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THE CRAFTS COUNCIL GETS FLOORED It would be true to say that Tony Dixon of carpet manufacturers V'Soske Joyce had no idea of what he was letting himself in for when he agreed to lecture at the Crafts Council's Focus on Floors workshop in March 1995. This seminar was held to examine trends past present and future - in design concepts for floors and the industry potential as a whole. Dixon was speaking on the important role of the artist in relation to the more functional aspects of manufacturing. The idea for the Focus on Floors exhibition came after one particular workshop. The Crafts Council had discussed the possibility of offering display space to those interested in interior projects, but why not commission a variety of artists to design carpets for exhibition with the Crafts Council at Showcase '96? Tony Dixon immediately rose to the challenge, pledging the sponsorship, service and expertise of his worldrenowned business in the hand making of six (and later twelve) full-scale designs. Dixon remembers: 'V'Soske Joyce has a tradition of working with Europe's leading artists. About 40% of our business is specialist work involving the designs of Phillip Starck, Ettorio Sottsas and Irish names such as Patrick Scott, Patricia Jorgensen and Mary Fitzgerald. Their input is so important to the personality of V'Soske Joyce,
but it is imperative to keep the flow of new talent constant, I thought the Focus on Floors project would be an especially good opportunity to encourage new artists into our field'. Dixon has had positive past experiences with exhibiting such specialist work; 'In 1990 we toured a show entitled 'Visions' from Brussels to Paris, London and Dublin. It was a showcase of the best in European artistic talent and provided marvellous business for all involved in the project... just as Focus on Floors will create opportunities for the participating designers. We've already had commissions for Patricia Murphy's work in addition to orders for her exhibited piece'. With industry support pledged, Craft's Council representative Kaethe BurtO'Dea got to work with an international panel of judges to choose designs from portfolios submitted by artists of diverse backgrounds and disciplines - tilers, potters, tapestry designers, illustrators, jewellers, weavers and paper sculptors. Only one of the selected crafts people had designed carpets before and a majority hadn't even worked with textiles. The designers behind Focus on Floors include the best of Ireland's contemporary crafts people: tapestry weaver Gillian Freedman; gold and silversmith Alan Ardiff; textile
Gillian Freedman Squares on a Light Coloured Ground
Gavin and Mary designers PPatricia < O'Rourke; ceramicist and sculptor Romy Gray; crafts designer Diane McCormick; graphic designer Sheila Naughton; architectural ceramicist Orla Kaminska; potter Mark English; artist Patricia Murphy; textiles technologist Kaethe Burt-O'Dea and graphic illustrator Nicola Emoe - the last six of which have attended Crafts Council design courses and workshops over the past decade.
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The completed exhibition, held in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre through April and May 1996, featured the dozen finished carpets displayed alongside each designer's inspirational material. Also on view were the inprogress sample designs which provided an insight to the work-inprogress liaison between creator and commercial manufacturer. Focus on Floors is a treat to the senses of both sight and touch. The hand-dyed wools show a variety and depth of colour that reflect the real beauty of this traditional industry, while the combined tufting techniques of sheering, looping and carving brought life, movement and an individual personality to each finished piece. 23 year-old potter Mark English was one of the younger participants. Mark's work features detailed pictures painted onto pottery and tiles. However, it was the intricate borders that surround his designs that secured his inclusion in the Focus on Floors project... with a twist. Rather than produce one full-size carpet, English has designed six borders for a variety of finished uses the trees, hearts, trellises, fruit and floral images lift spirits as they would coordinate the theme or palate of a particular environment. It is interesting to note that the 'inspirational' pottery pieces Mark made to accompany his display in the Crafts Council have completely sold out and are now being ordered on a commission basis! One of the particular challenges that faced the artists and designers was the surrendering of their uncompleted work to be finished by another crafts person. Weaver Gillian Freedman remembers this as one of the most difficult stages; 'The whole process was sensitively handled by V'Soske Joyce, and I developed a very close working
