Brian Clarke
I like my students to enjoy my workshops so I take a light hearted approach to the class, except where points of metalsmithing technique are concerned. I demonstrate everything and all students also make everything. The class is a learning experience focusing on a very small part of the craft of silversmithing, but a very important part. The class is based on hammering with polished hammers, so a beautiful hammer finish will be achieved. Design concepts will be discussed relating to the particular technique and how it can be used in conjunction with other techniques.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?Students are going to learn a new approach to something they may already know, so they are learning how to master a technique rather than make a finished piece, even though the exercise piece will be finished to a high standard.
What inspires your own work?My work was initially inspired by Gerald Benny, who was at the height of his career in the 70s when I was starting out. My work now is very much influenced by my Celtic heritage. I like to incorporate chasing in my designs wherever possible.
Where can students see examples of your work?On my website.
Where did you gain your training/experience?I studied at the National College of Art in Dublin, and the Ecole des Arts Appliques, Paris.
What teaching experience have you had?1972 Jewellry Teacher Dunlaoghaire School of Art.
1973 Jewellry Teacher Dunlaoghaire School of Art.
1982 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1983 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1984 Jewellry Teacher Dunlaoghaire School of Art
1985 Jewellry Teacher Dunlaoghaire School of Art
1985 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1987 Dunconnor Workshop, Taos, New Mexico. Invited by Mr. Harold O'Connor to teach the Silversmithing Workshop at his annual summer school.
1988 Forgework Block, National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1991 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin. Teaching Block with 3rd Year Metalwork Students. 1991 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin. Teaching Block with 2nd Year Metalwork Students. 1992 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin. Teaching Block with 4th Year Metalwork Students. 1993 In 1993 Brian started the Irish School of Metalsmithing, which in 2007 is still active and dealing with students from all over the world
1996 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1996 Silversmithing Summer Workshops in own studio
1997 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1997 Silversmithing Summer Workshops in own studio
1998 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1998 Silversmithing Summer Workshops in own studio
1999 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
1999 Silversmithing demonstration for the Heritage Day at the National Museum, Collins Barracks.
1999 Silversmithing Summer Workshops in own studio
2000 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin. 2001 Visiting Lecturer National College of Art and Design Dublin.
2001 Silversmithing demonstration for the Heritage Day at the National Museum, Collins Barracks.
2002 Lunch tine Lecture entitled “Unlocking the secrets of the Ribbon Torque” at the National Museum Kildare St. Dublin.
Coffee Pot in the National Museum at Collins Barracks Dublin. 2Water Pitchers in the National Museum at Collins Barracks Dublin. Tea Pot in the National Museum at Collins Barracks Dublin. Small Enamelled Box in the National Museum at Collins Barracks Dublin. 2 Water Pitchers in the collection of the Dublin Assay Office many pieces in private collections