Stopress, CCoI Nov/Dec 2008

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

EMERGING MAKER AWARD p.4

NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY TO SHOW AT COLLECT 2009 p.23

24 Contents News and Reviews P.2

National Craft Gallery at SOFA

P.3

SOFA - People and Events

P.4

Emerging Maker Award at NCG

P.5

Christmas Greetings from CCoI CCoI Bursary 08 CCoI Board in Donegal New Member Organisation

P.6

House & Home/CCoI Student Design Awards

P.7

CCoI 3rd Level Award Winners

P.8

Showcase 09

P.9

Education and Training Study Christmas at CORE Outlet CCoI at Ploughing Championships CCoI at Higher Options Fair CCoI at National Craft & Design Fair RDS, Dublin

SOFA 2008

L - R: Ăšna Parsons, Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland, Martin Rouine, Consul General of Ireland, and Mrs. Rouine, Michael Ray (glassmaker) and Sarah Daly (CCoI Board Member, Louth Craftmark)

Craft Community News P.10 Craftmaker in Context P.12 Ceramics at the Hallward and Sculpture in Context P.13 Peter Meanley at Hunt Museum

For the third year running the Crafts Council of Ireland’s National Craft Gallery attended

is, at times, a very loud show, yet it still manages to make a strong statement about the creativity and beauty of Irish craft.

SOFA (Sculptural Object Functional Art) in Chicago. For contemporary Irish craft in general it has been a huge success, with influential gallerists, collectors and critics being introduced to high-end Irish craft and the artists who created it.

Participation at SOFA has benefits on many levels: establishing and deepening linkages with galleries, collectors, craftspeople, educationalists and potential consumers for Irish craft and visitors to Ireland.

The Crafts Council of Ireland stand has made an impact at SOFA, with visitors returning from previous years specifically to check out the Irish booth. The Irish work presents an interesting counterpoint to other work at the fair - it is notable for its sophisticated quietness in what

Obituary David Byers P.14 Craft Fair o8 at the Glucksman Joseph Walsh in New York

P.15 Irish Makers at ORIGIN 2008

For this third outing at SOFA, building on its experience, we took a different approach and added a space in the Resource area as well as the large booth in the main body of the show.

This provided information on the Crafts Council of Ireland and its services and helped to promote Ireland as a destination for American collectors and craft enthusiasts.

This experience for the National Craft Gallery and the Crafts Council of Ireland will feed back into its programmes for clients in product development and enterprise development, and helps to achieve our ambition to make Irish craft renowned and sought-after all over the world.

LEADER at Ploughing Championships

Mullingar Crystal wins Award Making Memories Exhibition

Opportunities P.16 Research Missions Stopress Survey Winner CCoI Education & Training Study P.17 New Vacancies at CCoI One-Day Stands at Showcase 09 Callout for Proposals: Talks at NCG House & Home/CCoI Student Design Awards P.18 Dates for Your Diary

Advertisements P.19 Advertisements

Sarah Daly, Craft Development Officer, Louth Craftmark and Board Member of the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Exhibitions - NCG P.22 Snapshots of Breaking Out at NCG P.23 NCG @ Collect 2009 RDS National Craft Exhibition P.24 Breaking Out

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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News and Reviews

SOFA 2008 It’s year three and it’s so interesting being back in SOFA for the third time. It has all taken on a very familiar look and we are no longer the new kids on the block. How quickly we have moved from needing help to giving out advice, from introductions to welcome backs, from ‘who are you?’ to ‘what have you of interest this year?’. Attendance is still high but the economic conditions have made the collectors more cautious about their spend.

It’s also great to see the work of Irish makers begin to show up on American Gallery booths. A series of pieces by Angela O’Kelly at Charon Kransen, Karl Harron at William Zimmer and Liam Flynn, Roger Bennett and Emmet Kane at del Mano galleries. In the

It’s nice to feel that we have arrived and are players, part of the family and no longer guests.

Brian Kennedy Curator, National Craft Gallery, 2008 Chicago.

Crafts Council of Ireland booth, SOFA 2008

Our booth has been much admired and has had a lot of repeat visits. People have admired the beauty and poetry within the work and been drawn to the peacefulness of it all. The makers who have attended have all gained confidence at seeing their work stand up so well to such salubrious company and enjoyed the engagement of a wide and informed audience. Opportunities are being offered and I can see the benefits of our three years paying off in a greater confidence in us as a gallery.

lecture series we had Roger Bennett on a panel and his work was also in a curated show in the special exhibition area, while Emmet Kane gave a series of demonstrations.

Brian Kennedy, curator, discusses Sara Flynn’s work with John David Mooney (of the John David Mooney Foundation) and friend

The more we come to SOFA, the more clearly I see what defines Irish Craft. This is clarified by spotting the difference between our booth and everyone else’s and from feedback and comments from the collectors and visitors.

Irish craft still has a very domestic feel to it.

It’s made to live within the home, and that home is one of modest scale. We do not make work with the museum or gallery in mind and while not everything is about function, that root is still firmly within sight.

The work we show also has a quietness and stillness about it and seems to be made to quietly sit within a room and be an object of contemplation. Our American cousins are a much brasher beast and sometimes scream for attention.

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News and Reviews

As part of SALON SOFA, the educational component of the fair, a series of lectures, panels and artist conversations around the show helps to reinforce the presence of Irish craft.

The Irish Arts Review launched the current edition of the magazine and our Irish Craft 2008 supplement in Chicago.

SOFA 2008 John Mulcahy and Sonja Perkins of Irish Ar ts Review

On the opening night of SOFA 2008 Martin Rouine, Consul General of Ireland in Chicago,

The CCoI was delighted to welcome Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Brendan Smith TD (pictured here with Rachael McKnight, jeweller) who was in Chicago on Government business.

Photography: Aaron T. Anderson

hosted a reception at the booth for Chicagoans with connections to Ireland or the world of craft in the US, and was presented with a bowl by glassmaker Michael Ray. Mar tin Rouine and Mandy Parslow

Within the lecture series, Jennifer Goff, Curator of Furniture, Musical

Heritage Center; and the Irish Arts Review launched the current edition

and Scientific Instruments at the National Museum of Ireland, spoke

of the magazine and our Irish Craft 2008 supplement in Chicago.

about Modernism in Irish Furniture Design; Roger Bennett, invited to Fourteen of twenty-two craftspeople represented on the booth had

Collectors of Wood Art, gave a passionate and poetic overview of

travelled to Chicago and for them it was an opportunity to establish

his relationship with colour and wood; Emmet Kane gave lively

connections with the American world of craft - through meeting

demonstrations of his techniques at the Wood Turning Centre; Frances

collectors, seeing major galleries and meeting with internationally

Lambe gave a presentation and demonstration at Chicago Irish American

renowned artists and craftspeople to exchange ideas and experiences.

For more images go to www.ccoi.ie

give a lecture at a seminar on “Wood and Color� presented by

Frances Lambe

Mandy Parslow

Mark Hanvey

Jane Jermyn

Michael Moore

People and Events

Emmet Kane

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News and Reviews Nuala O’Donovan Winner of the Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award ‘Breaking Out’ in the National Craft Gallery this autumn

Nuala O’Donovan, Úna Parsons, Gerry Crosbie (DesignYard) and Sonya Perkins, Chief Executive, Irish Ar ts Review

showcases the work of some of Ireland’s most promising emerging makers in an exhibition of thirty new talents selected from open submission. A wide array of disciplines are represented and it includes makers who have come through third level education, through the CCoI’s training courses, through apprenticeship or through a desire for a second career. Emerging Makers shortlisted for the award included Maggie Cashman, Sabrina Meyns and Eily O’Connell.

The exhibition features new work with

and delicate work in porcelain based

many innovative twists, such as University

on growth patterns in nature. Her prize

of Ulster graduate Gillian Patterson’s

includes a feature in the Autumn edition

Paper Pleasures - a vividly-coloured 3-D

of the Irish Arts Review, which has an

wall-hanging of screen-printed and

international readership of 45,000,

stitched paper that doubles as body

plus a cash prize of €5000. Nuala

adornment. Another engaging idea is

plans to use the money to finance a

Cork graduate Lucy Brisson’s ceramic

period of experimentation next year

work, which encourages a tactile,

and develop her work themes further.