relationship with the manufacturers. We all received an initial sample of how our designs were progressing and I was delighted with mine. In producing the finished piece I think that the crafts people at V'Soske Joyce interpretedI m my ideas with real vision'. The experience has had effects on Freedman's work and style. Since completing the project, Gillian has started to work on a larger scale and has begun to use a tufting gun in her designs to vary the finished appearance of her usually knotted pieces. The importance and success of the Focus on Floors exhibition extends beyond the confines of the project; it is a flagship exercise and first step for the Crafts Council's longer-term vision of product development between designers and Irish industry. The converging of talent and trade has provided each participant with the knowledge and confidence to step beyond the confines of their specialised craft. It has extended their skills and encouraged many to maximise their talent by expanding into new artistic fields and commercial areas. In the current global market, inventive design is essential to compete on an international scale. And though it is now common practice to export production to increase quality or become cost effective, it is the initial product design which attracts customers. Therefore, a healthy relationship between artist and manufacturer is essential. Through Focus on Floors, the Crafts Council has provided twelve small businesses with an opportunity to test-market new products to trade and consumers at Showcase and the Crafts Council Gallery exhibition. The Crafts Council has also acted as mediator in establishing relationships between industry employer and artist - a function it is particularly keen on encouraging. Exhibitions such as this, which focus on product development, are more than just a display of interesting work, but an essential way for the crafts person to establish contacts and forge relationships within a highly competitive but very exciting industry.
manufacture a limited edition of each artist's carpet (up to 25 per design), for sale directly through the Crafts Council. It has been suggested that profits from these sales could be ploughed back into the exhibition, covering the inevitable costs of touring the show to the UK and beyond. This idea has met with staunch support from participating artists and exhibition organisers alike.
Regional Meetings Agenda & Schedule DUBLIN
Saturday, 25th May 1996
Dodder Room, RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea road entrance) 2.00pm
Showcase Issues (for Showcase exhibitors)
3.30pm
Coffee
4.00pm
Other Issues
DUNDALK
Saturday, 8th June 1996
Imperial Hotel, Park Street, Dundalk- 042 32241 2.00pm
Showcase Issues (for Showcase exhibitors)
3.30pm
Coffee
4.00pm
Other Issues
CORK
Saturday, 15th June 1996
O 1 Donovan's Hotel, Pearse Street, Cionakilty, Cork Phone: 0 2 3 33250 2.00pm
Showcase Issues (for Showcase exhibitors)
3.30pm
Coffee
4.00pm
Other Issues
YET TO COME GALWAY Saturday, 29th June 1996 Flannery's Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway Phone: 091 755111 2.00pm
Showcase Issues (for Showcase exhibitors)
3.30pm
Coffee
4.00pm
Other Issues
SLIGO
Sunday, 30th June 1996
Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo - Phone:071 60291 2.00pm
Showcase Issues (for Showcase
exhibitors) 3.30pm
Coffee
4.00pm
Other Issues
KILKENNY
Saturday, 6th July 1996
Butler House, Kilkenny In order to see the project through to its commercial end, V'Soske Joyce will
2.00pm
Showcase Issues (for Showcase exhibitors)
3.30pm
Coffee
4.00pm
Other Issues
Crafts Council Announcements Crafts Council and County Enterprise Board Craft Business Programme for the Regions The Crafts Council of Ireland in conjunction with the Enterprise Boards has carefully compiled and is presently implementing a series of Craft Business and Design Programmes for the regions. Arising from a pilot programme in West Cork. These programmes are a mixture of design, production and business elements. Held in the localities it is a direct response to the needs of regionally based craftworkers. If you need to streamline your production, or need advice on pricing your work, approaching retailers, composing or updating a marketing plan, or wish to improve your selling skills you should avail of this opportunity. Contact Emer Ferran at the Kilkenny Office if you would like further information about a programme in your area.
