Shaping Our World Through Making An exhibition of selected craftworks from CRAFTed Learning Skills for Life primary schools programme.
learning skills for life
The Riding School, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7. 19th November – 1st December 2013
PAPER / páipéar TEXTILES / teicstílí CERAMICS / ceirmeacht JEWELLERY / seodra GLASS / gloine METALS / miotal WOOD / adhmad
Frances Fitzgerald T.D. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs officially opened the CRAFTed Exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) in a gallery packed full of school children, teachers and others from the world of craft and education. The opening address noted her passion for the subject, “It’s brilliant to come in and see that young children from primary schools are actually having their work displayed here in the National Museum, what a wonderful innovation, how fantastic it is and well done to all concerned, especially the young children themselves here today, representing all those young people across Ireland who took part in the CRAFTed programme”. She went on to say “It’s great to see the opportunities young people are now getting to take part in such a programme, that helps foster a particular love of arts and crafts”. The Minister’s statements highlight the very essence of the CRAFTed programme, that of touching the hearts and minds of as many young people as we can to help create a future where tomorrow’s citizens of Ireland share a knowledge and strong passion of craft and making. It was Picasso that said “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once a child grows up?” CRAFTed assists in solving this problem by providing children with essential craft specific skills, equipping them with confidence to further explore the joy of designing and making objects both small and large. This exhibition in the NMI has been made possible particularly with the foresight and vision of Muireann Charleton and Lorraine Comer, with national co-ordination by Polly Minett and curation by Susan Holland, assisted by Carrie Lynam. As the Minister noted “the museum looks absolutely fantastic with the children’s own work so colourful and well made”. We trust that all who see the work will enjoy it for what it is, a small sample of what is possible when young people have the opportunity to experience craft in the classroom on a programme that grows from strength to strength. John Tynan Head of Education, Training & Development Crafts Council of Ireland
Shaping Our World Through Making is a children’s exhibition featuring a selection of craft works from CRAFTed: Learning Skills for Life primary schools programme. CRAFTed is delivered by the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) in partnership with the full time education centres in Ireland (ATECI). CRAFTed supports teachers in the delivery of the Visual Arts curriculum. It uses craft processes to contribute to learning in other areas such as social, historic, environmental and scientific education. In 2013, CRAFTed took place in over 90 schools across Ireland, involving 160 teachers and craftspeople working collaboratively, and reaching over 2,500 pupils. This exhibition highlights 19 projects: one from each participating education centre in 2013. The craft works on display represent a cross-section of craft skills, themes, and processes in the following disciplines: Ceramics, Jewellery, Glass, Metals, Paper, Wood and Textiles. This capsule exhibition is curated by Susan Holland. OPENING HOURS Mon: Closed Tues: 10.00 – 17.00 Wed: 10.00 – 17.00 Thurs: 10.00 – 17.00 Fri: 10.00 – 17.00 Sat: 10.00 – 17.00 Sun: 14.30 – 17.00 For more information on the Crafts Council of Ireland’s CRAFTed programme, please contact: Muireann Charleton Education & Innovation Manager Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny E: muireann@ccoi.ie / T: (056) 7796142 www.learncraftdesign.ie/learn/crafted
www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Athlone Education Centre Scoil Mhuire, Loughegar, Co Westmeath 4th and 5th Class Teacher: Catherine Daly Craftsperson: Fiona Smith-Darragh Process: Printing, Fabric Dying & Construction
The students of Scoil Mhuire combined this CRAFTed project with their History studies. Inspired by their study of Native American Indians, the students researched, discussed and planned a project that would allow them to contextualise and explore the ancient culture in a tangible way. Imaginative thinking was encouraged and the children were invited to creatively express their ideas through printing, fabric dyeing and construction. Craftsperson Fiona Smith-Darragh took an experimental approach, allowing the students to guide the project throughout with their ideas. This CRAFTed project embraced several strands of the Visual Art Curriculum including Drawing, Painting, Print, Fabric & Fibre and Construction, with the students designing and building a teepee and a series of dream catchers. Craftsperson Fiona and teacher Catherine Daly, worked collaboratively to encourage students to look and respond to each other’s work. This allowed time for reflection, which fostered a problem solving approach to each session.