Silversmithing by Sabrina Meyns

Porcelain form by Nuala O’Donovan

The Emerging Maker Award, along

the viewer as part of the piece. Marika

with a new award for emerging

Miklosi Manning’s unusual sculpted

Critical Writing in Craft, also in

felt vessels were eyecatching, as

partnership with the Irish Arts Review,

were Lucy Meagher’s tender and

aims to raise the profile of contemporary

expressive ceramic sculptures. A number

Irish crafts and to support and promote

of exhibitors have already garnered

emerging talents.

awards and acclaim in recent years, and the standard of work on display is high.

Breaking Out runs at the National Craft Gallery until 31st January 2009.

The opening evening was also the venue for the announcement of Nuala O’Donovan as the winner of the

inaugural Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award.

A recent MA graduate of the Crawford College of Art, Nuala makes complex

See also Page 24 for further details.

Screenprinted paper by Gillian Patterson

braille and the inclusion of seating for

Glass by Maggie Cashman

physical experience through the use of

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News and Reviews

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Seasons Greetings II I

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from all at the Crafts Council of Ireland

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The Board and all the staff at the Crafts Council of Ireland would like to wish our readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

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Image: Christmas at CORE (Offaly Westmeath Crafted Design). See page 8.

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Crafts Council of Ireland Board Meets in Donegal As part of its s trategy to m eet w ith crafts people in various locations around the country, the Board of the Crafts Council of Ireland recently held its Board Meeting in Donegal. An evening w as als o arranged w here the Board m et m any of thos e involv ed in craft in the county.

A number of local craftmakers attended the event, as well as Michael Tunney, Chief Executive of Donegal County Enterprise Board; Donna McFadden, Design Directorate, Donegal Enterprise Board; Joe McHugh, IDA Regional Office; Traolach O'Fionnain, Arts Officer, Donegal County Council and Lynn Temple, Chairman of Magee.

The evening was opened by Gerry Wycherley, Chairman of the Crafts Council of Ireland and Úna Parsons, Chief Executive, gave a short presentation.

This was followed by a general discussion on craft in Ireland and in particular craft in the Donegal area.

New Member Organisation at CCoI The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) extends a warm welcome to our new member organisation, Irish Chairmakers, which was formed in September 2008. The group aims to provide a forum for the exchange of views and discussion of common objectives amongst skilled chairmakers, and to raise the profile of chairmaking by holding annual exhibitions in different regions. For m ore inform ation contact: Irish Chairm akers , Alison Ospina, m obile: 087-6358086 or E: alis on@greenw oodchairs.com There are 52 member organisations affiliated with the Crafts Council of Ireland. See www.ccoi.ie for more details and how to apply.

Left/right/centre: (l) Lyndsey McGonigle and (r) Elaine McGonigle (McGonigle Glass Design) and Fiona Higgins (Sioda Batiks) at the recent meeting with the CCoI Board in Donegal

Crafts Council of Ireland The Crafts Council of Ireland’s Bursary Award is made on an annual basis in order to support and recognise the achievements of professional craftspeople in the creative development of their craft.

It may be awarded to one or divided between two or three recipients.

Applications are invited each year and are judged by a distinguished group of Irish and International panelists. This year after much consultation and close study, it was the decision of the panel that, whilst all applications had much to commend them, no single application showed an equal and consistent strength in both the proposal and portfolio of work and therefore no application was deemed to be of a sufficient standard to merit an award.

The Crafts Council of Ireland wishes, however, to ensure the prize money of €20,000 is put to valuable use and accordingly, the decision was made to dedicate it to mentoring programmes for the Bursary applicants in an area of their choosing.

Over the next year The Crafts Council of Ireland will be organising a number of seminars to discuss best practice in the craft industry and to provide continuing professional development opportunities for registered craft enterprises. Specific bursary briefing sessions will also be held prior to the 2009 application process. Further details will be published in due course.

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News and Reviews

Linda Wong Winner 2005

Conor Trawinski Winner 2008

fts Council o Cra f d lan Ire

Calling all student designers! Do you fancy yourself as a 21st Century Eileen Gray? Could you be Ireland’s answer to Terence Conran? Enter the House and Home Crafts Council of Ireland Student Design Competition and win €1,000 in cash and a trip to the design fair most suited to your area of design, as well as relevant mentoring and support.

The Crafts Council of Ireland is delighted to announce its new partnership with House and Home for the 2009 Student Design Awards.

The awards have been set up to reward, encourage and promote excellence and best practice in the work of young Irish designers working in the field of commercial design.

The Competition Students are invited to design and produce an ‘interiors-related’ product that is contemporary, innovative, beautiful, functional, affordable, saleable and easily made for commercial production, taking as the theme Future Classics. The product must be of a high quality and professionally finished. The Categories are: • Ceramics • Lighting • Furniture • Textiles • Metal Working • Glass • Industrial Design.

David McGrath Winner 2007

Participation is open to: • all students studying design (full-time, part-time or evening classes) • students in the workplace who can be regarded as apprentices or are still learning their profession • students who have design as a significant component of their course Students must take part individually and not as part of a design team.

Deadline Students interested in participating in the competition should register their interest online at www.houseandhome.ie as soon as possible. Product design ideas must be submitted by post by Friday, 27th February 2009. The actual designed product must be submitted by Monday 30th March 2009.

Judging process Five runners-up and an overall winner will be selected. Entries will be judged on their vision, innovation and contribution to commercial design.

Prizes The Student Designer of the Year will receive a ceremonial piece, a prize fund of €1,000 and a trip to the design fair most suited to the student’s area of design, as well as relevant mentoring and support. The five highly commended runners-up will each receive a beautifully designed award.

The winners will be announced in April 2009 and their work showcased in the July/August 2009 issue of House and Home magazine.

For more information and to download an entry form visit www.houseandhome.ie Enquiries can be made to E: louise@ccoi.ie or E: awards@houseandhome.ie

Karen Morgan Winner 2006

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News and Reviews

Logan Mc Lain & Eily O’Connell winners of

the Crafts Council of Ireland’s

The vibrant nature of future Irish craft was recognised recently at the Crafts Council of Ireland 3rd Level Awards. Award Winners were Jeweller Eily O’Connell, National College of Art and Design (BDes) and Textile Artist & Designer Logan Mc Lain (MA), also of NCAD, with two additional merit awards being made.

With a total award value of €5,000 the competition between graduates and post-graduates at the Awards is always of the highest standard. The judging panel, comprising textile artist Alice Kettle, ceramicist Jack Doherty and jeweller Gráinne Morton, therefore requested two additional “merit awards” for ceramicist, Nuala Ní Fhlathúin, GMIT, Galway and for David Withers, University of Ulster, whose modelling of animal forms was highly commended.

Ceramics by David Withers

Of the winners, the panel commented “Eily’s work is remarkable…..her cast jewellery combining stones and found objects was fresh and exciting”. Mc Lain’s “vision of himself and how to accomplish his aims was well formed and he displayed an innovative approach to product development and marketing”.

Eily O’Connell

Jewellery by Eily O’Connell

The Undergraduate Award went to Eily O’Connell for her unique cast jewellery combining stones and found objects. The award was given to assist Eily in the development of a body of work for submission to Origin in the UK. Logan Mc Lain won the MA award to assist in developing his new enterprise ‘Slogan’ producing T-shirts and one-off embroidery pieces.

Logan Mc Lain

The 3rd Level Award is a significant recognition of their skill and ambition to pursue a career. “The awards recognise the breadth of being a craftsperson and can make a real difference to that journey”, says Alice Kettle. Jack Doherty remarks “The Third Level Awards programme provides a vital stepping stone on the path from college to a successful creative career.”