Congratulations to Hilary Morley, Retail Manager, and Paul on the birth of their baby Sean.
REMINDER POTTERY WEEKEND WORKSHOPS May - October, 1 9 9 6 . Jigger and Jolley July 20th/21st
Build your own Gas Fired Ceramic Fibre Test Kiln
Thurs., 6th June - Sat, 20th July This exhibition comprises 51 exhibits which are wall hung textiles, and examples of textiles in use as clothing, furniture or architecture.
New Product Show
If you know about a course or are running one yourself, please contact Catherine Jordan at the Crafts Council 01-679 7368 or send the information to her at the Dublin office.
Membership of the Crafts Council of Ireland
August 7th/8th/9th
Advanced Throwing September 29th/30th
New Ideas for Decoration October 19th/20th Due to lack of response New Ideas for Decoration has been postponed from April to October and Extruder as a Creative Tool has been cancelled For information and application please contact Nuala McGrath at 056-61804.
Words Revealed Exhibition Thurs., 26th Sept. - Sat., 9th November
2 0 1 0 Textiles & New Technology Exhibition
ie Crafts Council is iundated with enquiries about courses and craft weekends
T h e C o u n c i l would like to welcome Lynn Stephens who is Hilary's replacement as Retail Manager for the duration of her maternity leave.
Crafts Council Exhibitions Exhibition Schedule 1996
Courses
An exhibition of poetry, interpreted by letterers, calligraphers etc. bringing together writers/artists from Ireland and England.
Christmas Show November - Dec/Jon
For 1997
The Council is considering introducing a (Summer Show) Thurs., 1st August - Sat., 14th September touring programme in 1997.extiles,
It seems that there is confusion between being a member of the Council and being a member of the Register of Professional Craftworkers. Members of the Crafts Council are either: (a) the subscribers (the Council's original founders) to the Memorandum of Association (b) bodies Corporate (i.e. Forbairt, Fas etc) which the Board shall admit to membership (c) individual persons whom the Board shall from time to time decide to admit to membership (d) persons nominated to the Council to represent unincorporated associations (i.e. associations and guilds such as the Society of Cork Potters, the Jewellers and Metalworkers Guild etc.) All these individuals would have automatic access to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Crafts Council of Ireland Limited and the right to vote at Annual General Meetings in order to elect members of the Board. Members of the Register have free access to services provided by the Council. No fee or qualification, other than residency in Ireland and being a full-time professional in a discipline recognised by the Council, is required to enter the Register.
General Announcements Charlie Caffrey, Woodturner Died 28th March 1996 by Seamus O'Reilly Charlie Caffrey has gone to his reward and with his passing we are all the poorer. Of course the greatest loss is to Phyllis and the family he was so proud of. They will miss this kind gentle man who epitomised all that was good in Christian values and the husband and father loved by all. To them we extend our deepest sympathy. Charlie was a founder member of the Dublin Chapter and served on Committee in various capacities since its inception. He was a woodturner of exceptional ability and was happiest ankle deep in shavings watching a new 'piece' take shape. He was an instructor of no small skills and many of us owe whatever ability we have as woodturners to Charlie. He was knowledgeable though humble and always had a new story to tell, he also had the knack of telling the 'Punch line' first, much to his own amusement! He was a man of culture blessed with a magnificent singing voice, and sang in Dublin's leading choirs. He will be missed by all who knew him and again, to Phyllis and his family we extend our deepest sympathy. He was secretary of the National Guild of Woodturners and had organised the AGM which was held on the day of his funeral. Without being facetious I would like to feel that Charlie is now setting up a Chapter in Heaven. 'May he rest in peace' Seamus
