“The story of Blackthorn is the story of the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountains of Co Kerry, Ireland, where the mysterious hills menace with the dark beauty of lilac Blackthorn trees. Wondering the mountains last year, alone, but with my Celtic ancestors, my admiration for wild flora was ignited once more. Blackthorn trees produce purple berries that blossom in the spring, and have a subtle scent; for me, this is the aroma of the Macgillycuddy Reeks.
I paid homage with this collection, creating complex, refined and harmonious pieces; sinuous silhouettes alive with shivering pavé. Sculpted into rings, curling into bracelets, or clavicle sweeping necklaces; thorny sterling silver stems, dewy black spinel leaves and the lustre of dark freshwater pearl “berries” - all in my iconic “handwriting”. This is my love letter to nature - and its breathtaking beauty.”
Shaun Leane
