The start of something new.

This is my forge that I am currently setting up. I have my anvil, leg vice, swage block and beast of a flypress in the farms workshop. There is a canoe in the roof rafters!! If it floods I am prepared. 

Nautical Influenced lights 'Stanchion'

So this morning, I found out that my lights will permanently be a display at Titanic Belfast. Happy Christmas to me. They will be viewed by the public in the New Year.  

Current workshop space.

So... I have recently taken over the farms workshop! I am currently welding up a forge that was in need of repair and I have been able to get the old fan up and running! Success! As I cannot afford a shed to rent just yet.. I will be setting up outside in the farm yard. Probably the wrong time of year to do this but I guess its better than no forge!

Titanic Exhibition feedback.

Some feedback from out Exhibition at the Titanic Quarter, Belfast. Viewed by thousands, we will be looking at all feedback to see how we can continue improving our exhibition skills. A big thank you to Michael Calan and Gerard Loughran who gave up so much of their time to organise this hugely successful event.

Matt 36, Northern Ireland - ''This is an amazing show of art works. It's unbelievable how they

were able to take simple metal and make it into

something so much more. We never really hear about 'Blacksmiths' anymore

unless you are into horses but after seeing this I can see just how talented

they really are".

Erica 40+, Newport - "what a great way to finish off such an amazing

exhibition. Looking at these pieces you can really imagine what the men

that worked in the ship yards of the 1900's had to do. They must have been

master craftsmen!! As these folk obviously are. I think that my favourite

is Endeavour as it captures the whole tragic story of Titanic using such a

tough, robust material but yet it keeps it soft and reflects the tragedy of

the story."

Keith 40+, Belfast - "I wish there was more information on how they managed

to turn hunks of metal into such amazing pieces. I would definitely be

interested in learning a little more about the craft of blacksmithing."

Katherine, Titanic Belfast - "It was wonderful to have the IBAB here in this

new iconic building exhibiting their works. It truly felt as if the whole

essence of the exhibition captured the underlying tone of what this new

structure is trying to achieve. The exhibition as a whole not only

showcased the talents of Irelands Blacksmiths, but it demonstrated that with

a little love, care and attention, even a simple piece of metal can become

so much more!"

Katherine Gardineer - Titanic Quarter Events Coordinator - I just wanted to let you both know about the publicity that we will be putting together for the exhibition. As I mentioned on Sunday I never doubted that the items you would provide me, would be fantastic but in all honesty the whole exhibition has blown me away. You are an amazing talented group of artists and I will do all I can to push the exhibition and your organisation to my fullest ability.

Titanic Influence watch (Beautifully crafted) By Romain Jerome

Quite possibly the most beautiful watch I have ever seen. I guess I can always dream.... $12,480.00 

I personally feel that is is wrong to disturb such wrecks like the Titanic and feel that is disrespectful to rise artefacts to the surface. Having a beautiful crafted watch like the one below holds a morbid past. What are your thoughts? 

To mark the centenary of the Titanic, Romain Jerome pays tribute to the legendary & tragic giant of the sea - Titanic - which also inspired the first collection of Titanic DNA, by creating two special limited editions: 100th Anniversary Auto Steampunk and Steampunk Chrono 100th Anniversary.

Housed in a 50mm diameter case and featuring massive raw finishes, these two models of the Steampunk Titanic DNA collection embody the sovereign of the ship.

They display an oxidised steel bezel which is then stabilized, resulting from the merger of the material of the legendary wreck lying 3,840 metres deep, with that provided by Harland & Wolff shipyards where the Titanic was built. 

For this anniversary edition, the propellers, appearing on the dial of Steampunk at 6 o'clock recall the blades of the ship.

A single medallion, commemorating the launch date of this legendary titan of the seas, adorns the case of these timepieces limited to 100 pieces each. 

Mechanical movement with automatic winding - Caliber RJ001-CS (chronograph version) & Caliber RJ001-AS (automatic version)

Solid caseback engraved ''100th anniversary''
Propellor blade mobile of oxidised steel and then stabilizzed at 6o'clock, which recalls those of the vessel 
Rubber black strap
Water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet

Last chance...

