My Weekend: Meeting the people I love is undoubtedly the highlight

Tell us a little bit about yourself;

I am Fabio Oliveira, a Brazilian and Irish citizen, a free soul from a quite diverse and big family, raised solo by a strong north-eastern Brazilian mother.

I am the creator and owner of Mo Ghrian-Jewellery Art based at BenchSpace Cork, a creative hub in the docklands. I am also a jewellery tutor there.

I found my way to Ireland back in 2018, after I had finished my bachelor’s degree in law in Brazil. The rainy island initially was just a place to develop my English skills and immerse myself in a new culture, but, six years later, it became my second home and I’ve just made it official by becoming an Irish citizen in June. 

It has warmly encouraged my personal growth, it gifted me with incredibly amazing people, and allowed me to let my creative side to flourish.

Currently, I create one-of-a-kind, meaningful jewellery pieces that reflect concepts of nature, human feelings, or abstract ideas, influenced by visionary art. Using silver, gold, and natural gemstones as my mediums, I combine traditional metal crafting with the support of modern 3D design technologies to expand my possibilities and creative expressions, crafting fine, sustainable, unique wearable art.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Diversity is the key to creating memorable Fridays. Some days I can’t wait to get home and watch a good movie with my kindred spirit, other Fridays work requires my attention. Either way, I always find a way to have some quality time with people I love.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

I am definitely a night owl, which means I naturally stay up later and sleep in a bit longer in the morning. Unfortunately, my obligations don’t always allow me to enjoy the quiet and productivity of nighttime. I’m working on finding a balance.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Always, in one way or another, but when it does, I prioritise working on creative things, new designs or ideas that will be fun and relaxing. This way I can guarantee that even when work is present during the weekend, it also has a good bit of me time in it.

If money were no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

Even though I am more like a nature explorer, it is hard to resist the artsy atmosphere of Barcelona. An art appreciator like my heart dad, Thulio, would be a worthy companion to a city break in Barcelona.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Well, in ‘Ireland home’ I get fully recharged every time I spend some time in West Cork. My friends based there are always spoiling me with delicious dinner meals and relaxing times at the sauna in Red Strand Beach.

In ‘Brazil home’ there is a tiny fisherman village in an indigenous area in my state where I used to spend my summertime. 

Over there, it is always a great time close to nature and a delightful moment with my grandmother, her treats are the best.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Meeting the people I love, like friends and family, is undoubtedly the highlight of my weekend.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

If it counts, watching movies is one of my favourite hobbies, especially when an engaging conversation comes afterwards; sharing an artistic experience is always remarkable.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter, do you have a signature dish?

A bit of both. I love cooking and I am a great eater, so I find a lot of pleasure (and a bit of pressure) in cooking for my friends and family. It is so rewarding to make loved ones happy with full bellies. 

I always like to try new things in the kitchen; unfortunately, they don’t always work, but a warm raspberry apple crumble with vanilla ice cream is my way to guarantee a good dinner ending.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork. Where are your go-to spots for coffee/lunch/meal?

So many great places to go in this little city, but I can say that ordering lunch at Miyazaki and eating at Osho is an experience that often requires a coffee cake at Izz Café. You can’t go wrong.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

To be very honest, the weather determines a big portion of how I spend my Sunday, On rainy days I will work on some designs; after, I will probably cook something more elaborate for dinner and a good movie to watch at the end of the day.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Usually at 7am, and although waking up early is not in my nature, my to-do list and obligations pull me out of bed.

Anything else you are up to right now...

At the moment life is full-on, diving deeper into my studies with 3D modelling, which allows me to express my ideas in a wider range with diverse shapes and elements.

I’m busy teaching and hearing how couples met each other with each ‘Wedding Ring Band’ class I tutor in BenchSpace, as well as getting ready for new jewellery classes that will be released this autumn.

My new collection, ‘Astra Ata’ (inspired by celestial bodies and contemporary art concepts) is about to be launched.

These days, I am also working on some commissions, blending people’s ideas with my unique designs is something that I have grown more fond of every time a new project comes.

Although it might feel like loads, it is undoubtedly a great and appreciated journey for me, embracing the challenges of life, finding joy in every corner, and getting a nice meal ready every time I can.

• For more see www.moghrian.com or find Fabio on Instagram: www.instagram.com/mo.ghrian; Email: info@moghrian.com; Find his studio in: benchspace Cork Creative Hub, Unit B1B, Marina Commercial Park, T12KRH7