For further information contact Louise Allen, CCoI Education & Awarness Manager T: 056 7761804 or E: louise@ccoi.ie

At the presentation of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s 3rd Level Awards: (l to r) David Withers (Merit Award), Úna Parsons (Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland), Logan Mc Lain, Eily O’Connell Ceramics by Nuala Ní Fhlathúin

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News and Reviews

One Day Stands for New Exhibitors

Fresh Ideas at Showcase 09 Get Ready for

(18th - 21st January, RDS)

These 2x2 sq.m. stands are ready-to-go with shell scheme walls, carpet, 2 spotlights and a name panel at a cost of €245 plus vat. A professional merchandiser will assist you with the stand display. All stands for Sunday 18th now fully booked. You can book for Monday 19th, or for Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st together, by contacting: Em m a McGrath, E: em m am cg@ccoi.ie T: 056 7761804 or John Hick at Ex po Ev ents E: john.hick@ex po-ev ents .com T: 01 2958181

New and exciting developments for Showcase 2009 are well in train.

These initiatives have been designed to reinvigorate the show and, critically, to place the spotlight firmly on craft and on unique products that are both ‘everyday’ and ‘special’.

To reflect these ideas, a fresh look has been designed for Showcase that is a celebration of Irish craftsmanship and design. Priority space is being given in the Main Hall, the Balcony Area and the Shelbourne Hall for core product.

There is also a designated area for new exhibitors who can take ‘One Day S tands ’ , providing them with an easy way to take part in an international show and a way for buyers to meet emerging makers.

For the buyers, there are new facilities and special events to make the experience both productive and enjoyable. These include opportunities to:

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Meet some of Ireland’s leading m akers and des igners See trend-s etting products in our new designated display area S pot the future - see creative ideas from Emerging Makers Relax and take stock in a redes igned, com fortable Buy ers ’ Suite Get practical advice for business through an extensive, buy er-focus ed s em inar program m e

• Network and attend s ocial events - to develop stronger relationships with exhibitors and stakeholders. www.showcaseireland.com On the marketing side, a new w eb s ite is up and running. Check it out at www.showcaseireland.com.

Buyers will also receive a specially commissioned Show Preview and the show catalogue is being re-designed with rich editorial content on what’s new and hot in the industry sector. Our PR campaign to promote Showcase to home and international buyers is also well under way.

Take the Lead with a Data Pen Data Pens are small hand-held scanning devices designed to take the labour out of sales lead data collection by capturing the information you require in an instant, leaving you more time to talk to your customers.

All buyers are issued with a unique bar-coded badge. When they visit your stand, you simply scan the barcode on the buyer’s badge. Once the scanner has been downloaded, the data is updated to the Data Pen website and you will then receive an email with an access code that allows you to access all your own information in an easy format. This allows you to follow up on sales leads more effectively. To purchase this service (costs approx €250 plus VAT) simply complete and return the order form in the Exhibitors’ Manual.

For further information, contact Pauline Kennedy, Operations Manager at Expo Events, E: Pauline.kennedy@expo-events.com

Get ready now to bring fresh ideas to Showcase 2009; it’s the best place in the world to do business.

A New Face at the Crafts Council of Ireland Mary Jennings has joined us as Showcase Manager for Showcase 2009. We look forward to Mary working with the CCoI and Expo Showcase teams. Mary has over twenty years’ experience in the marketing services industry and runs her own consultancy in marketing communications. She has a particular knowledge of design and brand identity issues, and a personal interest in craft and design.

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News and Reviews

Crafts Council of Ireland Education and Training Study The Crafts Council of Ireland is currently undertaking a study on craft education and training provision in Ireland. The objective of the study is to map the current provision of craft education and training through the diverse range of formal and informal settings where learning takes place.

These include the primary, secondary, tertiary and further education sectors, after school clubs and summer schools, craft studios and workshops, adult and community contexts and the FÁS apprenticeship programme. The study should identify gaps in the provision of training, identify future trends nationally and internationally and make recommendations which will inform the Crafts Council of Ireland’s strategic direction, particularly in the key areas of enterprise development and education.

In this context, the Council invites written submissions from people linked to the sector who may have views or recommendations in relation to craft education and training issues. Please submit these to: Finbar McDonnell, Hibernian Consulting, 600B Cathedral Court, New Street, Dublin 8. E: finbar@hibernianconsulting.ie T: 01 6574004 W: www.hibernianconsulting.ie It is expected that the Study will be published early in the New Year.

CORE Looks Forward to its first Christmas CORE (Offaly Westmeath Crafted Design), the first outlet to be launched under the CCoI’s Regional Outlets Programme, is looking forward to its first Christmas.

This co-operative craft outlet in Ballinahown on the Offaly/Westmeath border is reaching out into the community with a programme of craft classes for the Christmas season.

These have been developed with a Christmas theme for children, while their parents can use the hour to shop at CORE, visit the Café. Next year will see further development of adult and children’s craft classes. CORE is also hoping to work closely with its makers on product development and plans have been made to host international buyers at Core in 2009.

Crafts Council of Ireland at the Ploughing Championships 2008 This year’s Ploughing Championships, which took place in Kilkenny, were a huge success. It is the first time that the Crafts Council of Ireland has taken a stand at the Ploughing Championships and its presence at this event played an important part in raising awareness of the vibrant craft industry in Ireland.

The Ploughing Championships offers us an important forum at which Irish craft can be promoted to the general public and where we can provide information regarding supports and services offered by the Crafts Council of Ireland as well as advice to students interested in pursuing a career in craft. We are committed to increasing our presence at the Championships in the coming years.

National Crafts & Design Fair 3rd - 7th December 2008, RDS, Dublin The Crafts Council of Ireland will have an information stand at the National Crafts & Design Fair, located in the main hall, near the front entrance. We encourage all craftspeople exhibiting at the show to take this opportunity to visit us with any questions you may have or feedback on any of our services. Craft specialist retail outlets, The Leitrim Design House and Louth Craftmark at Highlanes Gallery will also be exhibiting - in association with the Crafts Council of Ireland. We wish everyone participating in the fair a successful show. www.nationalcraftsfair.ie

Crafts Council of Ireland at Higher Options Fair, RDS, September 2008 This year the Crafts Council’s stand at the Higher Options Fair was a great success. The stand provided up to date information to Leaving Certificate students and career guidance counsellors on pursuing a career in Craft and Design. The winner of the CCoI iPod competition is: Sharon Kenny, St. Nathy’s College, Co. Roscommon.

For further information in relation to careers in Craft and Design contact Amanda at the Crafts Council on

T: 056 7761804.

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Craft Community News

This is a series of articles where the work of a craftperson, registered with the Crafts Council of Ireland will be featured along with the Guild that supports them and a retail outlet that carries their work. If you would like to be considered for selection in future issues of Stopress, please email stopress@ccoi.ie

Craftmaker in Context

by Cornelia McCarthy

Labels are sewn on using the old Singer sewing machine

Eddie Doherty - Weaver It is a commonly held belief that you have to be engaged in a craft for at least ten thousand hours to become skilled. That’s about 3-4 hours a day for 6-7 years. If you subscribe to that measurement then Eddie Doherty is ‘off the scale’ in terms of skill. One of the few remaining professional hand-weavers in Ireland, Eddie has been weaving in Ardara, Co Donegal his entire life. His antique loom turns the local wool from Kilcar into treasured possessions for the home or pieces to be worn. 2009 will be the 50th anniversary of ‘Eddie Doherty Handwoven Tweed’ producing rugs, throws, scarves, waistcoats, capes, caps and suiting tweed.

Eddie has just completed a project at the Cliff House Hotel in Co Waterford with Douglas Wallace Architects and Designers.

He was specially commissioned to make large bed-throws that perfectly fit and match the décor of each of the 38 rooms.

The colours, pink, olive green and pale blues, are mixed with a gorgeous warm cream which continues into matching cushions. Take a trip to the bar and sink into the soft herringbone throws that are draped over the bar sofas. Contemporary interior design with a most successful local Irish accent.

Eddie learned to warp and weave over 50 years ago and now weaves on his premises where the traditional looms are on display. He is joined every day by his wife Evelyn who uses the sewing machine adjacent to him to sew labels on every garment and throw.

