Meet the Maker: Emmet Bosonnet, Metalworker

Posted 17.06.22

Emmet Bosonnet is a metalworker and DCCI member based in Dublin. He is the creator and founder of industrial homewares brand, Kopper Kreation, using reclaimed and recycled materials to create unique and eye-catching homewares. Emmet, who has an honours degree in Engineering, has always been inspired by industrial design and has a keen eye for practical and functional product design. He loves the raw materials of copper, steel and brass and is inspired by all things industrial and finding alternative uses for items that tend to be disregarded or sent to a recycling centre or landfill. Discover and purchase his work on www.kopperkreation.com.

What's a typical day in the studio like for you?
I have two kids who are 5 and 3 years old, after dropping them to school I spend approximately an hour on the laptop answering emails and taking care of admin. The rest of the day is spent in the studio making. I generally try to make products in batches of six for increased productivity and reduced costs. I spend a vast amount of my time polishing! Copper is a lovely soft material, however the scrap pieces I use are generally quite old and tarnished and need a lot of elbow grease to get back to their natural shine!

What do you like most about your work?
The flexibility! It's great to be able to pick and choose your hours and balance your work around life too! I love meeting customers at fairs and events and other exhibitors and makers too. There is a real community in the sector and everyone is so welcoming and supportive.

What do you like least about your work?  
Everything other than making! I absolutely love making different things and jump out of bed with excitment each day with the prospect of making something new! I get up a bit slower if I have a day of accounts or admin but either way it's all part of it and really great experience to have under your belt.

What's your favourite craft item in your home?
Art! We have some stunning pieces from local artists and people I have met along the journey. You definitely look at a painting or print differently when you know or have a connection with the artist. There is a conciousness to the piece.

What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
My discipline is quiet small with a handful of makers but I really like the work of Eoin Shanley from Copperfish studio. We share a love of copper and I also love his use of storm fallen timber which is really cool and sustainable.

What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
Go for it! Life is too short so take the plunge, what's the worst that can happen. Definitely connect in with DCCI and your local LEO office straight away as the supports for the sector are really helpful.

What's your favourite time of the day?
Because we have young kids, I generally do a few hours work in the evening when everyone in the house is in bed, from 11pm to 1am. It's a lovely time as everything is quiet and there aren't any phone messages so it's a nice time to throw on some music or a podcast and get some real work done.

How do you switch off?
Family time. I love to head off on an adventure with my wife Karen and two kids Esmé and Anabelle and see where the wind takes us.

How do you start your day?
Get everyone up and have brekkie together, usually porridge and do all the drop offs to school etc.

What's the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
I usually go through everything I did in the day in my head really quickly so I don't forget anything obvious.

Favourite book?
1984

Favourite film?
The Matrix

Best concert you have ever been to?
Electric Picnic

Favourite meal?
Pasta

Music when you're working?
Yes

What do you listen to?
Podcasts and classics