Fiona Smith-Darragh About: Fiona Smith-Darragh was born in Bedfordshire and brought up in Worcestershire, England. From an early age her great interests were wildlife and horses. As a teenager in the 1970s her family moved to Ireland, where her first job was as a graphic designer in Dublin. Between 1994 and 1997 Fiona undertook a practical bronze casting course in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Fiona has been exhibiting regularly since then. Her inspiration comes from early naturalist illustrators such as Audubon and Bartram. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Blackrock Education Centre
St Cronan’s Boys National School, Bray, Wicklow 1st Class Teacher: Ann Wilson Craftsperson: Lorraine Bowen Process: Print
For this CRAFTed project, the students explored the textile medium of fabric print. They focused on a theme of the home and the architectural shape of a house. Textile artist Lorraine Bowen shared with the students how to create a simple printing plate, and she taught them the craft of block printing onto fabric. This process began with a discussion about the sources, types and many uses of fabric in the world around us. Imaginative thinking was stimulated by examples of exciting architectural structures and different house types. Students were encouraged to imagine many styles of homes and consider who might live in them. Using this as a central theme, the students, teacher and craftsperson collaborated to create their own unique town of block printed homes. The students drew out their design and worked with traditional block printing techniques. They inked printing plates using a roller. Lifting the plate to reveal the printed image was a magical moment. It brought a great sense of achievement and joy to each student.
Lorraine Bowen About: Lorraine Bowen established a textile design studio producing hand printed and hand painted fabrics and fashion crafts in 1994. From 2002, Lorraine spent a number of years as a freelance product designer. She developed three Lorraine Bowen brands with Arnotts department store retailing a range of products. She has lectured in textile design and professional practice at a number of third level institutions including teaching in the NCAD textile department. In 2009 she completed an MA in professional design practice. Lorraine currently works as a design mentor within the craft and design industry. She enjoys working on craft based educational projects with schools and community groups. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Carrick on Shannon Education Centre St Brigid’s National School, Drumcong, Co Leitrim 5th and 6th Class Teacher: Nicola Duffy Craftsperson: Colette Langan Process: Stained Glass
The students of 5th and 6th Class at St Brigid’s National School based their CRAFTed project on their studies of the Great Irish Famine. The class visited the Ulster American Folk Park, where they saw a replica ‘coffin ship’. This provided inspiration for one of the stained glass panels, while images of life in Ireland at the time of the famine is depicted in a second panel. All sketches drawn by the students were included in some form within the final pieces. The students worked with craftsperson Colette Langan to research the history and origin of stained glass and the process used to make glass. Each student was involved in every part of the process: from cutting the glass using specialised cutting wheels, to the visual and spatial aspects of arranging the glass to create the design. They also contributed to the final grouting phase of the panel. The young students also composed poetry based on the theme of their CRAFTed project.
Colette Langan About: Colette Langan set up her own studio in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim in 1995. She trained in Chapel Studio, Hertfordshire, England for a number of years. There she was part of a team that restored and conserved some of the most outstanding stained glass in the world. These included ancient glass from 12C Rivenhall, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Salisbury Cathedral, and more recent glass made by Tiffany and Burne Jones. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Clare Education Centre
Connolly National School, Caher, Clare 2nd- 6th Classes Teacher: Aileen Bradley Craftsperson: Jane Seymour Process: Smoke-Fired Ceramic
The students of Connolly National School County Clare decided to integrate the CRAFTed project with their Eco-Schools Green Flag initiative. They took the theme of water: its sources and uses. They researched the transportation of water from ancient times to modern day and how water is still transported by hand in some countries in the world. This connected in with their Social Environmental and Scientific Curriculum. The students based the designs of their water pots on African water jars. Using traditional techniques, they hand constructed the pots by building up coils of clay and smoothing the surface. Replicating an ancient smokefiring technique, which is still used in Africa, the pots were then fired in a barrel filled with sawdust and straw used as an outdoor kiln. Ceramicist Jane Seymour introduced the students to the techniques of working with clay and gave them an insight into how these water vessels would be crafted and fired traditionally.
