A maker a day: Steven Murphy

“Movement, Geometry, Growth three things essential to life and three of my biggest influences.” Inspired by the world around him Steven Murphy work’s these three elements into his chosen medium using a mix of traditional blacksmithing skills and modern metalworking techniques. Working with a variety of metals he produces a range of items from small table top pieces to large scale sculpture. Steven graduated from Hereford College of Arts in 2008 with a BA(hons) in Artist Blacksmithing and has recently opened his own business with the help of Craft NI’s making it programme.

http://www.cold-iron.co.uk/

A maker a day: Derek Wilson

-Derek Wilson makes a diverse range of contemporary ceramic objects, from the functional to the sculptural.  He draws inspiration upon a diverse range of sources from mid-century British Constructivism to the history of the ceramic industry in Europe and Asia.  He works in celadon glazed porcelain and stoneware and the objects, whether they are made to be used or not, tend to be placed in groupings – evoking communality and sociability.  He was recently represented at Collect, Saatchi Gallery, London by the Crafts Council of Ireland.

http://www.derekwilsonceramics.com/

A maker a day: Lesley Frew

-Lesley Frew creates contemporary jewellery using discarded plastic bags. She is interested in ethical and sustainable making, selecting raw materials that would be destined for landfill and transforming them. Through a number of processes that include layering, heat bonding, cutting, folding and handstitching, the bags are transformed into a versatile material that is colourful, soft, lightweight and durable.  Innovative and contemporary, she enjoys giving a discarded material a new value and revealing its capacity for beauty.   She is the Resident Artist at the Ulster Museum through Craft NI’s Making It programme  and is a selected artist in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s 2011 Portfolio of makers.

http://www.laf-designs.com/

A maker a day: Gail Mahon

-Derry based artist and curator Gail Mahon creates ceramic and mixed media sculptures, installations and images. Her practise has evolved to exploring projective elements of human memory, stories and pathways exploring the boundaries of craft, sculpture installation and media experience with material and object.

She recently exhibited in International Ceramic Magazine Editors Association International Emerging Artist Competition, Fuping, China and is now part of their permanent collection

http://gailmahon.com

Pate de Verre – Glassmaking with Alison Lowry at Flowerfield

Pate de Verre – Glassmaking with Alison Lowry:

@ Flowerfield Arts Centre

Wednesday 17 August 2011

7.00-9.00pm, 

Cost £25 

Materials will be supplied

10 places only.

The workshop will last for 2 hours on the first night and will follow up with a second day [to be arranged] for divesting and collection of finished pieces.

Materials will be supplied and though some experience is useful it is not necessary for this workshop

To book  a place call:  028 7083 1400

A maker a day: Cara Murphy

-Cara Murphy uses traditional silversmithing techniques to address the concept of a silver landscape in the context of the table in order to challenge the boundaries of functional silver tableware.  She draws inspiration from the natural environment, giving the work a sculptural presence that seems to ‘grow’ from the table setting.  She has recently completed a commission for The Silver Trust to provide the first piece from Northern Ireland in its Downing Street Collection.

http://www.caramurphy.com/

A maker a day: Alison Fitzgerald

-Alison Fitzgerald fell in love with willow when she came to live in Ireland in 1980. A degree in botany enabled her to appreciate the many different varieties and she incorporates the subtle range of bark colours in her work. She is involved with all the processes of growing, cutting, grading and preparing the willow. Her baskets are robust and tactile using flowing curves and spiral weaving patterns, which give strength and rhythm. They have been widely exhibited in Ireland, the UK, Europe and America. 

http://greenwoodbaskets.co.uk/

A maker a day: Alison Lowry

-Alison Lowry is drawn to the endless sculptural possibilities that glass offers, and the diverse range of contradictions inherent within the material itself intrigue her. She juxtaposes this with an interest in textiles:

‘Fabric preserves the essence of its maker, with traces of the wearer becoming woven and entwined with the warp and weft, causing a physical object to become a vessel for memories.’

She was awarded first prize the ‘Bullseye Glass’ category of the Warm Glass Uk Prize 2011.

http://alisonlowry.co.uk/

A maker a day: Rachel McKnight

The main area of interest for Belfast based jeweller Rachel McKnight is in the properties of non-precious materials such as polypropylene, acrylic and nylon coated stainless steel; their tensile strengths, flexibility and translucency. From combinations of these materials she constructs necklaces, bangles, earrings and rings, each cut or punched from plastic sheet and assembled to form highly ornamental jewellery.  Rachel was in the first round of ‘Making It’, the Craft NI 2 year business support programme.  Since then she has seen her business and reputation grow, international exhibitions include SOFA Chicago and Origin, London.

http://www.rachelmcknight.com/

A maker a day: Frances Lambe

-Frances Lambe creates sculptural ceramic work which, although abstract, is rooted in the natural world. Simple curved and undulating forms explore shapes and structural growth patterns found in plants and animals. Her work is hand built using pinch, slab and coil building techniques. These slow processes allow for the organic evolution of new ideas. 

Recent exhibitions in 2010 include Collect, Saatchi Galleries, London, UK; Material Poetry, New York, USA, the European Ceramic Context 2010, Bornholm, Denmark and two person show at Galerie Hélène Porée, Paris, France, 2011.

She says; “ I hope that the inspiration, experience and concepts that have preoccupied me in the making of a piece, will resonate with some of the people who view and touch it.”

http://www.franceslambe.com/

A maker a day: John Piekaar

-John Piekaar designs and makes bespoke furniture working closely in the creative process with his clients.  Each piece is made by hand selecting from a range of high quality hardwoods.  His approach is to deliver contemporary design using traditional wood working techniques, to produce a fine piece of heirloom quality furniture.

In 2003, Piekaar received the top award, overall prize winner, at the National Crafts Competition, RDS for his piece, ‘Walnut Collectors Cabinet’


http://johnpiekaar.com

Filming makers commenced

On Friday, 15th July, we began filming a selection of makers:
Alison Fitzgerald: Basket Weaver
Stephen Farnan:  Potter
Steven Murphy:  Blacksmith

We will be continuing to film makers with the aim to show a variety of craft disciplines, with focus on tools, material, studio and the physical action of making.  We hope an interesting visual contrast will develop from studying different modes of making.

Film Preview:  11th August (launch evening)

'Throw Off'!!

It's been confirmed that resident potter at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Adam Frew, will have a 'throw off' with Benburb Priory potter Stephen Farnan.  Due to take place during the private view evening on 11th August, the two potters will be throwing pots side by side in the main exhibition area.  It will be quite a spectacle to see two of Northern Irelands most renowned potters making simultaneously and it's hard to imagine there won't be a competitive edge to the event! (in a congenial spirit of course!)

Private view evening

Kim Mawhinney, Head of Art at the Ulster Museum, will open the private view evening on 11th August.

Opening at Flowerield Arts Centre, Portstewart from 7pm and on until 9pm, there will be a wine reception and also a pottery 'throw off' between two prestigious makers.