A Kick Up The Arts #2: Jason Mac Gabhann

THE ARTIST by The Artist

I spent a big part of my childhood in Greystones and am now living right in the heart of this little town. You will often see me going for a walk with my little boy.

I have been designing and making jewellery for 15 years and set up Casur Oir in 2013, which is now based in premises adjoining Fishers in Newtownmountkennedy.

Over the last few years, I have exhibited and sold my jewellery at various Crafts Fairs in Ireland, Germany and in the Design Loft in Powerscourt Estate. I am also selling online and via Social Media internationally. The most joy I get though is from creating personal jewellery pieces on a commission basis. These items are very unique and there is always a story connected to them.

To me it is an enjoyable challenge to make something I haven’t made before, to work out the techniques and different stages of construction, and to explore the characteristics of the materials.

Bronze Horn by Jason Mac Gabhann
I started making bronze sculptures while working with CAST – a bronze foundry in Dublin.
This piece, made in 2010, was inspired by the ancient Celtic ceremonial horns. While quite heavy, it actually creates a quite a deep and loud sound when blown.

Damascus Steel Tension Ring by Jason Mac Gabhann
Damascus steel is folded hundreds of times for strength and can then be twisted to achieve patterns. Originally, the material was widely used for weaponry (e.g. Japan, Vikings). I got interested in it after attending a knife-making workshop.
It was challenging to form the strong metal into a delicate ring. A tension set sapphire added colour and heightened the characteristics of the patinated metal.

Blossom Pendant by Jason Mac Gabhann
Anticlastic jewellery always fascinated me and this piece was created with the wish to test myself. I like the organic form and it makes a very unique feature piece.

Artists who inspire me…

Celtic Jewellery and the National Museum
When I get a chance I visit the National Museum in Kildare Street and get inspired by the old jewellery on display. It is amazing what these skilled craft people were able to make with limited tools.

Brian Hackett
Brian Hackett is a very skilled jeweller originally from Greystones, who is now moved to Spain, after years perfecting his craft in Doolin. When I was starting off, I worked with Brian, and he taught me a lot over the summer I spent in his workshop.

Nature
I get a lot of my inspiration from nature, which in my eyes is the most creative and skilled artist. If you have ever studied new unfolding leaves, a spider web dotted with autumn dew, or the texture of moss or tree bark, you will find that nature makes the most beautiful jewellery.

You can get in touch with Jason directly on [email protected] or 0876177095. You can also check out the lad’s work on his website here, and our November 2017 interview with the eejit here.