EILY O'CONNELL

BIOGRAPHY
“Eily creates treasures of wearable art
that have a mysterious and
other worldly presence.”
About
Eily O Connell is well known for conjuring up hybrid treasures, illuminating absurd beauty in all natural forms. Using mans destruction of nature, as inspiration in a bid to illuminate the harm we are doing is a basis for her work. This brings about an eerie and macabre feel.

Each piece morphs into a new species through the process of combining natural forms and casting them into metal, adorning them with gemstones, enamel and other curios.
Eily grew up in Donegal on the North West coast of Ireland hence sea themes are evident throughout her work. There are constant references to human manipulation of nature as Eily is concerned with our ecological impact and so tries to highlight important issues through pieces and collections.

Eily sources sustainable materials where possible including recycled metals and fair-trade gemstones. All boxing and marketing materials are recycled. All work crafted sourcing the finest materials in her studio which visitors are welcome by appointment and she loves to make you commissioned pieces whatever you budget. All prices reflect this very small-scale local production made from cradle to cradle by the hands of the designer maker.
Artist Statement
Creating wearable macabre treasures that have a mysterious and other worldly presence, I carefully select an assortment of natural forms that each have appeal and intrinsic character. Studying them delicately before deciding how I will encapsulate their inherent attributes by recording them in a metal opens a new world for them, allowing change in their disposition, enhancing their mystic.

Acting as the beholder of such manipulation, I mimic the power we as humans abuse, altering nature’s path. Ultimately, leading to a juxtaposition of allure and a sinister presence lurking through the work.

AWARDS

2013 Golden Fleece Award. Merit prizewinner
2011 RDS craft fair award, for most innovative in show, Dublin
2011 First prize for precious jewellery, RDS National craft Fair, Dublin
2009 Shortlisted for an award by the ‘Association of Contemporary Jewellery’ at ‘Origin’ craft fair London 09
2009 Shortlisted for the ‘European Prize for Applied Arts’ WCC Mons, Belgium
2009 First prize for precious jewellery, RDS National craft Fair, Dublin.
2009 Shortlisted for ‘Craftsmanship Award’ in ‘Showcase’ 2009.
2008 Awarded ‘Undergraduate 2008’ by The Crafts Council of Ireland
2008 Thesis Commended ‘Climate Change: the Perils of Human Greed’
Awarded on graduation from NCAD.
2008 Shortlisted for the Crafts Council of Ireland/Arts Review ‘Emerging Makers Award’
Based on work produced for ‘Breaking out’, Kilkenny.
2006 Second place finalist in designing contemporary martini glass for Bombay Sapphire Gin.
2004 ‘Most promising student’ FETAC