Top: Eddie Doher ty in his shop in Ardara Bottom: Handwoven throws commissioned for the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford

Ardara was traditionally the capital of weaving in Co Donegal. Most cottages had at least one loom housed on the premises. Those who manned the looms

had wool and prepared beams delivered to them. These piece weavers processed the wool on their own looms until it was collected by the factories of Molloys or Magees. Into this traditional craft Eddie grew and he started fulltime weaving in Molloys at the age of 16. As the industry went up and down through the 50s and 60s, Eddie began to grow a following for his work and an individual client base.

Encouraged by a large order of rugs for a local shop, he set up on his own in 1959 and hasn’t looked back since.

One of the many issues for craftspeople is developing a market for their work.

In the early 90s, Eddie encouraged by silversmith Michael McCrory, a friend and fellow angler, took the plunge and decided to exhibit at Showcase. This brought him to the attention of both established retailers in Ireland and overseas and to the press. Orders from Germany, France, the US and all around Ireland followed as well as press coverage in leading magazines. As a result he opened an outlet with workshop attached, adjacent to the pub in Ardara.

The publicity has continued and Eddie is frequently featured in articles which celebrate Irish craftsmanship, Donegal and indeed speciality pieces for interiors.

Although he has ceased showing at Showcase, retailers order directly from him frequently during the year and he still exhibits at the National Crafts Fair & Design in December. Assisted by various family members, trade is brisk for Christmas and he makes contacts at the event that follow up throughout the year.

He finds that face-to-face contact with his customers, either at the December Fair or in his workshop, generates a substantial part of his business.

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Like many of Eddie’s customers, I wanted to leave Donegal with a piece of it! What better way to do this than to choose an Eddie Doherty handwoven throw. In its structure is superb craftsmanship. Its colour has the dark peaty soil, the grey rock, the green and brown grasses and mosses, the spiky brown heather branches or purple blooms, and dots here and there of white sheep. It is a veritable postcard that you can wrap around you, use in your home as a throw, a sofa covering or curtains, or give as a special gift.

Eddie has a long list of loyal and happy customers and counts amongst them all sorts of celebrities who holiday in Donegal.

Countless others visit Eddie’s annually but also call him and order directly from him with their own favourite pieces to use as their ‘speciality’ wedding gifts. Eddie

Craft Community News has frequent requests for his tweeds which are transformed into jackets or coats. One internationally famous singer dresses himself from head to toe in three-piece suits with Doherty’s tweeds.

The classic and beautiful tweeds produced at the loom - internationally treasured but pure Donegal, bring to mind W.H. Auden’s words on “a Poet’s hope: to be, like some valley cheese, local, but prized elsewhere.”

Eddie Doherty, Front Street, Ardara, Co. Donegal. Tel. & Fax 074 95 41304.

E: edandev @eircom.net W: donegalhandwov entw eed.com

Spoiled for choice: a selection of Eddie’s tweeds

Supporting and Representing the Craftmaker MAGEES of Donegal Magee Clothing make a wide range of menswear and a small selection of classic womenswear. Since 1866 their hallmark has been fabric quality, excellent tailoring and a sophisticated use of colour. Alongside their apparel you will find a fine selection of handwoven throws and rugs

by Eddie Doherty.

Magees of Donegal, New Row, Donegal Town, Co Donegal T: (074) 972 1100 W: www.mageedonegal.com Magees of Donegal

The Donegal Craft Guild The Donegal Craft Guild is a group of artist/craftmakers who promote their work and raise the profile of crafts in the county.

Including Eddie Doherty there are thirty members representing a wide range of crafts: basket makers, ceramicists, glassmakers, batik-artists, weavers, jewellers and clothing designers.

If you are a maker of high quality crafts working in Donegal then you are welcome to join the Guild. The Guild recently held an Open Day which encouraged new craftspeople working in the county to join. The benefits to members are many: in the past the Guild has managed to get funding with the help of the Donegal County Enterprise Board for road signs for workshops, brochures and leaflets, a craft map for tourists showing locations of workshops, group exhibitions during the Earrigal arts festival, training in photography, display and marketing and study visits to international craft fairs.

Guild members pictured at the Guild’s Open Day in Letterkenny

For further information contact: Niall Faulkner on 071 9856907 or email: aislingconsulting@eircom.net; or contact the Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Tel. (074) 9160735 Cornelia McCarthy is a consultant and project manager working with creative businesses.

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Craft Community News

The fine line between art and craft has been intentionally blurred by recent exhibitions such as ‘Ceramics at the Hallward’ and ‘Sculpture in Context’ at the National Botanic Gardens

‘Ceramics at the Hallward’ and ‘Sculpture in Context’

Two Recent Exhibitions in Dublin Help to Raise the Profile of Craft ‘Sculpture in Context’ offers a platform for artists outside the normal gallery context and has been held in various outdoor venues since its formation in 1985. Since 2002 the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin has offered both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. A number of craftspeople working in various media have been shown at the exhibition. This year’s show included ceramicists Alison Kay, Frances Lambe, Brigitta Seck, textile artist Caroline Schofield and glass artist Deirdre Rogers, among others.

In addition to ‘Sculpture in Context’ Alison Kay also won the Hallward Mill Cove Award at ‘Ceramics at the Hallward’ in September 2008 and will hold a solo exhibition at the galleries in 2010. While the Ceramics Ireland Award went to Lucy Meagher, whose work also features in ‘Breaking Out’ at the National Craft Gallery (see page 4 and 24). ‘Ceramics at the Hallward’ is to become an annual event every September a number of public and private bodies have expressed an interest in providing further awards at the exhibition to raise the value and profile of this medium.

While ‘Sculpture in Context’ creates opportunities for practicing artists and craftspeople to exhibit their works in

Woodcar ving by Werner Groll

Úna Parsons, Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland and ceramicist Alison Kay with her award winning piece

a wider public arena, more selected exhibitions are required to bring this work to a wider audience.

With this in mind the Mill Cove Gallery in Castletownbere (partner of the Hallward) is to open its Sculpture Gardens in June 2009. The gallery is set on 4 acres of mature grounds overlooking the sea and across to Bere Island. Some 40 works, including ceramic works by Jim Turner, Niamh Synnott, Niamh Garvey, Annika Berglund, Frances Lambe and Etain Hickey, will be selected for installation.

The Sculpture Gardens will be opened officially in August 2009 with an exhibition at the gallery and of course the gardens.

Ceramics by Michelle Maher

Dr. John Goode

Ceramics by Ulrika Holmquist

Ceramics by Massey Hawthorn

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

13

Craft Community News

A retrospective exhibition at Limerick’s Hunt Museum shows the work of Peter Meanley, perhaps Ireland’s foremost ceramic vessel maker. The Belfast-based potter trained at York School of Art and the Royal College of Art and taught for over thirty years at the Belfast College of Art, now the School of Art and Design of the University of Ulster.

Obituary David Byers 1953 - 2008 Peter Meanley

Past Gazing Future Glazing The Ceramic World of Peter Meanley at the Hunt Museum to 31st December 2008 The familiar shapes and forms of Meanley’s

This retrospective exhibition of almost

vessels recall historic examples. Recently

100 pieces, in association with The

15C-17C stoneware jugs from England

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, is

and Europe have become a source of

sponsored by the Department of Arts,

inspiration. A particular series known as

Sport and Tourism.

‘Bellarmines’, after a Cardinal whose face they depict, prompted Meanley to use his own face as decoration on a jug, while

eighteenth century Toby jugs inspired his ‘Toby Series’. His work is not meant to be ironic, rather, it is a deeply serious homage to (or apotheosis of) the English

A man of vision, energy and passion - David Byers, a commissioner at the Office of Public Works (OPW), made a difference to the individual as much as to the State. In a recent conversation I asked him if he did any architectural work these days and he said he “just managed acquisitions” - he was always modest in his achievements. He was a brilliant dealer and manager and he realised some of his visions in opening State treasures to the public and encouraging people to be part of history in the making by participating in events and by creating sculpture, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass and other artforms to embellish State properties. He rescued Evie Hone’s stained glass from storage and integrated it into Government Buildings for all to see. One bedroom in Farmleigh pays homage to Eileen Gray and it is a thrill to see such fine examples of her work here in Ireland. At Dublin Castle, the Coach House is home to art, craft, music and events, with a helicopter pad designed as part of the Sculpture Garden. He protected and restored the art and craft of the past while encouraging craftspeople and artists of today to create an Ireland to be proud of in the future.

