Look Above

Look Above: Exploring Religious Iconography in Modern Culture

Summary

This collection was an opportunity to delve deeper into my longstanding fascination with religious iconography. The religious icon I've always been captivated by is the Immaculate Heart, a symbol of a mother's love and sorrow. It is a visually striking symbol that has been re-invented and used throughout modern visual culture. I reviewed the many different ways in which the symbol of the heart is represented by artists from Frida Kahlo to Salvador Dalí to Alice Maher.

As I visited religious locations throughout Dublin and commenced my research, I was drawn to medieval design and the intricate, gemstone laden jewellery of that time period. I really enjoyed looking at the jewellery pieces in the National Museum, with a new appreciation of the skill behind each piece. At the same time, I began examining my family's connection to religion. Both positive and negative, an Irish family's history is tightly interwoven with the church, and in my family this is demonstrated by the many photographs, objects and keepsakes we have which are connected to religion and the church.

My Granddad carved the roses on the high vaulted ceiling of Galway Cathedral. I could not find any clear images of these roses online but a local curate, Father Gerard, very kindly organised for a photographer to ake close up shots of wooden roses in the decorative ceiling. My Granddad was blessed with hands that could make anything and I've been thinking of him often as I delve deeper into the world of silversmithing.

My relationship with religion feels distant compared to generations before. Our generation is far more aware of the flaws in organised religion and the pain it has caused. But at the same time religion brings such a comfort and a sense of community to so many. There was a joy in spending time in places and with objects that meant so much to people I loved.

Final Pieces

I have designed a sterling book to represent my family's history with my representation of my Grandad's carved rose at the heart of the book.

My second piece is inspired by stained glass windows and medieval design. Agate is thought to rebalance and harmonize the body, mind and spirit. The two gemstones represent our past and present existing in harmony.

My Final piece I explored the Immaculate Heart Using copper and various metalsmithing techniques