SUMMER WORKSHOPS IN SILVERSMITHING AND JEWELLERY Brian Clarke is running the Summer Workshops in Silversmithing and Jewellery again this year. This will be the fourth year, and again the workshops, which are of two weeks duration and residential, will be held with the object of hard work and good fun. The main theme is the "plasticity of metal", to be explored through hand raising and hand forging of non-ferrous metals. The scale of work depends on the requirements of each student i.e. holloware or jewellery. We have facilities for handraising, forging, die forming, etc.. To date we have had students from Ireland, England,
Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, Canada and the U.S.. The workshops are very intensive (80 hours +) and "hands on". The insistence being that each student completes an introductory piece and also a finished main project. There is space for a maximum of 5 students, so early booking is recommended. This will not only be an intensive workshop but a wonderful holiday as we also take trips to centres of Artistic, Cultural and Historic interest. Phone, Fax or Write with your booking or enquiry to:Brian Clarke, The Old Schoolhouse, Ballinaclash, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. Tel./Fax. 0404-46385
"Contemporary Irish Textile Art: The Women of Annaghmakerrig" at the Goldstein Gallery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul. The exhibition features the work of 27 Irish artists all of whom have been resident at one of the 3 textile workshops at Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan, since 1987. The work methods include functional quilt forms, art clothing, fine art hangings and pieces. The exhibition will be shown in Ireland upon its return from the USA.
The Artifact Register of Contemporary Professional Irish Artists A unique computer service providing international sale, exhibition and commission opportunities for artists and craftspeople. Don't miss your chance to register your work with this new resource available at ARTHOUSE and around the country. Limited free registration is currently available for professional craftspeople who complete the new Quickstep registration procedure. For full details contact: ARTHOUSE Library, ARTHOUSE Multimedia Centre for the Art, Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Tel. 0 1 6056800, Fax. 01 -6056801.
Wood Turning Centre - U.S.A. P.O. Box 25706 Philadelphia, PA 19144 U.S.A. Tel. (215)844-2188 Fax. (215)844-6166
Part-time teaching position: The Wood Turning Centre, based in Philadelphia, seeks to hire a part-time lathe turning instructor. Announcements: The Wood Turning Centre will be holding a conference on August 9-11, 1996 in conjunction with its International Turning Exchange program. Titled allTURNatives: Creating, Critiquing and Collecting, the conference will examine the lathe turning field from the standpoints of the maker, educator, curator and collector. Emphasis will be on developing a further understanding of the creative process, methods of critiquing and the objectives behind collecting. Opportunities: The Wood Turning Centre is now accepting applications for its' summer 1997 and 1998 International Turning Exchange Residency Programme and for its 1997 travelling exhibition entitled Curators Focus: Turning in Context. The Centre is also seeking proposals for presentations at its 1997 World Turning Conference: Turning Towards the 21st Century.
Musical Instrument Making Summer Courses Violin Making 1 st-12th July & 15th-26th July 1996 Tutor Bill Patterson
Guitar Making 1 st-12th July 15th-26th July 1996 Tutor Mike Regan
Mandolin Making 1 st-12th July 1996 Tutor Tony Quinn Enquiries in writing to Supervisor Meithal Charman, Foresters Hall, Church Lane, Wexford. Fax: 053 23765.
Art in Wood The 1 st National Art and Craft in Wood Festival being held on 5, 6 & 7 July 1996. For further infomation please contact: David Read The Exhitition Team Ltd., Events House, Wycombe Air Park, Booker, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3DP. Tel: 0044 1494 450504 or Fax: 0044 1494 450245.
.11111*1 Festival of the Clane Countryside This festival will take place over two Sundays (14th & 21st) in July and celebrates the countryside and all it has to offer - gardens, crafts, produce, food, farming, nature, walking etc. For further information and booking form please contact Anthony Linden at 045868121.
1 9 9 6 EBS Crafts Competition Entries must be delivered to the Society between Saturday 20th July and Monday 22nd July, inclusive. Details and entry forms are available from Sinead O'Duinnin, Arts Development Executive, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tel. 016680866 Fax. 01-6604014.