He was responsible for some of our best craftspeople being commissioned to produce contemporary works and restoration for important public sites and buildings.

tradition. The most recent pieces in the ‘Toby Series’ see his portrait and the pot morph into a surreal hybrid holding out to the spectator a tiny miniature teapot.

The Hunt Museum Rutland Street, Limerick.

W: www.huntmuseum.com T: 061 312833

Working with David was a great honour - he wasn’t afraid of colour or shy of taking risks; he was very charming and knew how to get things done. He inspired you with confidence and showed great respect for you and your work. Let us hope that the OPW will honour his legacy and vision by continuing to commission Irish craftsmanship to embellish and compliment State Properties for many years to come.

David is survived by his wife Anne, their daughters Sarah and Jenna and his parents, John and Phyllis Byers. His ashes will be placed in the burial wall he designed, in a specially commissioned ceramic urn, at Glasnevin Cemetery.

Laura O’Hagan Ceramicist

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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Craft Community News

Inspired Craft in the Glucksman Gallery The first weekend of November saw the Lewis Glucksman Gallery in Cork host its first ever Craft Fair. Visitors to the gallery had the opportunity to view and purchase the unique craftwork of some of Ireland’s leading craftmakers.

Craft Fair o8 is the gallery’s first craft fair and director Fiona Kearney commented: “We’re delighted to have such a variety of high quality craftmakers participating in the craft fair. The exceptional quality of Irish craft is part of our artistic heritage and will make for a wonderful display in the gallery spaces”.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the public to view and acquire distinctive gifts from craftmakers. Admission to the gallery is always free and this was also the case for Craft Fair o8. The fair introduced visitors to both the Glucksman and contemporary Irish crafts in an informal way. As well as being an opportunity for craftmakers to showcase

their work, it also allowed visitors to see and meet the person behind the work and learn more about the process involved in producing the crafts. Gallery staff were available to talk to visitors about the craft fair and also about other programmes and activities at the Glucksman.

Lewis Glucksman Gallery, University College Cork. For further information please contact: Eileen Kearney T. +353 21 490 1844 F. +353 21 490 1823 W. www.glucksman.org E. info@glucksman.org

Solo Exhibition of work by eminent designer Joseph Walsh in New York ‘Realisations’, an exhibition of work by designer maker Joseph Walsh at the American Irish Historical Society (AIHS) at 991 Fifth Avenue (80th street) has been extended by another month until the end of November. This is Walsh’s first major solo exhibition in New York and points to increasing recognition of his work in the US. The limited edition Selected Works on view include ‘Suaimhneas’ a rocking chaise, which is included in the collection of the National Museum at Collins Barracks and has also been purchased by a well-known American collector.

New limited edition works exhibited for the first time at the New York show include ‘San Martin’ and the ‘Prism Cabinet’.

On November 3rd Joseph Walsh presented a lecture on his work to tutors and students at Harvard Graduate School of Design before travelling to Chicago to take part in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s stand at SOFA. Joseph Walsh (left) pictured at the opening of his exhibition, Realisations, at the American Irish Historical Society, New York

‘Realisations’ continues at the American Irish Historical Society, W: www.aihs.org New York, until 30th November 2008.

W: www.josephwalshstudio.com

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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Craft Community News

Irish Makers at

Origin 2008 A number of Irish makers were admitted to show at Origin in London this year, including Beth Moran, Roger Bennett, Nuala Jamison, Rachel McKnight, Sara Flynn, Hope & Benson, and Inga Reed.

All were unanimous in their enthusiasm for Origin and said that they would be applying to return next year. Several remarked that while it is important to have a high standard of display, it helps to show work at different price points: the show attracts consumers as well as galleries and retail buyers. Considering the present economic climate, sales were good; and above all the Irish makers appreciated the potential for making new contacts and the opportunity to exhibit and sell at an international show of a consistently high standard. As one said “the visitors are interested and knowledgeable and include some serious collectors”.

T - B: Roger Bennett, Inga Reed, and Nuala Jamison at Origin 2008

LEADER at the Ploughing Championships The LEADER Craft and Food Villages were once again represented at the National Ploughing Championships in Kilkenny in September 2008.

This annual three day event is certainly not for the faint hearted, but as event coordinator Peter Pollock from Cavan Monaghan Rural Development says; ‘Where else would you get the opportunity to exhibit to a potential crowd of over two hundred thousand people at such a reasonable cost’?

The craft village is an inter-territorial project involving LEADER companies from many parts of Ireland. The Villages have grown from twenty five craft and food exhibitors in 2003 to this year when there were up to eighty exhibitors in two dedicated craft and food villages. Most of the exhibitors have been attending for four to five years and many say the Ploughing Championships is their number one selling event in Ireland.

Cathy Prendergast, INTI Leathers at the LEADER craft village at the Ploughing Championships

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for Mullingar Crystal Mullingar Crystal won the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the recent Westmeath County Enterprise Board Awards.

Earlier this year Mullingar Crystal developed Crystal Print, a system whereby a colour logo, text or even a photograph can be embedded into crystal to customise an award; after only two years in business they have had great success supplying awards to sports clubs in Ireland and the UK.

‘Making Memories’ Celebrating a decade of the West Cork Craft & Design Guild ‘Making Memories’ an exciting group exhibition from the West Cork Craft & Design Guild opened 30th October at the award winning gallery Etain Hickey Collections in Clonakilty. It was a chance to see the work of Thomas Kay who won 1st prize in the Furniture category at the RDS with one of his sculptural chairs (see page 23) and from Sara Roberts who has just completed making the awards for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Etain Hickey Collections, 40 Ashe Street, Clonakilty. T: 023 21479

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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Opportunities Final Call - Closing date extended to 15th December 2008

Research Missions Financial assistance towards visiting shows If you want to travel to research an event, a show, a summer school, a conference or symposium in 2009 and want to avail of assistance with costs, apply now Some recent research missions: “… the course was excellent and allowed me to develop a new technique which will enhance my current work. … The networking opportunities were excellent .” Edmond Byrne, glass artist, on Pilchuck Glass School, USA.

NOTICE: Response to Stopress Survey Many thanks to all who responded to our Stopress Survey asking our readers what they most enjoy about Stopress and what they would like to see more of in these pages. Your answers will help us to shape the pages of future editions of Stopress.

A draw has taken place among the participants for a prize to the value of €150. The prize goes to: Clare Bollard, Baile Ard, Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

“I would recommend it to anyone involved in children’s fashion, not only for inspiration on colour and trends but also for merchandising ideas..” Liadain de Buitlear, knitwear designer, on Pitti Bimbo, Florence.

For further information or to download an application form, go to the ‘Opportunities’ section of our website www.ccoi.ie or contact Mary Whelan E: maryw@ccoi.ie

NOTICE Crafts Council of Ireland PROGRAMME AND PERFORMANCE SURVEY 2008 Thanks to everyone who submitted to the CCoI Survey.

The CCoI recently conducted a client survey to help influence the direction and development of the Crafts Council of Ireland 2009 services and programmes.

The draw for the winning prize for a weekend away will be announced shortly.

Results will be published in the next issue of Stopress.

Submissions invited for Crafts Council’s Education and Training Study The Council invites written submissions from people linked to the sector who may have views or recommendations in relation to craft education and training issues. Also see notice on page 9.

Please submit these to: Finbar McDonnell, Hibernian Consulting, 600B Cathedral Court, New Street, Dublin 8.

