Frank de Mol

The first few days were very nice. Getting an introduction of the whole place, I was met with a lot of nice people. Soon after, I began working on a project that would take up my time there. This was a project about purifying clay, from dirt to beautiful sculpture, that in the end, I luckily achieved. It was a long process I worked on bit by bit, while also working on other goals and making/learning new things.

Projects I helped with at the start were bronze pouring with a few artists and a weaving and spinning masterclass that a couple gave to a group of people (me included). This masterclass led to a big exposition I helped set up. Also capturing every artwork with photos for them to use later. After that, I assisted an artist who was making a 'big sun' sculpture with twisting hay, since that was a 2-person job. She taught me how to use the rope of hay and weave it into an art piece like she had done. Ended up with a nice, handcrafted basket made from hay.

Later, I worked on learning practical things like sharpening tools and how machinery worked around the metal workspace. During this time there was a ceramic glaze weekend course going on that I took part in. Helping and learning with the people. In this course I learned how glazes work from an elemental view. What different elements do when certain things change and how to use that to create glaze recipes.

One of the last things going on were the ceramic lessons in collaboration with the school. Working with the ceramics expert of the Sculpture Centre. We were teaching the students how to make pots and sculptures. Although this was short-lived, since I only attended a few lessons before my internship ended.

Every Thursday and Friday there was a print group exploring and making new prints using different techniques of printmaking. They offered me to come work with them as well. Here I learned so many new things from the instructors. It was captivating and a lot of fun.

The artworks I made myself were scarce, but the few that I did end up making turned out great. A lot of prints from working with the Manorhamilton prints group. A basket and some pots. Additionally, the process of clay filtering worked amazing and I ended up with a beautiful otter to remember my times by.

There were also a lot of things going on outside of the Sculpture Centre. For example, a big parade going through Manorhamilton that they asked me to take part in. Of course, I said yes and walked with the group as a crow. Another blessing hit me while I was doing the photography of the weaving exposition when I came across someone from the ^ collective. They invited me to come take a look at a loom they were restoring. After working with the loom when it was set up they offered me to come show people how the loom works in their exposition. That was an incredible experience and I loved every minute of it.

They have everything from working with heavy metals to soft printing techniques. With this big of a variety it must be impossible to try everything, but I still tried, which was a success. The things I learned are bronze pouring, welding, chisel sharpening, multiple different ceramic forming techniques, Glaze making from scratch, a lot of different printmaking techniques, spinning wool, weaving fabric handheld and with a loom, setting up exhibitions and also how a lot of machinery worked. This was an amazing experience, and all the people around helped me a lot in my road to finding out what I want to do.

The months I spent in Ireland and with the Sculpture Centre were incredible and I will never forget it. Even though I did not make a lot of art pieces myself, I believe the art during my time was measured by other things. Connections, stories and a second place to call home.