WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Martina Hamilton. Visit martinahamilton.ie for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I initially trained in sculpture, which exposed me to many different mediums. A hands-on approach to making and modelling is a central feature of all of the work I produce. I love that jewellery design allows you to be close to the work—to touch and feel the design. I have spent many years getting to understand my material, and also how each individual wears and interacts with a piece of jewellery. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? With the development of each collection, my ambition is to create jewellery that endures; to always spend time considering each design, so it satisfies my humble sense of beauty and timelessness. Trends can be such a valuable indication of a society in a particular moment, but I truly believe the value of a piece is whether your daughter will wear it; whether you cherish it for years. I am fortunate enough to have wonderful customers who seek that out. Therefore, the ambition for the brand is to be a mark of timelessness, beauty, and quality. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Since I began experimenting with jewellery design over 25 years ago, my constant and unwavering inspiration is the coastline of my home place. The heart and soul of my designs is, without doubt, the everchanging and present beauty of the West of Ireland and specifically its coastline.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? The idea of bringing a voice to contemporary Irish design is so important; as a nation, we have always found strength in unity. This is a wonderful example of the marriage of identity and design. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? My heritage and family history are rooted here in County Sligo. This sense of place is intrinsic to me, and imperative to my work. Seashore wanderings and days spent gazing into rockpools take centre stage in my creative process and inform many of my collections. This is an infinite source of peace for me, and inspiration for my work. This sense of place also translates to the nature of how each piece of jewellery is made. We are a small family team of goldsmiths. It is a real joy knowing that my place of work is one of humour, of people and a commitment to loyalty and quality. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? I believe classic simple colour palettes offer a refined base from which a stunning piece of fine jewellery will shine. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Fresh, salty air blown off the Atlantic onto Streadagh Beach, shared with my family and friends, with a healthy dose of humour.