I’m a little late for International Women’s Day but that’s no reason not to celebrate the wonderful female talent we have on display in Stonechat!
Helena Malone has been designing and creating beautiful jewellery since she first started her business in 2007 and I’m delighted to have stocked her work since I first opened the doors here. Her designs are modern & edgy and yet they sit so beautifully when worn… a balance that is not easy to achieve.
Originally from Portlaoise, Helena studied with the Crafts Council of Ireland in Kilkenny before going on to work in various workshops to further her skill set. She returned to Portlaoise in 2007 and set up her own business which continues to go from strength to strength.
With an exciting year ahead I managed to steal a few minutes of her time away from the work bench to ask her about her designs, her daily tasks and her plans for 2014….
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A DESIGNER-GOLDSMITH?
Not at all… I studied English and French literature and was creative in that sense. I also loved photography.
I worked for many years in finance but was introduced to art while traveling – I helped out at an arthouse in Freemantle, Perth and immediately knew I needed to change career. I did a short course in metal work when I returned to Ireland – the teacher said I had a flair and encouraged me to apply for the traditional jewellery skills course in Kilkenny. With relief I got a coveted place so I left work in Ernst & Young on a Friday and started the course the following Monday.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXCITING COMMISSION TO DATE?
There are so many – I get very involved in the meaning and reason for some pieces and I guess that tugs at the heartstrings a lot! I am lucky that I have a lot of clients that just let me make anything I want for them as they know I listen to them.
I have made pieces to be worn on stage at the Eurovision and in 2012 one of my commissions was presented to President Higgins.
Another particular favourite is a piece that I made recently. It was my version of a family tree which had stones from three generations of rings and a lot of detail. I really enjoyed designing and making it and the client was over the moon.
Helena’s pieces on the Eurovision stage 2013!
A stunning piece… Helena used stones that were set in rings from 3 generations and created this bespoke pendant based on a family tree.
The stunning ‘Rhapsody Necklace’ – pictured here in Carnelian and sterling silver
FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Designing. Showing a special piece to a customer and seeing their face light up!
FAVOURITE PIECE/COLLECTION?
I love the Rhapsody collection – especially the large necklaces. I have a gold and quartz one at the moment that is getting lots of press. Rhapsody is all about confidence. It’s a play on words and suggests movement with a hint of the dramatic…musical rhapsody…an ecstatic state.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE?
I bring my dog Bella for a walk, coffee while I go through my emails, then make jewels! As I do all of the work myself, my day can be erratic. One hour I am meeting with a client for a commission, and the next I am arranging for photos to be taken of new pieces in a collection. The day can run on into evening and sometimes even the night depending on what I am doing.
BIGGEST OBSTACLE SINCE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
Negative people! So I avoid them
EXCITING PLANS FOR 2014?
2014 started with a bang for me as I won best jewellery product and overall product at Showcase in January.
I am working on a new collection that will be out in time for Christmas 2014. I’m at the design stage for this collection now and I’m really excited about it.
I’m Involved with a specialized group of Goldsmiths and we have an exhibition called ‘Amarach’ which opened in Cork last year. It is themed by Gavin Friday and will show in Dublin in the Autumn.
I also have been nominated for ‘Jewellery Designer of the Year’ at the Golden Egg awards taking place in April. I’m working on some new dramatic pieces for these awards at the moment so watch this space… All in all, an exciting year ahead!
