Katherine Mc Namara

As a contemporary jewellery artist, I enjoy experimenting with unusual materials in my practice. My process hinges on play with material and concept.

Q&A

Artist Statement

Experimentation is at the heart of my practice as a jewellery artist. This past year I developed a new technique using the laser cutter to turn concrete into glass, and used this process to explore my relationship with place. Honest Rot is a collection of sculptural jewellery pieces made from concrete. Through an experimental process akin to alchemy, this grey concrete has become shimmering glass. The transformed concrete material is used throughout the collection, illustrating stains and decay. This collection is and exploration of the built environment as a psychic landscape. Rooted in personal experience of places that have hurt me, helped me, built me up, and broken me down, I have found that the stains on our walls can mirror the stains on our souls. These dark marks can be understood as grotesque, to be covered up and painted over, or they could be celebrated as signs of life being lived fully.

What craft do you work with?

I did not know any jewellers growing up, but I was drawn to the idea of self-expression through fashion and accessories. I could not buy the looks I wanted, so I began to make. Teaching myself how to sew, working with whatever materials were available to me to create clothing and jewellery, this drive to make lead me to National College of Art & Design where I studied Jewellery and Object Design. As I am graduating this year, I am more enamoured with jewellery making than ever.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Working in the field of jewellery is important to me because of its connection to the body and capacity for self-expression.