'An onward Journey'
The preview of the next and final resin Looking Glass collection ‘The Vespertine Garden’ is now available to view before the large array of sparkling treasures go on sale this Wednesday at 10am GMT.
I made as many as I physically could during our busy calving season on the farm. When I wasn’t bottle feeding calves, cleaning out beds, moving calves, and other general farm jobs, I was working all the in-between hours of the day in the Lost Forest studio to make sure everything was finished on time. I was also conscious as this was my final resin collection, that it should be the best one so far. I concentrated on lots of floral gardens brimming full of native Irish wildflowers, and little shrooms here and there. There is a wealth of colour, intricacy and love poured into each and every piece. I’m very proud of this collection, and proud of my resin journey thus far.
I thought I would continue with resin for the foreseeable future, but during the lockdown I had a lot of time to think things over and see what direction I would like to continue in. Unfortunately, my brand has been imitated a lot, especially my unique Looking Glass concept; featuring my tiny floral and fungi worlds within a gold pendant frame. It was not the universal style it is now when I first created it back in 2016. As the creator, I had hoped it would remain exclusively mine, and other small businesses would respect my originality. However, with the internet and especially the behemoth that is Pinterest, sadly that was not to be the case. It is so widely imitated now that I do feel a great urge to move on and explore new ideas once again.
Another important reason was the health and safety aspect of resin making. Since the first time I used this medium I have always worn full face respirators, and all other essential PPE. However, I am feeling increasingly tired after long hours working with it, and I no longer enjoy the process of wearing restricting respirators for long periods every day. My next jewellery line will certainly not feature any method that requires one.
My ideas for a new jewellery line are still in the process of experimentation, and learning. The only way to know yourself as an artist is through that methodology of acquiring your own knowledge through struggle, research, development and practice. So many people now want the easy route. They want an immediate solution, immediate answers, even my successes and achievements as their own.I can’t pretend to understand why they do it , but it is happening a lot, and it is actively encouraged and supported online, which is quite disheartening to see.
However, I am not one to dwell on the negatives. I am hoping my loyal and supportive followers and customers enjoy my final collection, and you can find a treasure that you truly connect with. Thank you to everyone for your support, friendly comments and purchases over the years. It means the world to me.
-Gillian x
‘The Vespertine Garden’ my final resin Looking Glass Collection - 21st April 2021
My old notebook of my sketches for what was a brand new idea of miniature landscapes in 2016. On the right is one of the very first of my full resin Looking Glass necklaces, which went on to become a finalist in the 'Fashion and Textiles' category at The Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) Awards in 2017.
My original full resin Looking Glasses were an extraordinary success all over the world.
I developed the concept further by making my signature gold frame to hold the worlds within. It was inspired by my collection of vintage Looking Glasses, and love of Alice in Wonderland. It is my own term to describe my unique jewellery style, and it has been trademarked to officially protect this concept.
My final pendant frame design with its single sturdy loop bail. This beautiful piece will be available in Wednesday’s update and features my original composition of a tiny yellow jacket sitting on a wildflower bouquet within its eternal miniature garden.
Another beauty available in the next update is this stunning Looking Glass featuring my signature mushroom ‘couple’ set within their own magical garden.
I will also have some of my raindrop style earrings with lush green Irish moss and these pink gems with ammi majus bouquets.
One of my favourites is this edwardian garden Looking Glass set against a raspberry pink background for a perfect vintage aesthetic.
My ever popular watercolour crystals return for one last time. These will be available in two sizes and hold a single woodland fern within.
There will also be a big range of my delicate pixie Looking Glass necklaces- too cute!
Hope you all enjoy shopping in the Lost Forest! Thank you again for your support and hope you will join me on my next adventure.
© LOST FOREST by Gillian Corcoran. All right reserved. Images are not to be redistributed on any other platforms.