Liberties College (Craft - Design and Production Course) This two year course provides training in craft and explores opportunities for employment and self-employment in design/craft workshops, establishing a firm foundation for further study. Principal areas of study - drawing, ceramics, metalcraft, jewellery, woodcraft, setting up and managing a small business, history and appreciation of design, communication and work experience. For information and application please contact Liberties College, Community and Further Education, Bull Alley Street, Patrick Street, Dublin 8. Tel. 014540044.
For Sale 'Mr. Muggs Pottery' Mr. Muggs Pottery for sale as going concern. Good turnover, excellent product, established for years, potential for growth. Training and customer goodwill supplied (no equipment). Suit existing pottery wishing to expand. Urgent - customers waiting. Tel. S. Martin 01-4972835.
Wanted
Craft Unit Available
People who are interested in having their various crafts imported and sold in the United States please contact: Donna Donlon Hogan, 3976 S.W. 166th Place Road, Ocala, Florida 34473, U.S.A.
A 50m2 craft unit is available for leasing in the Craft Centre, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Applications are invited for a commercially viable craft project or proposal. Priority will be given to proposals involving high-quality craft products to complement the quality range of products and the image of Dingle Craft Centre. Applications in writing, not later than 12th July, 1996 to: Udaras na Gaeltachta, An Daingean, Co. Chiarrai. F6n: (066) 51658.
Persons or C o m p a n i e s who are interested in exporting to a shop project in Lyon, France. Please contact: Mr. Phillip Martindale, 42, Bossuet, 69006 Lyon, France. Phone 0033 72742238, Fax 0033 78282450 or Dublin 01 2854338
Position Available Furniture Designer/Maker requires fulltime assistant in South West Cork. Some experience preferable. For further details please phone Nick Harding-Smith at 023-40609.
Space Available A number of additional units have been completed in The Liffey Trust Enterprise Centre. For further information please contact: Theodore Cottuli, Secretary, The Liffey Trust, 117-126 Upper Sheriff Street, Dublin 1.
Space Available Space available in purpose built studio in Rathmines, Dublin 6 area for serious Ceramist or Sculptor interested in clay work. Would suit graduate or experienced person. Tel. 01-2893602.
Craft Unit Available A 50m2 craft unit is available for leasing in the Spiddal Craft Centre, Co. Galway. Applications are invited for a commercially viable craft project or proposal. Priority will be given to proposals involving high-quality craft products to complement the quality range of products and the image of Spiddal Craft Centre. Applications in writing to: An Rannog Reigiunach, Udaras na Gaeltachta, Na Forbacha, ^ J Gaillimh. F6n: (091)592011
Units Available Units available in old stone courtyard (craft shop already in operation). Located 35 miles North West of Dublin in grounds of a Georgian house. Would suit potter or similar crafts person. Phone: 046-40346 for further information.
Units Available Units available in Limerick Collection Craft Centre, King John's Castle, Nicholas Street, Limerick City. For further information contact Bernard Sheehan, Beechwood Drive, Greystone, Limerick.
To Let: Light Industrial Units at the Quay, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Moy Valley Resources, I.R.D. North Mayo/West Sligo Ltd. are developing the Quay Area of Ballina, Co. Mayo. The five Light Industrial Units are completed and at present there are 3 units ready for occupancy. The units are of the following dimensions:2 Units (36ft x 20ft) 1 Unit (35ft x 20ft) Those interested should contact Mr. Liam Kiely, Projects Manager, Moy Valley Business Centre, Cathedral Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel. (096) 70905
Furnace Available For Use Large furnace (4.5m x 1.5m x 2.0m) available for the firings of large batches or large pieces of ceramic material. Propane fired. Electronically controlled. Ramping and holding. Max
temperature 1000 C. Operated by skilled personnel. Contact:- 01 -8353380 or 042-72977
B A N D O N POTTERY is pleased to announce three exciting new ranges of Stoneware pots for 1996, to add to their very popular "Apples" range, all with the same high standard of workmanship and attention to detail which their customers have come to expect. Look out for them in the shops.
