Meet the Maker: Clodagh Molloy – A Conversation in Metal
We were delighted to welcome jewellery artist Clodagh Molloy for the second Meet the Maker event in our Featured Maker series. The evening unfolded as a warm, intimate question-and-answer session, with Clodagh generously sharing insights into her process, materials, and the powerful stories behind her work. Here are just a few of the questions that came up and Clodagh’s thoughtful responses:
What is the material?
The pieces are made from copper sheet, which I form using a hydraulic press to create their voluminous, three-dimensional shapes. Once the elements are pressed, I assemble them using traditional metalsmithing techniques. The final step is to apply a dark patina, which results in a warm charcoal-grey finish.
Are they heavy?
Not at all! The bold, sculptural shapes may look hefty, but they’re actually hollow and quite lightweight. The heaviest part of the necklaces is usually the handmade chains. They’re designed to be wearable and comfortable.
Wow, they’re loud!
Yes—they definitely have a voice of their own! The hollow forms resonate with a warm, metallic sound as they gently knock against each other with the wearer’s movement. It’s a lovely way of giving the pieces a literal voice. It draws attention to the issues they represent. You can’t say you didn’t hear them coming!
Where do the stories come from?
For my ongoing project Shared Stories, I collect stories that people submit voluntarily through my website. These stories become the heart of my work. They help break stigmas and open up conversations around experiences that are often hidden or overlooked. It's a way of letting others know they’re not alone, while also raising awareness about the personal and societal impact of issues we often suffer in silence.
How do you get the letters into the metal?
I use acid etching to transfer text onto the metal. I apply a resist to the areas I want to keep clean, then leave the piece in an acid bath overnight. The etched text becomes a tactile part of the piece—little snippets that draw people in and spark curiosity. Some pieces also feature enamelled sections with images or words that echo the central theme.
What’s the image?
That really depends on the project, but all of the images I use are my own photographs. It’s important to me to own the intellectual property of everything I use. Not just for integrity, but because it makes each piece more personal.
For example, in Chain of Grangegorman, I used photos I took of the Grangegorman site as it decayed—before it was redeveloped into the university buildings we see today. In my most recent work, which explores themes of fertility and motherhood, I’ve even used ultrasound images of my children on enamelled panels.
Is that a uterus?
Yes, it is! It took me a while to decide whether to go ahead with such an explicit form, but I’m so glad I did. It always sparks a conversation.
This latest body of work is deeply personal. It explores fertility, motherhood, the decision to have children, and the challenge of balancing artistic practice with parenting. It also touches on IVF treatments, missed opportunities, loss, and the decision not to have children. Some of the forms are more obvious than others, but they all carry meaning. I The dark patina hides much of the imagery until you take a closer look. I love the varied reactions the work gets when people suddenly “see” the detail. Sometimes it’s a smile, sometimes surprise or even shock. But it always opens up a conversation.
Does it have to be a mental health issue?
Not at all. I’d be honoured to create a bespoke piece around any story that’s close to your heart. It doesn’t have to take the form of a label or tag either—it can be more figurative or abstract.
I always begin by sitting with the story for a while, letting the most poignant point come to the surface. Sometimes it’s a word that stays with me; other times it’s a shape or feeling that leads the design.
For example, the Supergirl badge and medallion came from a story of a woman who overcame mental health struggles to become a wonderful mother of two. The Doves were shaped by an exploration of freedom—what that means today, and how to express it in form. They include text, but also carry my images of Grangegorman, representing the idea of freedom from mental health challenges.
Do you have any questions of your own?
We’d love to hear them! Pop into the gallery and see Clodagh’s striking collection in person—it’s on display until June 28th. And if there’s something you’re curious about, we’re happy to pass your question on to Clodagh.
