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Potter's Choice The Gallery in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre hosted "The Potter's Choice" from early March to late April. The exhibition was based on the private collections of thirteen well-known Irish potters and featured the work of distinguished international potters including Lucy Rie; Angus Suttie: Ewen Henderson (whose work is now regularly auctioned through Christies) and the late Japanese potter, Hamada, whose well- documented pots have been the source of inspiration to potters all over the world. The inspiration for this exhibition came from a conversation between Christine Ross and Kilmacanogue potter, Geoffrey Healy over a year ago when Geoffrey suggested that a look at the private collections of potters would give a fascinating insight into their own work as contemporary Irish ceramists.
The exhibition, which was curated by Peter Lamb proved very popular with both press and public alike. " while the exhibition does not claim to be even remotely a survey of recent or contemporary ceramic work, it does cover a great deal of ground. There are austere, elegant pieces of the type you tend to associate with Scandinavia, intimate, sensitive domestic work, florid and ornamental items, which almost exude mannerism, and also well - made, sincere pieces of the type which any collector would be glad to own" , said Brian Fallon, in a review of the Exhibition in the Irish Times.
Horse and Rider by Barry O'Brien
Exploring The Lathe The Crafts Council of Ireland is hosting "Exploring the Lathe" at the Crafts Council Gallery, Powerscourt Townhouse from 1 lth May 24th June. Exploring The Lathe focuses on how a variety of designers and craftsmakers have related the varied techniques of lathe turning to their creative thinking and activities. The exhibition includes furniture, various kitchen vessels, jewellery and accessories, presentation trophies and, incredibly, a design for a mountaineers match box container in turned brass!
Frances Davis - hand-bag in brass, black nylon and perspex.
I Crafts Council Exhibitions Focus On Floors Ann Sutton, English textile designer and weaver; Tony Dickson, managing director of V Soske Joyce: architect Sam Stephenson, and Peta Levi, design correspondent for Cassa Vogue Milan were amongst those who addressed the " Focus on Floors " conference held in Blackrock over the weekend of 25th & 26th March. Organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland, it brought together weavers, interior designers, architects and corporate manufacturers. A Workshop on different aspects of weaving and rug making continued right through the week. "While floor covering is often the last interior design feature to be chosen for a room, it is a crucial element in the human interaction with the space, the sense of balance and the general aesthestic of the room," said Ann Sutton, who has written a number of books on the subject.
Tony Dickson of V'Soske Joyce told the conference that modern design will overtake traditional geometric and floral patterns in Ireland in the next ten years. He added that wall hangings, which have been neglected in the past, will undergo a huge explosion of interest in years to come. He predicted that people will put a more daring design and colour scheme on the wall than they will on the floor. Sam Stephenson complimented the enormous design talent emerging in Ireland in the past ten years and said that standards of taste and visual appreciation had also improved. Peta Levi spoke about the interest in individually designed floors, "Lino used to be plain and dull, but now there is a wonderful variety of designs. Carpet tiles have computer injected dye and lino is being cut with lazers, " she said. She added that in England even the local authorities were showing an appreciation of interesting floor coverings for public space.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION
Cabinetmaking iAMES SMITH
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Organic Surfaces: The Crafts Council wishes to hold an exhibition of work open to makers in all areas of crafts from 6th July 9th Sept. The exhibition will concentrate on work where the main focus of attention in the making has been given to the surface of the work. By "organic surfaces" the Council means: 1.
surfaces that are built up so that they take on an organic way of growth, for example, the way in which a fibre artist might collage together different elements to build up an interesting surface;
2.
surfaces that seek to reproduce the organic patterns found in nature through controlled use of particular techniques;
3.
surfaces that occur due to the use of techniques that don't produce predictable results but depend on a master technique to control what happens within a range of possibilities, for example, oxidisation.
If you are interested in taking part in the exhibition, please notify the Crafts Council Gallery as soon as possible with an indication of the type of work you intend to submit. Your contact is Catherine Jordan at ( 0 1 ) 6 7 9 7 368.
The Crafts Council are happy to be associated with Connemara West at anytime but especially now as two Letterfrack students have won prizes in the Cabinetmaking section of the National Apprenticeship Competition. Jim Smith (pictured) came first and Oliver Gibson came third. Congratulations to both. The Crafts Council of Ireland provided some funding for the Letterfrack College in the past. During a recent visit there Chairman Cyril Forbes progressed talks with Kieran O'Donoghue on a future joint venture. Watch this space
I Crafts Council Announcements EUROVISION TROPHY The Crafts Council is delighted to announce that the trophy for this year's Eurovision will be commissioned by the Council. The trophy will be executed by silversmith Kevin O' Dwyer and glass blower Jim Griffiths, both from Dublin, assisted by Michael McCrory at the University of Ulster. Announcing RTE's decision, the Chairman, Mr Cyril Forbes said that he was confident such exposure for excellent Irish craft work would boost the Council's world wide marketing effort. " W e are delighted to have this opportunity to work with RTE in putting the best of Irish craft before the world. W e are confident that this kind of exposure on Eurovision will be extremely beneficial to our members and enable them to reach a wider audience and help them sell their work." So don't forget to tune in to RTE on the night of Eurovision to see the Crafts Council commissioned trophy.