To see the IABA Exhibition at Titanic Belfast as take down is on Monday! 

Vessels

This was the final piece of my 2nd year work. During the last few days I have drawn up a number of designs  to continue this vessel idea. I will make a few more of them in the new year when I am more financially stable. In the mean time, I am giving my neglected sketchbook some love and attention! I am still keeping the whole nautical theme, the idea of rust / rivet holes / holes / slumped glass and rivets.

Serious forge blues!

So... I haven't picked up a hammer since I graduated as I had to take time out. I have now told myself that my forge will be up and running this time next week. I am in a creative mood to make my vessels again! During the time off, I have been busy busy with my sketchbook with new and exciting ideas! So watch this space.

Blacksmith set up day @ Titanic Belfast

Today saw the set up of Titanic Inspirations at Titanic Belfast. We only had untill 2pm to finish as the exhibition opened to the public at 2:45. We finished setting up with only minutes to spare and it looks amazing! I have to say it is better than New Designers in London! If you have the chance to go then don't miss out. Its a fantastic exhibition and one not to be missed! Here are some photos of the set up. More will be uploaded when I return home.

Titanic Exhibition space.

So last night I travelled to Belfast with my lights to take part in a month exhibition at Titanic Belfast. I was able to go behind the scenes and go to parts that were not open to public... And just... WOW! I was just blown away by it all. Full set up is tomorrow but here are some pictures of the space. It's HUGE! On average, 3000 people visit the site each day! Thats a lot of publicity!

1000 page views?

WOW! Thank you guys so much! I was only supposed to have this blog during my 3rd year at uni... but it's a keeper!

Exhibition at The Titanic Museum, Belfast.

From the 28th October 2012, my work will be shown at the Titanic Museum in Belfast for a month. Other Blacksmiths from IABA ( Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association) will be showing their work. CAN'T WAIT. What a fantastic venue! 

Spending 5 hours in Ikea...

So today... I was dragged around Ikea by my friend Rich who has just brought a house and needed help to buy random house stuff...
Anyways, as I was wondering around, I noticed how plain and boring / simple designs were and how expensive products were!
Whilst walking around the lighting department, I designed in my head a wicked light using tube and A power hammer..... Tonight I am hitting the skechbook hard! I am in the mood for designing!

Hereford Young Open set up!

I am so behind with this blog! So I apologise! Whilst setting up Hereford Young Open I managed to take some Photographs of the work that was already up... Here is a sneek preview! 

3 weeks until I can go back to work = perfect design / sketchbook time!

So I have been designing away in my sketchbook! Whilst having a browse on my personal blog this afternoon.... I came across this rare picture of the Titanic and thought I would share it with you.
I LOVE THE SHAPE of the bow! Its so sexy!!  The design process keeps flowing and flowing!

New leg Vice!

I just bought this lovely Leg vice for £15! BARGIN! (not quite sure why though as that was the last £15  to my name!) OH but I am happy! All I need now is a shed with electricity and I will be able to forge! Why is this proving difficult?!?! 

Forge-in at Russborough, Ireland.

Whilst being bed bound I have seriously missed all the action!
IABA (Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association) held a forge in at Russborough House, with Titanic being the theme! I am gutted I missed this as its my main research area for my working practice. (Apparently they are having more so its not all doom and gloom)
Anyways, I though I would share with you some pictures I aquired from that weekend. Here are my favourite pieces!

                                                             Colm Bagnall. "The Deep"

Gunvor Anhoj. "Suitcase for my dreams".. 

Joe O Leary. 

                                           Pat Ronan. "Aftermath"..(Prizewinner Professional cat) 

H.Art - Hereford Young Open Exhibition

So today.... its out Private View at The Courtyard in Hereford. Unfortunately I am unable to attend because I had an operation on Tuesday which has left me fairly useless for a few weeks :( But I hope everyone has a good time! Gutted I can't be there and meet people! I guess tonight I will snuggle up and do a lot of sulking! :(
On the plus side... I was chuffed to find out that there was a picture of my work on the private view invite! Happy Fi! :)

Setting up is harder than it seems!