E: finbar@hibernianconsulting.ie T: 01 6574004 W: www.hibernianconsulting.ie

Amoc Goldsmiths Showcase 2009 Hope Benson Showcase 2009

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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Opportunities NEW VACANCIES

LAST CALL

at the Crafts Council of Ireland The Crafts Council of Ireland is currently recruiting for the following senior level appointments.

• • • • •

Head of Operations Head of Education, Training and Development Head of Market Development Head of public Affairs and Communications Exhibitions Manager

One Day Stands for New Exhibitors

Applications to Michelle Noone, KpMG Executive Search & Selection, 1 Stokes place, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 410 2801 Fax: 01 412 2801 E-mail: michelle.noone@kpmg.ie

A professional merchandiser will assist you with the stand display. All stands for Sunday 18th now fully booked.

Further details on these and other open vacancies can be found on the Crafts Council of Ireland’s website www.ccoi.ie.

You can book for Monday 19th, or for Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st January together. For more details see page 8.

Callout for Proposals: Talks at The National Craft Gallery Following on from the recent series of talks in the National Craft Gallery for second level students - which discussed work from the RDS National Crafts Competition and the upcoming ‘Breaking Out’ exhibition - CCoI now looks forward to developing its 2009 talk and lecture series.

Professional makers interested in proposing talks related to National Craft Gallery exhibitions are asked to contact: Louise Allen, Education & Awareness Manager T: 056 7761804 E: louise@ccoi.ie

Calling all student designers!

Do you fancy yourself as a 21st Century Eileen Gray? Could you be Ireland’s answer to Terence Conran?

Enter the House and Home Crafts Council of Ireland Student Design Competition and win €1,000 in cash and a trip to the design fair most suited to your area of design, as well as relevant mentoring and support.

For details of the competition and prizes see page 6 in this issue of Stopress.

Enquiries can be made to E: louise@ccoi.ie or awards@houseandhome.ie.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

18

Opportunities

Dates for your Diary

Opportunities...Opportunities...Opportunities...Opportunities

*Please note: The January/February issue of Stopress will be published on 15th January 2008. Please forward all submissions by 15th December 2008. Stopress is also available on-line at www.ccoi.ie

OPPORTUNITY DIARY DATES CCoI Education & Training Studies Submissions Applications for One-Day Stands at Showcase Research Missions: closing date for applications for financial assistance House and Home/Crafts Council of Ireland Student Design Awards: Register interest online W: www.houseandhome.ie Submission of product design ideas by post

BY/ON/CURRENTLY

by

as soon as possible as soon as possible 15th December

by

as soon as possible 27th February 2009

on

18th October - 31st January 2009

on on on on

23rd - 27th January 2009 30th January 2009 1st - 5th February 2009 20th - 23rd February 2009

on on on

3rd - 7th December 2008 18th - 21st January 2009 1st - 3rd February 2009

NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY (NCG) EXHIBITIONS 2008 For 2009 Programme contact ncg@ccoi.ie or log onto www.ccoi.ie NCG, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Breaking Out For NCG Touring Exhibitions visit www.ccoi.ie or see Exhibitions Programme

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR DATES 2009 Maison et Objet, Paris Eclat de Mode, Paris Birmingham Spring Fair, Birmingham Inhorgenta, Munich

SHOWS IN IRELAND 2008/2009 National Crafts and Design Fair, RDS, Dublin Showcase, RDS, Dublin Futura Fair, RDS, Dublin

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

19

FOR SALE

Advertisements STUDIO SPACE

textiles, jewellery, silver, metal, wood,

communications and organisational

plastics, mix media, leather, recycled

skills are essential. please write

materials and paper. No paintings,

or e-mail with full CV to:

photography or musical instruments.

Ann Sevastopulo, General Manager, DESIGNYARD, 48-49

DESIGNYARD Fixtures

Studios available to rent

With 5 years firmly under our belt,

& Fittings for Sale: Following

at Moxie Studios in Dublin 8

The Contemporary Craft Fair, in

the relocation of DESIGNYARD

5 minute walk from Blackhorse

association with the Devon Guild of

to Nassau St, we have a selection

Luas stop. Contact Bear

Craftsmen, has become one of the

of Wall Shelving Units, Plinths, and

on T: 087 6943188 or

largest and most prestigious shows

Filing Cabinets for sale. Suitable for

E: bear@mox.ie for prices

to be part of in the UK.

retail start up business or artist

and availability

The lively, festival atmosphere at

studio. Interested parties

The Contemporary Craft Fair has

should contact: Gerry Crosbie

built up a loyal following and we

on T: 086-8297276 or E: gerry@designyard.ie

Studio space in Art Gallery to rent, short term or long term, parking, privacy

Cromartie top loader kiln for sale 6cu.ft.capacity.

9 kw single and 3phase electric kiln

- Dungarvan, Co Waterford, at very reasonable rent. Contact T: 087 8557218

on-site educational programme includes demonstrations, workshops for all ages, master classes and lectures by some of the UK’s leading names. All set in a marquee village

and Safefire 3000 controller. € 600.

Dartmoor in South Devon with

Galway area. Contact Anne

Bridge Street, 97 Bridge

excellent transport links via road,

on T: 087-6305714

Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

train and air. Selected by an

invite submissions for a

independent panel of judges.

available over the next few months.

with lids and two or three

Subletting is also an option.

different types of clay which

Reasonable rent. Includes access

will have to be test fired to establish

to 12 cubic ft. kiln, computer,

which clay is which. Contact Hazel

broadband and excellent contacts

Cullen at M: 087 2464786

and networking opportunities.

For further information, contact Fiona Thornton on fionathornton2001@eircom.net

WANTED

or the studio on T: 042 935 1712

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

designer makers. Our additional

in idyllic parkland on the edge of

11 x 50 kgs tubs/barrels

E: Ann@designyard.ie

represent 160 of the UK’s finest

in good condition with kiln furniture

studio space that will be coming

Nassau St, Dublin 2.

Closing date for applications: 30th November 2008.

Cork Textile Conference 2009 ‘Transforming Textiles’ is a one-day conference with lecturers from Britain and Ireland’s leading contemporary textile artists.

For an application form contact:

Lectures, workshops and viewing

Nina Fox, project Manager,

of work. Venue: Coláiste Stiofán

The Contemporary Craft Fair,

Naofa, Tramore Road, Cork. Sat 7th

c/o The Devon Guild of

March 2009. Entrance fee: € 80.

Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey

For more information contact

Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF.

Carmel T: 086 6095656 or

T: 0044-1626 830612.

E: ctn@oceanfree.net

E: craftfair@craftsatboveytracey.co.uk www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk

WORKSHOPS /COURSES Information wanted: Parshell is the name of a

OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Halloween cross. I am looking for some information on a maker of such a cross and perhaps some

The Contemporary Craft

background on its heritage. Kevin

Fair, June 5 - 7 2009 Mill

Danaher has a book called The

Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon

Year in Ireland which references

In Association with The Devon Guild

the cross and festival and customs.

of Craftsmen. Call For Entries:

Contact: Stuart Marley

Applications are now being sought

www.realirish.com

from designer makers resident in

E: info@realirish.com

Britain and Ireland working to the highest standard in ceramics, glass,

Careers at DESIGNYARD Sales Advisor - Jewellery We are seeking candidates with a background in jewellery who have a minimum of one year’s experience working in a retail environment.

Applicants should be enthusiastic, committed, and self-motivated, with lots of initiative and enjoy working as part of a sales team. Good

Feltmaking and Embellishing Courses at Clasheen, Borris, Co. Carlow - 3 day rug making workshops with master Turkish felt maker Mehmet Girgic from 15th - 27th January 2009, check blog for exact dates and venues; 25th April 2009 'Felted Textures' with Sheila Smith and 26th April 2009 'Explore-Experiment-Embellish' with Sheila Smith. please contact Nicola asap to reserve your space,

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

20

Advertisements numbers are limited. Contact

the etched surface and manipulation

and 3D. For more information

gatehouse gallery,

W: www.clasheen.wordpress.com

of imagery with enamels will be

please see our website or contact

millmount craft centre,

E: clasheen@gmail.com

the main focus of this workshop.

sheila.ahern@ireland.com

drogheda, co. louth. Rachel

M: 087 2789740

All materials and light lunch will

Tinniswood and Mel Bradley are

be provided. Contact: see below

Felt Fantastic. Textile Workshops. Near Ballina, County Mayo. Come and be creative with textiles! Learn wet-felting, needle-felting and peg loom weaving in a purpose built studio at the foot of the Nephin Mountain with stunning views of Lough Conn.