Jane Seymour About: Jane Seymour is a self taught artist and ceramicist. Her mother was a potter and illustrator, her father an author and broadcaster. She grew up on farms in Suffolk and Wales before moving to Ireland in 1994. She makes mainly large hand-built sculptural ceramics using coil or slab, which she smokefires in sawdust, or incises into with drawings, which she layers and rubs with oxides before multi-firing. Jane has facilitated workshops with adults and children of all ages and abilities since 1996. Her workshops have included felt making, ceramics, textiles, mask making and sculpture constructed from found and natural objects. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Cork Education Support Centre Glasheen Girls’ National School, Cork City 5th & 6th Class Teacher: Lilian O’Keefe Craftsperson: Julie Forrester Process: Handmade Paper & Bookbinding
The 2nd class students of Glasheen Girls’ National School embarked on an ambitious project: to make their own handmade books from scratch. The theme of the river formed the inspiration and focus for their imaginative thinking and creative expression. Craftsperson Julie Forrester facilitated the creative process of making these handcrafted books with support from class teacher Lilian O’Keefe. Students immersed themselves in the numerous techniques to realise their project, learning to make paper, embossing, marbling, printmaking and bookbinding. The pages of the books were then filled with drawings, paintings and written responses to the process. This CRAFTed project embraced several strands of the Visual Art Curriculum including Drawing, Painting, Print, Fabric & Fibre and Construction. Through letter writing, students expressed their ideas and thoughts on making their handmade books, developing their literacy skills and also improving their creative thinking skills.
Julie Forrester About: Julie Forrester is an artist based in county Cork. She holds a First Class hons Masters Degree in Art and Process from CIT Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork and a BA hons degree in Fine Art from the Slade School, University College London. She has been working in the area of participatory arts for more than 20 years. She has also undertaken projects under the per-cent for Art scheme for Education and Science and for Wexford County Council. Julie is currently working on Virtually There, a project with Kidsown Publishing Partnership and is involved in ongoing arts education programmes with the Crawford Gallery and with youth groups in Cork. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Donegal Education Centre Drumfad National School, Donegal 3rd to 6th Classes Teacher: Jacqui Armstrong Craftsperson: Deborah Green Process: Wool Felting
The students of Drumfad National School were researching ‘the River’ and were taking part in the Something Fishy Project as part of their Social Environmental Scientific studies. Using the theme of the river as their stimulus, the students worked collaboratively to select the colour schemes, creatures and textures that interested them. Textile artist Deborah Green worked with the class involved to develop their understanding of composition, design and form, relating these to their chosen theme of the river and water-life. Throughout the CRAFTed project the students experimented with fibres and felt, including the processes of wet-felting and needle-felting, while also developing their needlework and embellishment techniques. Having developed new skills in Drawing, Design, Fabric & Fibre as well as in Construction, all key elements of the Visual Arts Curriculum, the students contributed to all areas of the design and construction of their felted wall hangings.
