Live From Dublin: Turn Of Events

Also known as- The Power of Networking

It’s official! I now have a place to live in Dublin and studio space from which to work. But during my accommodations hunt and in an incredible turn of events, my work is now on display at Project 51 on South William St, Dublin.

To explain—through a line of networking both stateside and across the pond, I ended up being introduced to an Irish jeweler named Eily O’Connell. Eily recently joined a group of Irish artists in a design-collective called Project 51. Designers engage the public directly, selling hand-crafted fashion, jewelry, millinery, and accessories through their luxury boutique at street level and some of them work from the design studios above. They started to get the word out through their participation in Designer Dublin, a collaborative initiative to promote craft and design in Dublin during the month of June. But now they are celebrating the official launch of Project 51 and the opening of the boutique 8 September, 2011. There will be hob-knobbing, partying, and media attention.

These artists read about my research trip on my site and wanted me to get involved with them. I’ll be renting a studio space from the collective. They asked me to send one of my pieces to them to put on display in the boutique. And asked if they could talk me up along with their story during the Launch! They requested Siegfried, from my thesis collection, be sent and they’re even considering having a model wear the piece the night of the launch! I’ve heard from Eily and she says Siegfried has arrived, safe and sound.

I’ll also be sharing a flat with another of the artists from the collective- Sinead Clarke, a knitwear designer. I’m looking forward to meeting all of these artists, talking craft, and perhaps collaborating with them on some projects. Who knows…possibilities and opportunities abound…

While I won’t get to mingle on 8 September, I wish Project 51 the best of luck and say a big congratulations to them on what I know has been hard work and dedication to get all of it together in time. If you want to learn more about any of the above, check out these links:

Project 51- www.facebook.com/Project51Dublin

Eily O’Connell- www.eilyoconnell.com/
Sinead Clarke- www.essenc.ie
Eoin McDonnell- www.precious.ie 

I’m so excited and can’t wait to get started- 15 more days! And before I sign off, a big Thank You to Georgia Strange and Seliena Coyle for the introductions.

Also, thank you to Georgia Strange, http://georgiastrange.net, for becoming a corporate sponsor. Your support has meant so much.