Coilin O Dubhghaill
Special Merit Prize 2006

work shown :
Double Vision (2004)
Raised copper vessel with TIG shakudô inlays
(click on picture to see larger image)

In his work, Coilin O Dubhghaill uses a combination of hammering techniques, welding and special alloys to construct vessel forms and functional objects. While studying for a doctorate at the Tokyo University of Fine Art and Music, he acquired skills that he began to use to develop new ways of constructing and creating patterns in metal and of exploring colour on the surface of vessels.

He is currently building up the tools and equipment to enable him to continue with this work now that he has returned to Europe. In particular, he needs funding to purchase a TIG welding machine, a technology still little used in the West but that for him holds great promise for new advances in style and design for metalsmiths.