Kevin J. O'Dwyer, News

2007-10-11

Kevin O'Dwyer- 2007 Crafts Council Bursary Winner

Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary Winner 2007 announced The winner of the 2007 Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary is internationally renowned silversmith Kevin O’Dwyer. O’Dwyer’s handcrafted silverware is instantly recognisable for its textural surfaces, flowing lines and lyrical decorations. Each beautifully handcrafted piece defies convention - these are sculptural interpretations of mundane household items. His playful curling teapots and art deco coffee services are in some of the world’s most important permanent collections, including the Racine Museum of Art, USA, National Museum of Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. O’Dwyer’s silverware has also been presented to luminaries such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Nelson Mandela, King Juan Carlos of Spain and even the Japanese Imperial Family. Research and experimentation have always been a passion for this artist. Born in New York and educated in Ireland, the trained scientist worked as a biochemist in London and Chicago before leaving his job in 1980 to study metalwork. But his links with the world of science and technology are still strong; recently he addressed an Engineers Ireland seminar on the art of innovation and the role of creativity in business. O’Dwyer was today presented with a cheque by the new CEO of the Crafts Council of Ireland, Úna Parsons. The Bursary will help him develop new concepts in design and material use. He will collaborate with leading US glassmakers on a series of silver and glass designs which will lead to both functional and non-functional artworks. Based in Tullamore, Co Offaly, O’Dwyer also works on a larger scale. He initiated the Lough Boora International Sculpture Symposium which won the Business2Arts Award in 2003. He now directs Sculpture in the Parklands which has recently received a national award for Best Public Art/Sculpture project for 2007 (LAMA Awards). Earlier this year he was named as one of “Irish America’s Top 100 for 2007” by the Irish America Magazine. Now in its third year, the Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary is intended to release recipients from their usual commitments so they can invest in the creative development of their craft. Previous winners were woodturner Liam Flynn, basket maker Joe Hogan and calligrapher Denis Brown. For more details on Kevin O’Dwyer and the Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary contact: Helen Carroll T: +353.86.8057220 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it



< back to news 2007-10-11 Kevin O'Dwyer- 2007 Crafts Council Bursary Winner Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary Winner 2007 announced The winner of the 2007 Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary is internationally renowned silversmith Kevin O’Dwyer. O’Dwyer’s handcrafted silverware is instantly recognisable for its textural surfaces, flowing lines and lyrical decorations. Each beautifully handcrafted piece defies convention - these are sculptural interpretations of mundane household items. His playful curling teapots and art deco coffee services are in some of the world’s most important permanent collections, including the Racine Museum of Art, USA, National Museum of Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. O’Dwyer’s silverware has also been presented to luminaries such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Nelson Mandela, King Juan Carlos of Spain and even the Japanese Imperial Family. Research and experimentation have always been a passion for this artist. Born in New York and educated in Ireland, the trained scientist worked as a biochemist in London and Chicago before leaving his job in 1980 to study metalwork. But his links with the world of science and technology are still strong; recently he addressed an Engineers Ireland seminar on the art of innovation and the role of creativity in business. O’Dwyer was today presented with a cheque by the new CEO of the Crafts Council of Ireland, Úna Parsons. The Bursary will help him develop new concepts in design and material use. He will collaborate with leading US glassmakers on a series of silver and glass designs which will lead to both functional and non-functional artworks. Based in Tullamore, Co Offaly, O’Dwyer also works on a larger scale. He initiated the Lough Boora International Sculpture Symposium which won the Business2Arts Award in 2003. He now directs Sculpture in the Parklands which has recently received a national award for Best Public Art/Sculpture project for 2007 (LAMA Awards). Earlier this year he was named as one of “Irish America’s Top 100 for 2007” by the Irish America Magazine. Now in its third year, the Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary is intended to release recipients from their usual commitments so they can invest in the creative development of their craft. Previous winners were woodturner Liam Flynn, basket maker Joe Hogan and calligrapher Denis Brown. For more details on Kevin O’Dwyer and the Crafts Council of Ireland Bursary contact: Helen Carroll T: +353.86.8057220 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it