New Referral Service at shop With regard to Special Commissions, the Council Shop will initiate a Referral Service as soon as possible. This will be of particular interest to furniture-makers, tapestry weavers, one-off ceramic artists, jewellers, or anyone who does a lot of commission work. In order to run this effectively, Hilary Morley needs a comprehensive display of these makers' portfolios. The Council will house these in a special library and show them to prospective clients. Once a client has chosen a maker, Hilary will phone that maker with their details and follow-up at a later date to see if an order has materialised. A Council referral fee of up to 10% will be negotiated.
Kevin O'Dwyer pictured in his studio.
The gallery would welcome input from makers at any time and looks forward to receiving portfolios. It should be A4 size and contain a good selection of photographs showing a diversity of work. It is important to remember that on occasion portfolios will be the only representation of a craftspersons work the Council may have.
CERAMICS WORKSHOP for Professional makers will be taking place in the near future. All involved will be contacted directly from Kilkenny.
CONGRATULATIONS to Bernie Me Coy Knitwear who was the South East Regional winner of the "Young Business Woman Award" sponsored by the Irish Permanent Building Society and organised by the Business and Professional Womens' Club.
"Budget 1995 Implications For Small Crafts Industry Enterprises". Notes prepared by Craig Gardner & Co. Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland. Please See Insert
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World Christmas Exhibition Rome 1995 Natale nel Mondo - National and other European Union countries Handicraft Show to be held in Rome. The price of the stands per square metre is 220.000 lire. For further information contact:- Myles Tierney Tel. 01-6760835 Fax 016760712.
Conservation Workshops at Drimnagh Castle. One day, on site, covering stone masonry, stone conservation, thatching and window repair. For further information contact :Conservation Workshops Drimnagh Castle Restoration Project, Long Mile Road, Dublin 12 Tel. 014502530.
Hibernia:Niall Fallon plans to open a second store in Atlanta Georgia in June. Atlanta will present a large metropolitan market and a sophisticated public accustomed to high quality crafts. It is hoped to bring over a great amount of gallery quality work. This should provide an excellent location for Irish
The Management Committee 1995 Chair Mr. Cyril Forbes Vice Chair Ms. Hilary Pratt Mr. Ed Kevin Ms. Suzanne May Mr. Michael McCrory Mr. Rudolf Heltzel Dr. David Shaw-Smith Ms. Breda Haugh Mr. Knut Klimmek Mr. David Hargaden Mr. Brendan Flood Mr. Neil Read Ms. Kaethe Burt-O'Dea Ms. Mary Jackson Ms. Bernadette Madden
Craftspeople to gain exposure to a major USA market. For further information contact :Niall Fallon 363 - 12 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233 Tel. (904)249-7321 Fax (904) 241-4789.
Violin Making Course (3rd - 14th July) and (17th - 28th July) under the guidance of William D Patterson. Contact John Roche, Meitheal Charman Workshop, Foresters Hall, Church Lane, Wexford. Tel. 053-44105 Fax 053-23765.
Jewellery Summer Courses Summer Courses : Arts Break week-ends at Annesbrook, Duleek, Co. Meath including landscape painting in oil, screen painting, woodcarvings, pottery and fabric screen printing. Contact Kate Sweetman, Annesbrook, Duleek, Co. Meath Tel. 041-23293 Fax 041-23024.
Glencairn Pottery Tallow,
with Cormac Cuffe at Shandon Cottage, Monkstown Road, Co. Dublin. Training at all levels and in various aspects of design. Contact 01-2846037.
Mayo Potters Association invites you to a Raymond Kinghan Raku weekend in Foxford, Co. Mayo on the weekend of 27th, 28th May. All are welcome. Bring along pots for firing. For further information call (094) 56641 between 10am - 6pm.
Co. Waterford - Summer and Short Courses. Mainly wheel based and including food & accommodation. Contact Marcus O' Mahony, Glencairn Pottery, Tallow, Co. Waterford Tel. 058-56694.
Crafts Council Staff
The Crafts Council of Ireland
Dublin
Dublin
Christine Ross Chief Executive Craft Development Consultant Sean O'Farrell Administrative Officer Margaret Jones Telephonist/Receptionist Susan Byrne/ Exhibitions Assistant Retail Manager Shop Assistant (PT)
Michelle French Catherine Jordan Hilary Morley Sally Dunne
The Crescent Workshop Training and Education Officer Leslie Reed Supervisor/Information Officer Emer Ferran Administrative Assistant Nuala McGrath
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre South William Street, Dublin 2 Tel. Fax.
0 1 6 7 9 7368 01 679 9197
Kilkenny The Crescent Workshop, Castle Yard Kilkenny
Thomastown Pottery Skills Course Trainer Gus Mabelson
Tel. 056 61 804 or 62734 Fax. 056 63754
Jewellery Design and Production Skills Course Trainer Jane Huston CAD/CAM Training for the Irish Knitwear Industry Coordinator Julie Griffith
All information is published in good faith but without research, so please check carefully before committing yourself to work or financial outlay Please forward all information to Nuala McGrath. The copy date for the next issue is 9th June. The Print date is 16th June