The Crafts Council of Ireland Issue no.2
The fourteen designer jewellers who travelled to Canada to take part in the business programme have now returned inspired and enlightened. (This venture has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland and co-ordinated by Craftworks, the Northern Crafts development agency.) Here follow the impressions of Therese Perrott, one of the programme participants. "Having been one of the fortunate 14 jewellers selected for the 'Canada Project1 organised by Craftworks, I set off in trepidation of the 'New World', leaving behind my small homely studio in the country. Comparing our differences was as interesting for us as seeing our similarities, the most obvious difference being the initial shock of going to work in an unmarked/clinically clean, neat and quiet workshop on the 7th floor of a bank (for security) with a view of the beautiful Vancouver and the magnificent mountainous backdrop." "Initially time was spent adjusting to their ways and means by making their designs to their stipulations. The most common technical difference is the use of 'propane gas' and their commitment to alloying their own metals. I was given more free rein after a few weeks to indulge in some of my own experimentation. -5
r urniture Design & Making The course in furniture making in Letterfrack, County Galway, has already achieved a high reputation in its short lifetime. That it is possible to achieve a good design and technical standard on a two year course, that it is geographically isolated within Ireland let alone Europe, is both remarkable and heartening. Heartening because it is an argument for the devolution of high quality training to rural areas, where its very existence is a contribution and a cause for pride in the local community. The following photograph was taken at the graduating show in May. The Mirrors Project, demonstrating carving, veneering and guilding techniques will be shown in the Crafts Council Gallery Showcase later this year.
One common difference we all found with the Vancouver goldsmiths was their easy-goingness, even under pressure at the bench they would never let it get to them and would always make time to stop for their morning coffee and 'Blueberry Muffin'! This was an experience of a life-time and I am indebted to 'Craftworks 1 for the important opportunity of extending my expertise and widening my horizon. Now that we are an 'open market' maybe it'll be easier for other organisations to do the same in all fields so we may all broaden each other's horizons. More of it!" The Crafts Council believe that this will be a seminal event in the development of Irish jewellery in the 90's.
Joseph Shanahan (Joe) An Appreciation
X oung Entrepreneurs at Work
Joseph Shanahan died peacefully on the seventh of March 1992, in his native Carrick-on-Suir, County Waterford where he was born in 1928. A sad day for his family and many, many friends.
Many young craftworkers have developed design concepts whilst at college or serving an apprenticeship. These they have nurtured into a commercial business, some of whom have recently exhibited at 'Bright Young Things' at the HQ Gallery. The result has been the establishment of many varied and exciting businesses in a range of disciplines ranging from printed textiles to wrought iron and from decorative ceramic containers to tufted rugs. They have followed many varied routes to setting up in business. Some of them having developed their Business/Design Skills at the Crescent Workshop, others have sought advice from the Craft Development Officer at the Crafts Council of Ireland, and others solely by their own efforts. The I.D.A., through the Employment Grant, plays a significant role as a catalyst in making these businesses possibilities a reality. All of them share a vision of creativity and flair, portrayed in the images that follow.
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Joe was a kind and generous man with a deep love and pride in his craft, that of basket-making. A batchelor, he had a natural concern that his venerable craft should continue and flourish. In more recent years he made it his business to take on and train a number of apprentices who benefitted greatly from his skill and considerable knowledge. Joe's success as craftsman and businessman was largely due to his intelligence, adaptability, and his ability to bounce back from adversity. He made a huge range of baskets from herring crans to picnic hampers, even balloon baskets, all executed with skill and attention to detail. It was fitting that the worth of this fine craftsman was recognised within his lifetime. On behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland, we extend our sympathy to his sisters Noreen and Kitty and wish them well.
David Shaw-Smith
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Irish Craftwork in Germany As part of the programme to investigate the potential for Irish craftwork in Germany, the Crafts Council and Craftworks from the North (operating as Irish Crafts International), took a stand at the 'Handwerksmesse' Trade Fair in Cologne, in June. The work was focussed on products for domestic interiors, plus some jewellery in non-precious metals. There were 26 makers in all - 16 from the
South and 12 from the North. The response from German buyers and from the public was very positive: orders were taken, good contacts made and much valuable market research gained. The Crafts Council and Craftworks will shortly be deciding the next steps to be taken. This initiative is supported by the International Fund for Ireland, An Bord Trachtala and L.E.D.U.
