Emily O’Brien

Emily O’Brien’s work employs esoteric symbolism to explore mortality and the mysteries of life. Beginning with a concept she translates it into form through traditional jewellery techniques.

The Shooting Star series represents the pursuit of dreams, encouraging wearers to grasp and control their aspirations. Superstition suggests that spotting a shooting star brings good fortune, symbolising divine guidance or a sign from the universe; a shooting star is simultaneously a meteor hurtling through space, embodying both divine protection and potential chaos.

The Larvae series arises from experiences of grief and loss -- capturing the confusion and introspection that accompany these moments. The Larvae necklace functions as gnostic prayer beads, symbolising the struggle with diverse beliefs about those we have lost. The flies in this series reflect the ongoing life cycle after death, integral to decomposition. While linked to death, flies also signify resilience and adaptability, allowing the Larvae series to embody strength amid fragility.

The Fears vs. Fierce series similarly aims to provoke introspection and foster resilience, inviting individuals to confront their fears and embrace their strength, ultimately serving as a catalyst for reflection and discussion.