C O N T E M P O R A RY CRAFT LISA-MARIE TANN
The skinny: Handmade ceramic artwork based on the surrounding landscapes. What’s new? “A range of white textured clay vessels (I have previously been using black clay),” says Lisa-Marie, “inspired by the coastlines of South Wales.” Describe your style: “Experimental, unpredictable, textured and tactile.” Signature piece? “A large framed ceramic wall panel, literally named ‘Signature’, featuring water reflections of Cardiff Bay. Fun fact: “I have to share my studio (a triple garage) with 10 bikes, two surfboards and a 1971 VW campervan!” lisa-marietann.co.uk
LOUISE HALL CERAMICS
The skinny: Functional and non-functional ceramics for the home, made from porcelain and textured with lace or wallpaper. Describe your style: “Colourful, feminine and detailed,” says Louise. Signature piece? “Something bashed! A piece that has been ‘hit’ or manipulated – people often remark on how ‘un-porcelain’ my work seems.” Fun fact: “I made over 50 porcelain cheese graters for my degree – we’re still finding a few in boxes now.” louisehallceramics.com
THE POCKET PIRATE
The skinny: Designer-maker Alys Wall, based at The Printhaus in Canton. She uses materials such as reclaimed fabric and leather to make bespoke accessories such as handbags, purses, wallets, cushions and badges. The beginning: “The Pocket Pirate grew out of a sad black bag of rescued fabric samples and leather swatches,” says Alys. “Each piece was crying out to be remade into something beautiful.” Describe your style: “A joyful reincarnation of the disregarded or half-forgotten.” What’s new? “My messenger handbag – it has a bigger capacity for those of us who have more must-haves to carry!” Signature piece? “I don’t really have one, but I can’t resist a surprise pop of colour, often inside a pocket or a bag interior. I also love to rescue distinctive buttons from forgotten tins – their dented edges and polished faces hold quiet echoes of past lives.” Fun fact: “I live on a boat!” thepocketpirate.com
THE PRINTHAUS
The skinny: “We provide access to one of the largest screen print workshops in the city, artists’ studios, an events space, and workshops,” says Jude Lau, co-founder of The Printhaus. Signature pieces? “T-shirts and tote bags, just because they’re what we’re asked for most.” What’s new? “Our new member, screen printer Shaun James, a practising artist who only 24 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Textile artist, designer and maker, Claire Cawte
Tree spirit: Emily England’s intricate papercut art