Deborah Green About: Deborah Green is a multi-disciplinary artist, working in metal and textiles. A graduate of BA Honours Contemporary Crafts, her work is focused on process and a cohesive balance in combined materials. Her most current body of work uses delicate, handprocesses drawing on mnemonic forms and objects as an aesthetic. Deborah has carried out work in association with Clonter Opera Theatre, working as costume supervisor and is actively involved in multi-disciplinary exhibitions. Deborah is currently involved in a range of educational workshops with secondary schools as part of an on-going interest in developing the use of craft in the curriculum. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Dublin West Education Centre Drimnagh Castle Primary School, Dublin City 3rd Class Teacher: Jan Hennessy Craftsperson: Caroline Ryan Process: Digital Textile Printing & Embellishment
What I Want to be When I Grow Up, the title of this CRAFTed project, saw the boys of Drimnagh Castle National School combine the traditional craft skills of embroidery and textile embellishment with the innovative craft technique of digital printing. The fusing of traditional and contemporary approaches to research, planning, design and making is evident throughout this vibrant Fabric & Fibre project. Students explored and researched ideas in personalised visual diaries. Through observational and imaginative drawing and writing they recorded the design process, whilst themes and ideas were further explored on their school laptops. Craftsperson Caroline Ryan shared techniques and ideas through hands on demonstrations, complimented by presentations on the classrooms interactive whiteboard. The final designs were digital prints, that were then carefully and creatively embellished with needlework which the boys had developed over the weeks of their CRAFTed project. Each student’s unique voice is evident in this child centred project.
Caroline Ryan About: Caroline Ryan is a freelance educationalist and textile designer. She studied design in textiles (BA) at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) in 2007 and art and design teaching (HDip) at Limerick Institute of Technology 2011. After graduating she held a post as Textile Technician and guest lectured at GMIT. Caroline has been a member of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Craft Education Panel since 2010. She delivers CPD courses for primary school teachers to enhance their skills within the Visual Arts Curriculum, and facilitates craft workshops in a variety of disciplines for all ages and ability ranges. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Galway Education Centre Belmont National School, Tuam, Galway 1st - 3rd Classes Teacher: Martina McGrath Craftsperson: Vivienne Martin Process: Felted Wool
The students of 1st, 2nd and 3rd class of Belmont National School created a collection of felted textiles over the weeks of their CRAFTed project. Students were invited to look with curiosity at their environment and communicate their ideas through drawing. Inspiration was found in their school garden where they recorded different changing elements in nature, all from observation. Then, they responded to these drawings through the Fabric & Fibre strand of the Visual Art Curriculum. Craftsperson Vivienne Martin introduced the students and their teacher to the techniques of felt making. Through looking and responding to visuals of Vivienne’s craftwork, as well as physical objects, students developed an understanding of this craft before they used the materials and techniques themselves. Focusing on trees, birds and nests inspired by the school garden, they worked in 2D and 3D, both on individual projects and group work, gaining an understanding for the natural material of wool and the processes and techniques of felt making.
Vivienne Martin About: Vivienne Martin is a graduate from Galway/ Mayo Institute of Technology. Born in Limerick, she received a first class honors degree in textile design. She currently specialises in statement fashion accessories that are highly intricate, delicate and striking in design. Vivienne was the winner of the Institute of Ireland Graduate Award in Fashion & Textiles 2009. She has also been nominated for many awards including the Love Lace Award, Australia and the Golden Egg Fashion Innovation Award in jewellery. She is based in Galway and is a member of Groundwork’s Studios, a collective of designers/artists. She also participated in the Barboro Children’s festival in Galway, where she gave felt making workshops. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Kilkenny Education Centre School of The Holy Spirit Senior Group Teacher: Ann Marie Butler Craftsperson: Jean Conroy Process: Wire Construction
The School of the Holy Spirit chose to create life-size outdoor wire sculptural animals for their sensory garden. One of the biggest challenges for the students was the process of working collaboratively, in close proximity, as 90% of the students in the school have autistic spectrum disorder. The students started by individually drawing animals that inspired them. Reviewing the drawings as a group, they selected a pig and a deer on the basis that they were both of Irish origin. Artist Jean Conroy showed the students how to transform the drawings into a design and then how to de-construct the animals into buildable sections. The students experienced working with new materials and tools such as pliers, wire cutters and spray paints. As part of this process the students had to scale the measurements from the initial design up to life-size. This ensured that each section of the animal’s body was in proportion. The group worked well collaboratively, with each student facilitated in developing their key role in the process. The making process was physically demanding, but very rewarding.
