Meet the Maker: Siobhán McArdle - A Journey of Growth and Transformation
We're delighted to host a warm and lively Meet the Maker evening with our August Featured Maker: Siobhan McArdle. The night marked the unveiling of the second drop of new pieces from her Embrace collection, and gave guests the opportunity to hear first-hand about Siobhan’s creative journey.
The event drew a fantastic turnout, with visitors enjoying fine conversation and beverages generously sponsored by Lilith Wines(Stoneybatter) and All About Kombucha. The highlight of the evening was Siobhan’s candid and heartfelt talk, which traced the evolution of her work from its early structured beginnings to the fluid, organic forms of today.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
Siobhan began by reflecting on her time in Kilkenny, where she studied on the DCCI Silversmithing & Jewellery Design programme. She spoke about the importance of surrounding herself with the right people, and how exposure to a wide variety of tools, techniques, and materials broadened her vision.
At that stage, her jewellery was very structured and geometric— as she laughingly explained, an attempt to “contain all the craziness” of the many design ideas that came to her in those formative years.
Her journey then took her to Italy, where she found herself deeply inspired by the Italians’ passion — for craft, and for life itself. This period was pivotal, not only cementing her decision to dedicate herself to jewellery full-time, but also exposing her to new ways of working. In Kilkenny, she had worked primarily with hard wax, but in Italy she discovered the more malleable soft wax technique, which allowed for a freer, more fluid creative process.
From Commence to Embrace
This new approach became evident in her first collection, Commence, which she describes as her first steps into more organic and fluid forms. It was a marked shift from her earlier, geometric style — a loosening of control and a new openness to expression.
Her latest collection, Embrace, continues that evolution. Co-designed with her long-time friend, stylist Laura V. Cooney, it represents what Siobhan herself calls a “quiet shift” in her artistic voice. With a laugh, she admitted that during her student days she never imagined she’d create a jewellery collection inspired by floral forms— and yet, here she is.
The central motif became the orchid, chosen as a symbol of feminine fragility and strength. Tiny dewdrop-like details across delicate surfaces evoke the concept of ambedo - those fleeting moments of deep sensory awareness. The result is a collection that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Guests were clearly moved by Siobhan’s openness, and her ability to connect personal growth with material exploration. The conversation reinforced what makes her work so special: a balance between discipline and spontaneity, geometry and fluidity, fragility and resilience.
The second drop of Embrace revealed at the event was met with great enthusiasm, with many noting how the collection continues to evolve even within itself — each piece building on the last, but never losing sight of its central narrative.
See More at DesignYard
The Embrace collection remains on view throughout August at DesignYard, before travelling to Romania Jewellery Week in October.
While selected pieces are available online, we encourage you to visit the gallery to see much more in person:
- Original graduate work from Siobhan’s early career
- One-of-a-kind art jewellery
- Special commissions never shown online
Each piece tells part of Siobhan’s story, and together they create a fuller picture of her journey as an artist.
📍 Visit DesignYard this month to experience Embrace in person.