alendar of Events Seminars Craftworks During July, August and September A series of one day seminars covering areas including: Effective selling skills; Pricing your product; Understanding accounts and basic book keeping. For further information contact: Ms. Patricia Flanagan, Craftworks, 13 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8AA Tel 0232 236344 Irish Wood Turners' Guild Seminar'92 22 - 23 August Held at Dublin University, Glasnevin, Dublin. Fee ÂŁ85. For further information contact: Tom Dunlop, Shanborough Upper, Co. kilkenny. Tel 051 21032 World Wood Turning Conference 21 - 2 5 April 1993
Co-sponsored by the Wood Turning Centre and the tlagley Museum and Library Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. The centre recently wrote to its members enclosing Pre-registration forms and a call for Proposals for the programme. Anyone else interested should contact: Albert Le Coff, Wood Turning Centre, P.O. Box 25706, Philadelphia PA. 19144 Tel 215 844 2188 Fax 215 844 6116
Free Business Advice for Young Craftworkers Saturday 26 September A one day seminar to be held at the Crescent Kilkenny. For further information contact: Emer Ferran, The Crescent Workshop Tel 056 61804 or 62734 Fax 056 63754
Workshop,
An Bord Trachtala/lrish Trade Board Workshops 'Are you prepared to answer all those questions from buyers?' In September 1992 Bord Trachtala will organise a series of evening workshops focusing on the operational aspects of developing business: -tariff codes -taxes/duties -documentation -pricing -terms of trade -methods of payment -insurance -shipping These workshops will be held in venues around the country in September 1992 and you are invited to participate. All participants in SHOWCASE 1993 will automatically receive further details. If you are not participating in SHOWCASE and wish to receive further details send your name and address to your local Bord Trachtala Regional Office (Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Sligo).
European Artists' Pepinieres Set up by the 'Pepinieres Europeennes pour Jeunes Artistes', a non-profit making organisation in Paris. This programme is designed to: Host artists in 1993 (3 to 9 months); Produce arts projects; Encourage mobility in Europe. By supporting creativity (grants), it enables artists to: Achieve professional recognition; Produce and distribute art works; Meet, exchange and share experiences. The main conditions of entry are the following: Applicants must - Be between 20 and 30; Reside in a country hosting a Pepiniere; Apply for a residency outside of the country of origin or residence; Submit an application; Enclose accompanying documents. There are two selections: A National Jury in October 1992 and an International Jury in December 1992 If you require any further information, please contact the National Correspondent for Ireland: Peter Murray, The Crawford Municipal Gallery, Emmet Place, Cork. Tel 021 273377 Exhibition Cormac Boydell 15 July - 22 August, 10 am - 6 pm daily The Achiles based artist working in clay and natural media will be exhibiting at the Templebar Gallery in Dublin. The exhibition will take the form of an installation of soils, stones and plants from the Irish countryside and clay sculptures. These sculptures have been made and fired in the Arts Council funded National Sculpture Factory in Cork.
•Not the 9 O "Clock News' 16 July-29 August This group show will concentrate on large scale work, whose imaginative scope should reflect the breadth of interest of the Irish crafts. Crafted in Europe 6 - 8 September The Crafts Council of Ireland has been informed by Euro Fairs that they have transferred their interest in 'Crafted in Europe' to T.P.S. Eagle Exhibitions Ltd. organisers of the Birmingham International Spring Fair and the Capital Gift Fair at London Olympia. For further information contact: Ms. Sally Butler or Mr. Alan Murphy, 6 Warren Lane, London SE 18 6BW Tel 00 44 81 855 92011 Fax 00 44 81 3162723 Craftworkers Sought for 1993 Mountmellick Development Association Ltd. 3000 sq.feet, studios designed to suit individual craftworkers. For further information or viewing contact: Mary Mulvey, Project Manager Tel 0502 24525 Studio Space Available Would suit pottery business or a group of potters For further information contact: Gordon Parker, Warehouse Studio, 12 Magennis Place, Dublin 2. Tel 01 719399
Crafts Council of Ireland HQ For sale Leslie Reed Pottery Showcase 27 June - 25 July An exhibition of teapots, cups and saucers, mugs and creamers for the "Irish Tea Ceremony", by the Craft Council's Training and Education Officer.
Glimakra standard counter marche loom, 8 shaft, as new for ÂŁ1300 or nearest offer. Tel 021 541791 9am -10 am daily
All information is published in good faith but without research, so please check carefully before committing yourself to work or financial outlay The inclusion of relevant information has been affected by the An Post dispute Please forward all further information to Emer Ferran The copy date for the next issue is 15 August and the print date is 31 August 1992
rafts Council Staff HQ Chief Executive Christine Ross Craft Development officer Sean O'Farrell Receptionist/Typist Clare Brennan Administrative Officer Margaret Jones Gallery Administrator Margaret McAnallen Exhibitions Officer Greg McAteer Gallery Assistants Deirdre Barry
The Crescent Workshop Leslie Reed Education and Training Officer Emer Ferran Supervisor/Information Officer Nuala McGrath Administrative Assistant Thomastown Pottery Skills Course Gus Mabelson
Trainer
Siobhan McDonald
The Crafts Council of Ireland Designed in the Crescent Workshop by Mairead Brennan
Dublin HQ Gallery Powerscourt Townhouse Centre South William Street, Dublin 2 Tel 01 679 7383 or 679 7368
Fax 01 679 9197
Kilkenny The Crescent Workshop Castle Yard Kilkenny
Tel 056 61804 or 62734 Fax 056 63754