Jean Conroy About: Jean Conroy has worked on the CRAFTed programme for the last two years. She has given workshops for the Crafts Council of Ireland and in the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny for the Kilkenny Arts Festival and the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny. She has worked in arts education since finishing college in 1999 while continuing her own practice as an artist. She is currently involved in a new course with KCAT, teaching parade, spectacle and costume construction skills. She has worked as a facilitator for the past 12 years working with young children and adults with mixed abilities. Jean also works with adults with mental health difficulties and disabilities. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Kildare Education Centre
Coill Dubh National School, Naas, Kildare Whole School Project Teacher: Joe Leacy Craftsperson: Deirdre Kelly Process: Recycled Fabric Weaving
The students of Coill Dubh Primary School undertook an innovative whole school project combining the traditional skill of weaving with the design of a new structure for their school playground. Textile artist Deirdre Kelly worked with the students through CRAFTed to design a removable architectural playground installation, which could be constructed through large woven panels. The proposed interactive playground needed to be adaptable to suit the needs of students and teachers in play and learning. Students initially learnt the techniques of weaving: stretching the warp and weaving the weft on small individual looms. These skills were then applied to creating large woven panels, which students worked together to weave recycled fabric through a strong rope warp. Skill sharing and collaboration among students allowed for a very ambitious project to be realised. This inventive CRAFTed project promoted sensitivity to the function, form and durability of structures in the student’s immediate environment, whilst fusing design thinking with the development of traditional craft skills.
Deirdre Kelly About: Deirdre Kelly graduated in 2008 from the National College of Art and Design after specialising in printed textiles. After a stint in New York working in the design studio of Diane Von Furstenberg Deirdre returned to Ireland and began working as a freelance ladies-wear print designer. She also began teaching textiles in schools in the area. Since then Deirdre has completed her Higher Diploma in Art Education and teaches art in Clane, Co. Kildare. She continues her own textile work, now focusing on textile based bespoke millinery and accessories. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Laois Education Centre Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe, Laois 5th & 6th Class Teacher: Aoife Booth Craftsperson: Maeve Sookram Process: Ceramic Relief-tile Mosaic
The students of Scoil Mhuire Fatima were inspired by their Social Environmental and Scientific Education Curriculum to create a ceramic tile mosaic. Using their geographical investigation skills the students of 5th and 6th class explored the Timahoe Esker Nature Reserve, a natural environment in their area. Ceramicist Maeve Sookram introduced the students to stoneware clay and the ancient techniques of decorative relief and tile-work, to design a 3D representation of the Esker’s landscape, plants and creatures. A process of investigation, discussion, experimenting, planning and design took place before the making of this mosaic began. Students worked collaboratively to design their representation of the Esker. Then, working on one large slab of clay, each student traced in their composition before cutting it into tiles and individually modelling sections in relief. Students created a mosaic for their school wall, which symbolises a creative expression of learning about their local environment.
Maeve Sookram About: Maeve Sookram is a ceramic artist making handbuilt slab ceramics in her studio, Sevensisters Ceramics in Johnstown, Kilkenny. She creates architectural forms presenting them in a quirky and whimsical way. Having been awarded Craft Business of the Year 2012, in County Kilkenny, the studio is enjoying its current success. The studio supplies many retail outlets throughout the country as well as providing night classes and workshops. Maeve is doing an MA in Design History and Material Culture in NCAD. Partaking in CRAFTed gives Maeve the opportunity to engage with teachers and children in a positive and energetic way, an activity she very much enjoys. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Limerick Education Centre Salesian Primary School, Limerick City 5th Class Teacher: Emma Frazer Craftsperson: Amanda Kenny Process: Patchwork
The girls of 5th class at Salesian Primary School used songs and poetry to ignite their imaginative thinking. Patchwork maker Amanda Kenny developed a project that encouraged individuality and self-expression through the Fabric & Fibre strand of the Visual Art Curriculum. Students responded to favourite songs and poems they had studied during the year, through the traditional textile technique of patchwork. Learning about the processes of patch-working fabrics, pattern-cutting, seams, borders and needlework, the girls designed compositions. This project encouraged students to reflect on visual elements of colour, pattern, shape, texture, line and rhythm. Amanda taught the students skills including needlework, embellishment, appliqué techniques and surface design, which allowed them to design and create individual and expressive patch-worked cushions.