A day's workshop costs € 60 and includes materials used and use of equipment. Bring a packed lunch and your imagination! Contact Clare Ballard T: 096 30836 E: clareballard@felt-fantastic.com

workshops. The workshops will take

Create your own work of art! - Mono printing from glass plates. Beginners Class €80.

Fri & Sat 6th/7th Feb 2009: Print

place in Mel Bradley studio at the

making with Marianne Heemskerk.

gatehouse in Drogheda. “Felted

Sat & Sun 7th/8th March 2009:

Jewellery”. At this 1-day

Sat.11th and Sun. 12th April 2009,

Precious Metal Clay with Maura

2-day course (10am-4.30pm each

workshop you will learn to make

Dickinson. Contact: Suzie

day). Using leaves, found objects and

felted jewellery. Design and create

Sullivan T: 098 21888 or

paper cuttings we will be composing

unique jewellery using wool fibres.

E: suzie@derryauncrafts.com

a picture on glass plates. These fun

Ideal for Christmas presents for

W: www.derryauncrafts.com

your friends or a treat for yourself.

images can be printed over again to

Christmas decorations and small gifts. Beginners Class € 150 Sat. 29th & Sun. 30th Nov. 2008

“Bracelets, Necklaces, Beads and lots

create interesting and unique paintings to be hung in your house, given as gifts or used in card making. Materials and light lunch will be provided. This course can also be adapted for children in the classroom.

W: www.felt-fantastic.com

Make your own glass

running the forthcoming textile

Derryaun Crafts Workshop.

For the above courses please contact Deirdre Rogers Contemporary Glass & Design, Monktown, Garlow Cross, Navan, Co. Meath T/F: 353 (0)46 9026610 M: 086 8117969 W: www.deirdrerogers.com

more Bits & Bobs” Saturday 6th 29 November (Saturday)

December 2008 10am-4.30pm

11am - 5.30pm. Batik

€75 including materials pack.

Techniques - Follow-on Course

Further information and booking

This is an advanced level workshop

form: Contact Mel Bradley

for participants with previous

T: 086-3712927

experience and practice in Batik.

E: melbradley@eircom.net

As well as learning new and

Places are limited so book early to

experimental techniques they will

avoid disappointment.

be also introduced to methods and materials used in AFRICAN BATIK. Tutor : Blaithin Quinn, Batik Artist, Co. Dublin € 95 (including all

2-day course (10am-4.30pm each

materials). Contact: see below

day). Participants will learn how to

30 November (Sunday)

These will be fused together in a

Feltmakers Ireland Workshops. We are delighted

kiln and finished with engraved or

to welcome German feltmaker Sigrid

sandblasted detail. These can be

Bannier to Ireland to give four

Experimental Techniques in Silk Papermaking This one-

hung from your tree, used as

one-day workshops. The workshops

day workshop is focusing on three

personalised swing tags or given as

"Painting with Silk" and "Felt

dimensional, textured works and

gifts. No glass making experience

Jewellery" are being held in Dublin

experimental materials and methods

necessary, just a little imagination

on the 22nd & 23rd November and

in Silk Papermaking - suitable for

in Killane, Co Wexford on the next

participants with experience

week-end 29th & 30th. Sigrid's visit

and/or some previous practice in

to Ireland has been supported by

papermaking. Tutor : Tunde Toth, Fibre

the Craft's Council's Network

Artist, Kozo Studio € 100 (including

Support Scheme. For more

all materials). Contact: see below

cut and shape colourful glass forms.

and lots of fun. All materials and light lunch will be provided.

Sandblasting as an art form.

Sat.21st - Sun. 22nd and Sat. 28th Feb 2009. 3-day course (10am4.30pm each day). Intermediate Class €200 (Basic design and glass skills are an advantage but not necessary). Participants will be using images or drawings with Adobe Photoshop. These will be converted into ‘resists’ for sandblasting onto glass. Using UV light the images will be applied to glass sheet and sandblasted. Experimentation with

11am - 5.30pm.

Hands on creative workshops in West Cork.

A chance to spend time with top professionals, learning arts or craft skills. A wide range of classes, courses and workshops, from single days to ongoing day/evening classes in a variety of locations in West Cork.

For further information contact W: www.handsonwestcork.com

CRAFT FAIRS/ STANDS AVAILABLE

information contact Holly Angle at hollyangle1@eircom.net or

7 December (Sunday)

you will find more information

11am - 5.30pm Textile Art

on www.feltmakersireland.com

with Caroline Schofield.

Our annual, and very popular, "Basic & Beyond" workshop is taking place on Saturday January 24th 2009 in Lucan in Dublin. Participants will learn the principles of Feltmaking, exploring surface decoration, texture, nuno

One-day workshop €95.

For all of the above courses contact: tundetune@gmail.com or www.kozogallery.com

Christmas Art & Craft Fair, Summerhill, Co. Meath. Sunday 30th November, 12-6pm. Admission free.

In Aid of Chernobyl Children’s Trust, Boyne Valley Group. Exhibitors please contact Bernadette on T: 086-8576207

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

21

The Bridge Complex hosts its annual "Winter Wonderland Art and Craft

Advertisements TRAINING & COURSES

Fair" for the 4th year running. It's being held in the courthouse in

Certified or Uncerted stones.

Full GIA pricelist available. Located in Dublin 2. All enquiries welcome, call Ann Marie T: 085 1001170 or E: annmarie@aresdiamonds.com

Sixmilebridge Sat 29th Nov. and Sun 30th Nov.10:30-6pm. It's a lovely intimate event with only 15 indoor and 10 outdoor stalls. With a dedicated portrait studio and winter wonderland themed decorations, it is a well-sponsored local event with a door prize worth over €300. Stall charges for the weekend are: indoor €80, outdoor €60. For further info contact Lisa on Mobile: 086 811 8819, lisa@queen.ie or by post to The Bridge Complex, The Old Courthouse, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.

Dublin City Enterprise Board offers courses and training modules that are run by professional trainers and supported by FAS, the state training agency. As a result we can offer high quality business training at surprisingly low cost. In today’s information driven economy, training to acquire the necessary business knowledge can make the vital difference between success and failure. Our training venues are the National College of Ireland, I.F.S.C., Dublin 1 and Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8. Book today at www.dceb.ie/onlinebooking

Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair 30 November in Clane, Co. Kildare and on 14 December in Celbridge Co. Kildare. Cost of stand €60 each date. Contact Elisabetta on T: 086-8215794 or E: elisabettaravarino@gmail.com

The Irish National Hunt Festival which takes place

Tourism Learning Networks - a unique and flexible learning networking initiative. You choose from a wide range of programme topics and we provide support through mentoring and providing access to information and web based e-Learning. For further information T: 01 884 7771 E: tourismtraining@failteireland.ie

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Web Design You value your craft.

Let us design a website for you that represents your skill at its best. Visit our site www.mckeedesign.co.uk http://www.mckeedesign.co.uk for samples of work we have done for other artists/designer/makers.

For further information contact: T +44(0) 28 9756 5681 or E: graphics@mckeedesign.co.uk

Are you happy with your Trade Show Displays? Maybe we can help. Full design/print/installation service. Competitive rates.

