Deeca Design is a collection of jewellery inspired by a fusion of architecture and nature. The collection is handmade in County Meath using a variety of architecturally associated materials such as sustainably sourced hardwoods, marble and concrete, and is paired with precious metals and freshwater pearls.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
A typical day begins in the joinery workshop where I use a variety of machinery to plane down large pieces of timber into thin strips of wood. From there I move to my studio where, depending on the piece, I could be drilling, sanding, soldering, polishing or pouring concrete into miniature bezels. All topped off with an accompaniment of good tunes and good food throughout the day!
What do you like most about your work?
I love the versatility in the materials I get to use. I have a background in hands on architectural building and installation work. I love working large scale with materials like wood, steel, concrete and bamboo. I love that I’ve found a project where I still get to use these materials, but I get to explore them on a different scale.
What do you like least about your work?
Working alone in a studio and constantly being self directed, I can sometimes feel a bit isolated. Working on larger builds means that I’m working with a team of people and sometimes I miss that. So now I love doing markets and events where I get to meet other makers, and it fulfills that need. I also like to get involved in large scale architectural builds every now and again to keep the inspiration alive.
What’s your favourite craft item in your home?
My butane torch. It’s nothing special but I think soldering is one of my favourite things to do.
Turning your craft and creativity into a business is a tough transition. And I regularly have to remind myself why I started doing this in the first place. It’s important to put the phone and laptop and spreadsheets down, and just create for the sake of creation.
Deirdre Caulfield
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
I’ve recently found an artist called Fraser Hamilton who makes really individual pieces. Another artist, who’s story I really admire is Tessa Met Calfe.
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
I would say focus on your love for the discipline and trust that your passion will lead you in the right direction. Turning your craft and creativity into a business is a tough transition. And I regularly have to remind myself why I started doing this in the first place. It’s important to put the phone and laptop and spreadsheets down, and just create for the sake of creation.
How do you start your day?
I start my day with good food. No matter how busy the day ahead is I feel it’s important to do this one thing for myself.
What’s the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
I like to finish my day with something physical : yoga or a walk generally.