Amanda Kenny About: Amanda Kenny is a quilt maker living in County Limerick. She designs and makes patchwork quilts inspired by traditional patterns and historical quilts. Amanda has worked with primary school pupils on previous craft projects. She teaches beginners patchwork in the Limerick Quilt Centre. Amanda has also exhibited with the Crafts Council of Ireland and the ‘River of Dreams’ annual quilt exhibition in Limerick. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Mayo Education Centre
Fahy National School, Westport, Mayo 5th & 6th Class Teacher: Michael Ruddy Craftsperson: Jodi Coyne Process: Ceramic Construction & Glazing
Fahy National School were working toward an Eco-School Green Flag when they began their CRAFTed project, for which the students were exploring the theme of travel. Through CRAFTed, creative thinking was applied to the theme and a remarkable ceramic project called The Evolution of Travel was developed. Students worked collaboratively researching travel through the ages, which also connected the project with their History studies. Ceramicist Jodi Coyne introduced ideas of design, form and techniques of 3D modelling, and construction in porcelain clay. Inspired by their learning the students used the flexible medium of clay to imaginatively express their ideas in a tactile form. Each student took inspiration from a different historical mode of transport; from tigers and elephants, through the invention of the wheel, to donkeys with carts, bicycles and race -cars. Learning more about ceramic processes, the students then stained and glazed their sculptures before the final firing.
Jodi Coyne About: Jodi Coyne is a ceramic artist from Cong in the West of Ireland. The hand-built forms she creates are in porcelain and stoneware clay. Her work is currently strongly influenced by locally found forms, patterns and textures in nature. Specialising in hand-built ceramics, Jodi completed her Honours Degree in Product Design at the Limerick School of Art and Design in 2007. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Monaghan Education Centre St Clare’s Girls National School, Cavan Town 3rd Class Teacher: Hazel O’Connor Craftsperson: Elena Brennan Process: Wire Construction
The students of St Clare’s National School explored Australian Aborigine art and culture as a starting point for their CRAFTed Project. Based on the Aboriginal traditional designs, students drew simple images taken from Australian themes, such as kangaroos, snakes, geckos and turtles, which they then painted using brightly coloured dots and symbols. This project involved process-led research into the traditions of Aboriginal shadow paintings and the concept of leaving a legacy or a mark behind. As Elena Brennan is a jewellery designer, the students were keen to work with construction, a key element of their Visual Art Curriculum. Based on their individual experiences of working with colour and texture to create the animal paintings, students then worked collaboratively on their 3D wire sculpture. They decided to create a sculptural tree, as a tree has strong roots like the Aboriginal culture, and is a symbol of strength and eternity. Each student twisted the colourful enamelled copper wires and secured the brightly coloured beads, creating beaded flowers. They also worked in a group to design and construct the centre of the tree and attach the individual flowers.
