THESIS IN STUDIO: SECONDS
On completing my thesis Gin-trification of the Irish Craft Gin Packaging which unpacks the exploitation of portraying traditionality and a sense of a nation’s brand on the packaging of Irish craft gins I have gained an insight to how an object is portrayed may not necessarily mean it is the truth. An interesting element that reappeared throughout my research was that many gin distilleries set up as small batch productions and therefore they could manage the packaging in house and majority of them hand bottled and labeled the product. As the world speeds up, the demand for these craft gins rises and therefore they upscaled. Having spoken with Conor Smyth, the designer for Mor Irish craft gin, it became evident that many distilleries could not maintain the handson production as the market got larger. This highlighted a key point for me which was the move from the evidential handmade image to a superficial handmade image. This opened the topic of a true self and the authentic self to explore further.
more than…
the shrub in the hedge…
or the weed on the patio”
“
seconds is a publication that focuses on the story of foraging in Ireland right through to incorporating the foraged goods in restaurants. It provides a guide on the seasonal wild food available in Ireland and how to use it. Highlighting the uses of these ingredients brings light to the plants and emphasises that they are more than the shrub in the hedge or the weed on the patio. I have also incorporated my stories of not only foraging but also finding my feet in the hospitality industry while still being able to be 100% my true authentic self. This is to give any young adult that would be experiencing the same feeling and pressure when making their college decision a sense of comfort knowing that they are not the only one that has experienced this. The project is also aimed towards any hospitality education to reevaluate themselves. When speaking to Phillip Smyth, head of Shannon College, he stated that he was “not aware of any applicant over the years not joining due to the dress code.” The form of this publication is like a cookbook as it is to be part of the hospitality industry and therefore my stories and others that are included get a voice and the other view of the education system for hospitality can be seen.
botanical drawings
Full pen drawings
behind the scenes
