About Hazel K is a jewellery designer/maker based in Dublin, Ireland. I developed my skills working as a Sculptor's and Jeweller's assistant.Graduate of the National College of Art and Design, specializing in Jewellery and Metalwork. A constant daydreamer, I have come to learn that beauty and wonder can be found in the most ordinary of places. My designs, a contemporary blend of whimsy and elegance, are hand crafted with keen attention to detail and finish. Awards 2016 Winner of the Newbridge Silverware Designer of the Year Award Exhibtions 2016 National College of Art and Design Graduate Showcase, Dublin 2016 New Designers Exhibition, London 2019 Crowded Thresholds, Kilkenny
Scaffold, Portobello, D.2
My graduate collection ‘Little Luxuries’ is a whimsical celebration of fingers and toes. Such curious, vital appendages; digits used daily but rarely considered. The collection consists of stylised fingers and toes formed by hand in 1.5mm round or 1.3mm square brass wire using traditional jewellery making techniques and tools. Brass was chosen for its robustness and inherent tension, which is ideal for holding wire forms. 18ct gold plating and a minimalist approach to the design of the digits is used to convey a sense of luxury. As these digits do not have the context of the body to normalise them, they exude a dark humour as the relatable becomes surreal and absurd. Despite their stylised design, one may be provoked to wonder who owned that toe. Whose fingers am I wearing and whose hand is that on my shoulder? But the purpose of the work is not solely to shock; but rather, with a playful tongue-in-cheek, to hold up a mirror to the small joys and wonderful weirdness to be found in seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life.