from the series was purchased for the National Museum of Ireland in 2008.