Meet the Maker: Sophia Deeney, Eco Wood Jewellery Designer
Posted 13.07.22
Sophia Deeney is an Eco Wood Jewellery Designer and DCCI member based in Co. Kilkenny. Having grown up between the wilds of rural northwest Ireland and the vast urban landscape of London, early on, she was able to witness, not only the absolute beauty of nature but also the human impact on it, as she travelled back and forth between these very different places.
Having always had a love for drawing and design, she attended the National College of Art & Design in Dublin. Upon moving out of Dublin and settling in the little rural village of Inistioge, Co.Kilkenny, Sophia set up her very own studio/workshop where she now runs Wood Moon Studio. Discover Sophia’s ecologically sound jewellery, which is always mindful of nature and the environment, at www.woodmoonstudio.com
What's a typical day in the studio like for you?
I have a weekly schedule so Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursdays are the days of the week I spend producing work and I do this in stages depending on the day. The other days of the week are for admin, computer based work and social media. Tuesdays I spend cutting the wood shapes and/or cleaning + sanding. Wednesdays is a Post day so I spend a portion of time in the morning getting packages together and then the rest painting the wooden shapes and / or adding earring posts/backs. Thursday is the day I resin and clean + assemble / package each piece. There are times when the schedule goes completely out the window if there's a show on or if I have a big wholesale order so I go with the flow. I always have my dog with me and a coffee, sometimes people pop by for chats and on the odd occasion I'll have an open studio.
What do you like most about your work?
My favourite thing about my work is that it allows me to be creative with shapes and colours. My background is Fine Art so I like to channel this into what I do. I also love the branding side of things.
What do you like least about your work?
Sometime it is repetitive and having to recreate the same piece over and over.
What's your favourite craft item in your home?
A basket I made at the Centre for Environmental Living and Training years back in Scariff, Co.Clare.
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
I admire Roweena Sheen Jewellery, the simplicity of her work is something I really admire.
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
I would say go slowly and try not to get over-whelmed by all the other things that business requires such as social media. I think the most important thing is you as a person speaking through the product you produce.
What's your favourite time of the day?
The morning, first thing.
How do you switch off?
I go for walks, listen to podcasts and paint.
How do you start your day?
I start the day with a walk with my dog along the river, then I make coffee and take it with me as I make my 30 second commute from my house to my studio around the corner.
What's the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
Open up the doors of the house if it's the summer, if its winter put a fire on.
Favourite book?
The Dreamers - Gilbert Adair
Favourite film?
Lost In Translation - Sofia Coppola
Best concert you have ever been to?
The Rolling Stones at Slane
Favourite meal?
Baked salmon, pesto and broccoli
What do you listen to?
True Crime Podcasts