Wanted Associate required to set up a pottery with a French Potter in Ireland (some knowledge of French needed). Please phone Gabriel Kaye on 061 921018 after 5.00 p.m. for more information.
The " D a f f o d i l " Collection: Spring-fresh daffodils, set against a rich green , misty blue, and sky-blue background, on a range of tableware which includes mugs, plates, bowls, jugs and coffee pot.
Wanted
tough enough for everyday use and sophisticated enough for the smartest
Jewellery craft worker for July/August (or longer). Accomodation provided. For further information contact Sfla Mag Aoide Designs, Roundstone, Connemara, Co. Galway. Phone/Fax 095-35912.
The Poppy Collection: Vibrant Summer poppies, red flowers against dark green, rimmed with blue, again in a range of tableware table. The " Z i g - Z a g " Collection: A range of pots in colours specially designed to complement the colours of flowers and pot plants. Vases and planters in various sizes, and two shades of green.
25 cubic feet Electric Truck Kiln. 3 phase 32 kw. Good condition with furniture and west 2050 computer controller. ÂŁ2,500 Tel: 074-22738
Alexandra House Earlsfort Centre Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 Phone: 01-661 5553 Fax: 01-6615590
mass-produced or imported goods will be permitted. Each exhibitor's work will be juried by the Organisers' experienced staff, who will be looking for individuality, presentation and quality.
Attention All Furniture Makers
Swansea Craft & Stitching Festival
For further details please contact Robert Thomas at: RWT Exhibitions 93 Mumbics Road Swansea SA3 5TW Wales Phone: 0044 1792 405 019
For Sale
South African Embassy recently established may be interested in purchasing furniture. Please send brochures with photographs to: Anne Barry South African Embassy
The Management Committee 1996
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Wales Saturday, 26th & Sunday, 27th October 1996 The show is intended for individual craftspeople to display, demonstrate and sell their wares. With the exception of small craft supplies, no bought-in,
Crafts Council Staff
Dublin
Chair Mr. Cyril Forbes
Dublin
Vice Chair Ms. Hilary Pratt
Chief Executive
Mr. Ed Kevin
Administrative Officer
Ms. Suzanne May
Book keeper
Mr. Michael McCrory
Telephonist/Receptionist
Mr. David Comerford
Information Officer
Dr. David Shaw-Smith
Admin. Assistant
Ms. Breda Haugh
Retail Manager
Mr. Knut Klimmek
The Crafts Council of Ireland
Mr. Leslie Reed
South William Street
Ms. Vicky Mullarkey
Dublin 2 Tel. 01 679 7368 Fax. 01 679 9197
Ms. Christine Deevy Ms. Catherine Jordan Ms. Clare McParlane Ms. Hilary Morley
(Lynn Stephens covering for maternity leave)
Mr. David Hargaden
Shop Assistant
Mr. Jonathan Ryan
Shop Assistant (PT)
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
Ms. Margaret Jones
Ms. Marion Doyle
Kilkenny The Crescent Workshop
Ms. Anne Dack
Castle Yard
Mr. Leslie Reed
Tel 056 61804 or 62734 Fax. 056 63754
Mr. Neil Read
Kilkenny
Ms. Kaethe Burt-O'Dea
The Crescent Workshop
Ms. Mary Jackson
Director of Training
Ms. Bernadette Madden
Business Course Supervisor Training Administrator Admin. Assistant
Ms. Emer Ferran Ms. Nuala McGrath Ms. Breda Butler
Thomastown Pottery Skills Course Trainer
Mr. Gus Mabelson
Jewellery Design and Production Skills Course Trainer
Ms. Jane Huston
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 12th July. The print date is 19th July.