Elena Brennan About: Elena Brennan was a free lance jewellery designer and master pattern maker in Dublin before establishing her own craft business in 2009. She studied a degree in fine craft design and jewellery in Belfast at the University of Ulster for four years. She then completed a post grad at the Sir John Cass College of Jewellery in London. Elena designed and created the “Children of Lir” jewellery range for The Jewellery House of Dublin. Since starting her own ranges, she designed and created two lines of jewellery for the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, based on the Broighter Boat and the Fadden More Psalter treasures. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Sligo Education Centre
St. Edward’s National School, Ballytivanan, Sligo Senior Infants Teacher: Marie Conway Craftsperson: Grainne MacLaughlin Process: Ceramic Relief-Tile Mosaic
Inspired by WB Yeats’s poetry about the Sligo landscape, the Senior Infants of St Edward’s National School were working with their teacher on a natural science project. They explored their local plant and water life and made diagrams and drawings of the ‘minibeasts’ and creatures found during their field trips. These Social Environmental Scientific explorations were used as the stimulus for the student’s CRAFTed project. At the beginning of the project, the students visited Grainne MacLaughlin’s ceramic studio to experience the processes that a ceramicist uses: from working the clay, to bisque firing, to glazing the piece, to the final firing. This visit gave the children a clear idea of the many steps they would be using to create their own ceramic relief-tile mosaic. With the teacher and ceramicist collaborating closely, each week they focused on a different ‘mini beast’. This encouraged stories and songs about the creature and learning about its life cycle. This provided a stimulus for designing the tilemosaic and for the construction, modelling, staining and glazing of the mini-beasts.
Grainne MacLaughlin About: A native of Sligo, Grainne MacLaughlin has been making pots since 1998, having gained experience working for several of Irelands established potters. For Grainne, studio produced ceramics are about uniqueness: an interesting form or glaze, the way they feel. Nestled in beautiful landscape, between Knocknarea mountain and the shores of Ballisodare Bay, her studio and gallery takes its name from the townland of Breeogue. Here in a converted 18th Century stone building, she produces a high-fired stoneware tableware range and also contemporary lighting always using many different coloured glazes. www.learncraftdesign.ie
The Education Centre, Tralee Lauragh National School, Kenmare, Kerry 2nd - 6th Class Teacher: Paul McCarthy Craftsperson: Nora Finnegan Process: Lace Making
Lauragh National School is situated just outside Kenmare, a town known worldwide for its history of producing delicate handcrafted lace. Working with lace-maker Nora Finnegan, teacher Paul McCarthy and his students researched the history of lacemaking as a stimulus for their CRAFTed project. Using some traditional lace designs and techniques, as developed in the late 19th Century by the nuns of the Poor Clare Convent in Kenmare, the students worked collaboratively to create four colourful flowers in needlepoint lace. The theme of flowers reflected a Social, Environmental and Scientific project that the students are working on for their Eco-School Green Flag. As the students wanted to create vibrant 3D lace flowers, craft wire replaced the usual cotton ‘couching’ used to define the shape of the lace piece and the students chose to use thick coloured threads, instead of the white thread traditionally used in Kenmare lace. The traditional skills the students were introduced to during the process, gave them a greater understanding of their local heritage, while also developing ability in hand-eye coordination and sewing skills.
Nora Finnegan About: Nora is a graduate of the Crawford School of Art, Cork and the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. She began making Kenmare Lace in 1989 when she began the revival of the lacemaking industry in Kenmare. She was taught by the Sisters of St. Clare’s Convent and has been lecturing on and demonstrating Kenmare and other Irish lace to both adults and children throughout the country ever since. She is director of the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre where she demonstrates lacemaking and sells locally made lace. She is a former prize-winner of the RDS National Crafts competition. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Waterford Teachers’ Centre Mount Sion Primary School, Waterford City 4th Class Teacher: Ciara O’Callaghan Craftsperson: Ciara O’Sullivan Process: Ceramic Construction
As part of the research and inspiration for their CRAFTed project, the boys from Mount Sion Primary School, left their usual urban setting and set up class on Woodstown beach for a day. Tying in with their Geography studies, the beach was chosen to inspire the students and give them an opportunity to gather natural materials and manmade debris and to explore forms and textures of sea-life. Ceramist Ciara O’Sullivan and teacher Ciara O’Callaghan worked closely to ensure that the project was child centred and process-led. Focusing on the process rather than the product, the students experimented with materials, enjoying themselves and getting a feel for clay and for the techniques involved. Responding to their beach visit took numerous forms: drawing, print, story-writing and poetry. A series of ceramic objects were produced, with students modelling and glazing relief tiles and sculpting a shoal of delicate, translucent porcelain fish to suspend as though swimming in the sea.