This is my new studio space! It has taken me so long to un pack from uni! I don't know where to put anything hence the mess! I have been back like 4 weeks now? Maybe more? And everywhere still looks like  a bomb has gone off!

I am now equipped with a workshop! (for general tinkering) because I live on a farm, we already have quite a spacious one for fixing tractors up etc. I just need to find a small shed (with electricity) to put my forge in. I am having surgery on Tuesday (4th september) and I will be fairly useless! This gives me time to do some design work / research in bed! From the last project I have already drawn up a few designers... I just cant wait to start making again! 

Society of Designer Craftsmen

This morning I had post (for the first time in a while). It was a letter from the Society of Designer Craftsmen informing me that I have been accepted as a member to the Society. What a way to start a gloomy morning! 

BABA AGM, Blists Hill, Ironbridge

This weekend has possibly been the best one I have had in a while! SO MUCH IS HAPPENING!

I went to the BABA AGM @ Blists Hill - Victorian Town where I met some wonderful people and I was able to expand on my blacksmith circle. I now have new blacksmith friends! :D HAPPY FI!

So, I volunteered to be part of a team to try some Iron Casting (may I just add I was the only female... someone had to) 

Where I seriously enjoyed myself, I was taught how to charge the blast furnace as well as pouring the molten iron into a mold. Whilst pouring my last one, sparks went flying and my neck got caught out! (The scar im sure will spark up conversation at some point) The next day I learnt that I was the unlucky one to pour that mold as the number of chambers inside caused pressure / air to escape a smallish hole. Trust me to pick that one!

I also got chatting to the smith that works there! (WHAT A LOVELY GUY) And asked if I could do some work with him, he agreed and told me that he would get in contact. This has totally boosted up my self confidence! :D again... HAPPY FI!

After a long, hard and adventurous weekend, its time for bed. 

photos to follow... promise :) 

Recent thinkings...

I have decided not to do the Islington Craft fair... I just cant afford it at the minute... bit of a shame.

I will be showing my lights in the Titanic Museum in Belfast in November sometime and I WILL donate them after the 6 week exhibition. (I hope I have my facts right)

I will be showing my work in the Herefordshire Young Open Exhibition @ the Courtyard, Hereford in September.

I was going to travel to Dublin for a Titanic exhibition / forge in, but its 4 days after my operation. However they have 3 a year so I promised I would show my face at the next one!
Recently I have been emailing some amazing Irish Blacksmiths and they are pretty keen for me to join them in certain shindigs! I would like to thank Jonathan Bull (Who I met at New Designers) and Michael Calnan for pointing me in the right direction.

Jews Harp...

Whilst Travelling around Somerset on a small adventure, I started to play with a Jew Harp. Untill then, I couldn't tell you what one was or what it did! 


I love the shape of a jews harp.... Watch this space. I have been designing in the sun like you wouldn't believe! Roll on next year when I can forge again! I would like a speedy recovery please!

Bye bye forge!

So Today I decided to pop into the forge to see Mr Glen, a technician. I spent a good hour in his office with a cup of tea just chatting about the times I have had at Holme Lacy etc etc. I told him I would be back and that he hasn't seen the last of me. Anyways... I was sad to see the forge looking so clean and unused! (Especially my forge.... HOW CLEAN???!)

Graduation

19th July 2012. 

The Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair

So today, I received a lovely email from the The Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair, Inviting me to apply for the fair in October.
DO I? DON'T I? HOW AM I GOING TO GET MONEY? (£160)

I also need to take into account that I am having an operation in a months time that will leave me pretty useless for at least a month. Im now feeling a stress coming on!

So.... I have no money.....

BUT I CAN'T STOP BUYING LOVELY WORKSHOP MACHINES! (at bargin price)

Packing up my workspace

Im sad :( before and after! If I could do all of it again... I would!