Contact Tom at T. 056 7728797 E. info@dynamite.ie

MISC

from 28th April - 2nd May 2009 is a mixture of top class racing coupled with an unparalleled buzz that draws crowds in their tens

SUPPLIERS

of thousands per day from Ireland, the UK and beyond. We invite you to exhibit at this unique event which gives you the perfect opportunity to both sell and market products to a broad range of target clientele. Early booking is essential. For further details contact: Jessica Collins, Trade Stand Co-ordinator, punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co. Kildare T: 045 897704 E: jcollins@punchestown.com

Fibres for spinning and felt making. Top quality silk and wool tops, Gaywool dyes perfect for dyeing wool and silk. Ashford Weaving and spinning equipment and lots more. For personal service and expert advice phone Suzie Sullivan T: 098 21888 E. suzie@derryauncrafts.com W. www.derryauncrafts.com

W: www.punchestown.com

Ares Diamonds, Diamond Merchants, Loose Diamonds GIA

Opportunity to acquire leasehold of craft unit in Dublin 2 landmark building. C. 436 sq.ft., rent/rates/ service charge @ €5800 p/a, 24 hour security, car park space etc.

Craft/Design Businesses only need apply. P.O.A. For further info contact E: studiodublin@gmail.com

Workshop space/ accommodation for rent with adjoining cottage available for rent in rural east Limerick. Suitable for Artist/Craftsperson seeking peace and seclusion. For further information contact Johanna Wollen T: 062 78258 M: 086 232 8586

DESIGNYARD CHRISTMAS SHOW GETS UNDERWAY DESIGNYARD will showcase the latest creations from many of Ireland’s top applied artists and jewellers in a special Christmas Show that will open on November 15th and run to Christmas Eve. The collection will include sculpture; wood; glass; ceramics and framed pieces and will feature jewellery from top Irish and European designers who work in platinum, gold, diamonds, pearls and coloured gemstones. The gallery will also showcase some of the most impressive and prestigious works of British and Irish silversmiths, whose works have been selected for the permanent collection at the Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, a company internationally recognised as possessing one of the finest collections of silver.

Further information contact: Ann Sevastopulo, DESIGNYARD 48-49 Nassau St., Dublin.

W: www.designyard.ie T: 01 4741011

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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Exhibition Snapshots - NCG

BREAKING OUT AT THE NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY

Stephen Mar tin (craftmaker) and family

Gerry Crosbie, Director of Designyard, Dublin

Aaron Kearney (craftmaker) and friends

Sabrina Meyns (craftmaker)

Nicola Brown (craftmaker) and friend

Maggie Cashman (craftmaker) and friend

Nicola Farrell (craftmaker)

Catherine Keenan (craftmaker) and family

Claire McAllister (craftmaker)

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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National Craft Gallery - News

National Craft Gallery Selected to Showcase Irish Craft at Collect 2009, London The Crafts Council of Ireland is very pleased to announce that, after a rigorous selection procedure, the National Craft Gallery will be one of the participating galleries at Collect 2009. This is the first time the National Craft Gallery will have a presence at this highly prestigious collectors’ event.

Collect is the only Art Fair in Europe for contemporary objects and showcases the very best in decorative and fine arts. The stature of this event has been growing steadily and reflecting this, Collect will be moving to a new venue, the Saatchi Gallery, in 2009. A strong Irish presence at Collect, among the forty or so galleries from around the world, highlights the fact that Irish makers are operating at the highest level in contemporary applied arts. Building on the success of a three-year presence at SOFA, Chicago, this is a significant and exciting

development for Irish makers. It is hoped that this presence will continue to grow over the next few years.

The Crafts Council of Ireland extends its congratulations to the selected makers: Corm ac Boy dell , Joe Hogan , Cara Murphy , Angela O’Kelly , Liz Nils s on .

The National Craft Gallery’s presence at Collect will be curated by Brian Kennedy.

Ceramics by Cormac Boydell

Basket by Joe Hogan

RDS National Craft Exhibition at the National Craft Gallery Prizewinners from the RDS National Crafts Competition 2008 were showcased in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space during the month of October RDS National Crafts Competition Prizewinners represent a wonderful snapshot of craft practice in Ireland. As such it attracts much attention from both second and third level students with many school groups visiting the gallery.

The Competition celebrates its 40th birthday year. The exhibition also celebrated the first year of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s involvement as key partner and sponsor of the Competition.

Chair by Thomas Kay

Featuring work from a wide range of disciplines, including calligraphy, ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, metalwork, felting and quilting, prizes were awarded for a total of 21 different categories. Prize-winners included those just starting out on a career such as jewellery designer/maker David McCaul, and those who have garnered international recognition for their work, such as basket maker Joe Hogan. Materials were traditional or modern - Beth Moran won first prize in the Weaving Category for her tailored coat of handwoven silk - while Rachel McKnight’s polypropylene neckpiece was a winner in the Jewellery: Alternative Materials category.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

Upcoming Exhibitions - National Craft Gallery

BREAKING OUT at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny

runs until 31st January 2008

The Crafts Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space recently opened its doors to some of our most promising young artists.The packed exhibition was opened

by Gerry Crosbie, the Managing Director of Designyard in Dublin, who shared stories of his own entrepreneurial beginnings and offered encouragement and advice to the exhibitors as they prepare to launch themselves into their new careers.

Kevin Callaghan (craftmaker)

Adele Stanley (craftmaker)

Curator Ann Mulrooney selected 30 artists for the show. A wide array of disciplines are represented and it includes makers who have come to a career in craft through various routes. “I was looking for technical ability, skill, a mastery of materials, innovation and consistency. I was also looking for what can best be described as a ‘spark’. It’s difficult to define but it’s that instantly recognizable quality that marks an artist out as special.”

Other selected artists include Natasha Rollinson, a jewellery graduate from the University of Ulster and Anthony O’Connor who studied Ceramics, Glass and Metalwork at NCAD and is now working in 3-D modelling. Kevin Callaghan is another young artist exhibiting. A recent graduate of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Ceramic

Design and Skills Course, his red terracotta pieces are brought to life with strong, gestural brushstrokes.

The Crafts Council of Ireland is dedicated to supporting and nurturing emerging talent and this year saw the introduction of a new partnership award - the Crafts Council of Ireland/Iris h Arts Review Em erging Maker Aw ard . On the opening night,

Nuala O’Donovan was announced the winner of this inaugural Award. For further information see page 4. A recent MA graduate of the Crawford College of Art, Nuala makes complex and delicate work in porcelain based on growth patterns in nature. Her prize includes a feature in the Autumn edition of the Irish Arts Review, which has an international readership of 45,000, plus a cash prize of €5000.

For further inform ation on the National Craft Gallery: T: 056 7761804 E: ncgpress@ccoi.ie W: www.ccoi.ie The National Craft Gallery opening tim es are: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 6pm

FOR NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY NEWS TURN TO PAGE 23

About the Crafts Council of Ireland The Crafts Council of Ireland (CcoI) is the main champion of the craft industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its uniqueidentity and stimulating quality, design, innovation and competitiveness.

CCoI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.

All notices and advertisements are published in Stopress for general information purposes only, at the

risk of the advertiser and at the discretion of the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI). CCoI make no representations or warranties about any of the information contained in any notice or advertisement and accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in a notice or advertisement.

Advertisements in Stopress do not indicate endorsement by CCoI. It is the responsibility of the reader to check that goods and services are described fully and accurately.

CCoI expressly excludes liability for direct or indirect consequential loss or damage which may arise in respect of Stopress or purchase of the goods and services. CCoI

does not accept any responsibility for or necessarily endorse the views expressed by third party contributors to Stopress.

The copydate for the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Stopress is 15th December 2008. publication date is 15th January 2009.

All copyright, database rights, trade mark design rights and any other intellectual property rights whatsoever in Stopress are, owned by and the property of CCoI.

Advertising in Stopress is free and is welcomed. Submissions for articles from craftspeople and those interested in craft are also always welcome. please contact:

Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

Stopress, Crafts Council of Ireland t. 056 7761804 e:stopress@ccoi.ie

t: 353 56 7761804 f: 353 56 7763754 e: info@ccoi.ie www.ccoi.ie

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this Stopress, the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors or omissions

newsletter design: dynamite

Celebrating a new generation of talented and innnovative artists. Breaking Out showcases beautiful work from emerging makers of all disciplines. If you have not seen this show yet, this is one not to be missed.

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