During her two-week residency at Mulranny Arts, glass artist Alison Byrne explored themes of home, housing, and belonging, drawing inspiration from Irish mythology and contemporary social issues.

Alison experimented with innovative glass techniques, focusing on the use of ceramic decals, flameworking, and fused glass. In her first week, she refined processes for applying imagery to glass, creating a series of small, sculptural glass keys. She also shared her skills through workshops in flameworking and stained glass, engaging visitors and fellow artists in hands-on learning.

The second week centred on the development of her new sculpture, “Shrine to the Housing Gods”, a piece that combines salvaged building materials with glass elements in a grotto-like form. Drawing on both folklore and social commentary, the work reflects Alison’s ongoing investigation into the idea of shelter and the realities of the housing crisis.

The residency provided Alison with the opportunity to expand her visual language, merging photography, drawing, and iconography into her glass practice. Insights and techniques developed in Mulranny will inform her upcoming installation at Sculpture in Context 2025, in Dublin.

“Mulranny Arts offered me the time, space, and support to experiment with new approaches while deepening my exploration of home and belonging,” said Alison.