Meet the Maker Alison Byrne, Glass Making
Posted 04.05.23
WildBird Studio was founded by Alison Byrne in 2016. Based in Dublin she is a member of the dynamic arts collective at Block T Studios in The Digital Hub. Alison is also a member of the Glass Society of Ireland and is currently the Vice-Chair. Alison produces a range of home and giftware, jewellery and lighting for the domestic market. These products are made using various glass techniques, including stained glass, fusing and flameworking. Being sustainable is very important to Alison. As a result many of her designs are created using recycled or waste materials and all of her packaging is recycled, recyclable or compostable.
What's a typical day in the studio like for you?
My day normally starts by making a cup of tea and going though my emails, I then make a plan for the day/week ahead. I then get stuck into making, cleaning, packing and posting orders.
What do you like most about your work?
I love having the creative freedom of being my own boss and getting to choose what to do and what to create. All my achievements are my own.
What do you like least about your work?
Being my own boss means there are days full of admin and no making. All of my failures are my own too!
What's your favourite craft item in your home?
I have a gramophone phone speaker that a friend up-cycled. Its wonderfully unusual and amplifies the sound out of my phone brilliantly!
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
Roisin de Buitlear has been huge influence on me, her encouragement and belief in me has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Paula stokes and Laura Quinn both really inspire me in different ways with all that they have achieved over the last few years.
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
Apply for everything that you can, it doesnt matter if you think your ideas are good enough or not, keep apply for awards, exhibitions, grants etc. Im only learning this now and its something I wish I had done when I first started out.
How do you switch off?
Ill usually make a cup of tea and watch a series or movie.
How do you start your day?
I have breakfast in bed while I read my book.
What's the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
When I get home Ill usually have a snuggle with the dog.
Favourite book?
His Dark Materials
Favourite film?
Don't look up, wonder woman
Best concert you have ever been to?
Electric Picnic 2013
Favourite meal?
Roast Chicken Dinner
Music when you're working?
No
What do you listen to?
Ive an eclectic taste in music everything from EDM, pop, indie, hiphop and rap.