Renowned artist Mairead de Blaca, a native of Mallow, recently launched a unique line of jewellery, ‘The Flower Collection’ at a special reception in the RHA Dublin recently. A native of Plunkett Terrace, Mairead graduated from UCC with a primary degree in Archaelogy and History, and has worked and lived in the United States, the Middle East and Europe, as well as travelling extensively in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, all of which have influenced her trademark style. The Flower Jewellery Collection is based on Máiréad’s successful flower painting range which is reflective of nature, beautiful, delicate and non-symmetrical with unique contours and irregularities.
Máiréad is a self-taught painter from and her studio is located in the suburb of Ranelagh, Dublin. Each item in the ‘Flower Collection’ is handcrafted to Máiréad’s designs by Dublin-based silver and goldsmiths. Capturing cultural influences from Ireland, Mexico and the USA, the collection includes earrings, rings, bracelets, brooches, necklaces and a large flower pendant – the iconic item in this offering. “My work is very personal, and it has been a real joy and a challenge to give form to my designs through the medium of silver”, says Máiréad. “The Flower Collection is true to my instinctive style, but by using a beautiful and tactile metal, it places the emotional emphasis on texture rather than colour.” For more on Mairead and her work, visit www.maireaddeblacajewellery.com