Coilin O’Dubhghaill, Vessels

This research tests the application of new alloy and patination techniques through the production of a series of vessels. The research was part of an AHRC funded practice-based study into Japanese metalwork techniques and materials, and applies knowledge developed during laboratory based testing. Working with small samples in the laboratory provided an indication of possible surface finishes, however, full exploration of the material properties and behaviours required extensive large-scale workshop based production. The study is characterised by the reinterpretation of historical craft processes and a dialogue between complex surfaces and simplicity of form. Moreover, the research extends the standard palette of metal alloys and colours, and uses novel finishing techniques to produce new surface finishes. The vessels are hammer forged or fabricated from a wider range of alloys than the standard irogane range, and feature new variegated surface colours produced through surface enrichment and selective polishing. Work in this series has been exhibited to a national and international audience at solo exhibitions at Galerie Marzee, Netherlands 2011 (catalogue IBAN:NL09ABNA0436467321); and group exhibitions including National Metalwork Design Award, Millennium Galleries, Sheffield, 2008; Object, Rotterdam 2009; Collect at Saatchi Gallery, London 2010/11/12/13; PAN, Amsterdam 2011; Silverstruck, Ruthin Craft Centre and National Museum of Wales (catalogue ISBN:978-1-905865-33-8) 2011; Beneath the Skin, SIA Gallery, Sheffield (catalogue ISBN:978-1-84387-334-1) 2011 and Galerie Marzee 2012 (catalogue); KunstRAI, Amsterdam 2012; CAA, London 2010/12; National Craft Gallery Ireland 2009/10/12, Frame@Schmuck, Internationale Handwerks Messe, Munich, 2013. Work from the series was also purchased for the Crafts Council of Ireland / Department of Foreign Affairs collection in 2009/12, Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ Modern Collection, London in 2011 (this purchase is notable as the Goldsmiths’ Company usually only purchase hallmarked precious metal work), and Marzee Collection, Netherlands in 2012.