Ciara O’Sullivan About: Since graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design in 2010 with an honours degree, Ciara O’Sullivan has continued to create work from her studio in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny. She works mostly in slipcast porcelain, with a focus on lighting design. She enjoys experimenting and working in a range of clays and construction methods. Ciara strives to be environmentally sensitive within her studio work. This has included digging for clays, alternative firing and decorating techniques. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and understanding of craft. She has worked with primary schools both in the school setting, and caters for school visits and workshops in her studio. www.learncraftdesign.ie
West Cork Education Centre Scoil Fhionnbarra, Ballingeary, West Cork 5th & 6th Class Teacher: Shane O’Duinnin Craftsperson: Anke Eckardt Process: Wood Construction
Craftsperson and boat builder Anke Eckardt engaged in the History strand of the Social, Environmental and Scientific Education curriculum (SESE) linking in with the Visual Art curriculum for this CRAFTed project. In preparation, the class studied the story of Saint Finbarr and learned how he established a hermitage at Gougane Barra. Anke introduced the students to working with wood and the different techniques and tools involved. Starting with basic box building the students created units or cells representing their own mini hermitages. They looked at photographs of sculptures by artist Henry Moore. In this work, the students used string to represent non-physical aspects such as inspiration, faith, loneliness, ideas, happiness, and sadness. Veneer was used to create a foreground representing physical features such as mountains, water, rocks, building, and wildlife. Finally the boxes, or cell, were brought together into a freestanding piece of collage sculpture.
Anke Eckardt About: Anke Eckardt studied physics at University College Cork. She is fascinated by the way wooden boat building brings together traditional craft, science and creativity. This interest led her to undertake training at IBTC in Lowestoft, UK, where she obtained her City and Guilds in wooden boatbuilding in 1995. Anke builds and restores wooden boats as well as making furniture. She runs short, intense workshops designed to lead adults through the whole process of building a traditional clinker boat. Anke also gives rope-fender making demonstrations at local boat festivals. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Shaping Our World Through Making
Wexford Education Centre
Clongeen National School, Foulksmills, Wexford Junior and Senior Infants Teacher: Joan Kehoe Craftsperson: Patricia Howard Process: Ceramic Construction
The students of Clongeen National School worked with ceramicist Patricia Howard on their CRAFTed project to develop skills in clay construction. Inspired by the home and traditional Irish stone thatched cottages, of which Wexford has many, the students created their own village. Starting with a slab of clay, each student cut and formed it into the landscape on which their house would sit. They gradually built up the walls of their cottages with individually formed miniature clay stones. They learned how to attach and join pieces of clay using slip and they used simple tools to make marks and textures in the clay. The white earthenware clay was then bisque fired by Patricia in her studio and brought back to class for the students to glaze and finish. This architectural CRAFTed project focused on process, encouraging the children to explore the versatile medium of clay and the possibilities of 3D construction.
Patricia Howard About: A native of Dublin, Patricia learnt her craft in the studios of Ireland’s foremost potters. A stint working in Copenhagen inspired her, and later she joined the Camphill Community in Northern Ireland as an assistant potter. She then became the master potter before leaving to establish her own studio practice in Cork in the 1970s. She was the first potter in Ireland to open her studio to children and she facilitated weekly workshops alongside her own production of pottery. This theme continues right up to the present day, currently Patricia is writing a book inspired by her years of teaching children. ‘Ball to Bowl’ will be published in 2014. She is a founder member of Wexford Craft Trail/Network. www.learncraftdesign.ie
Acknowledgements The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) would like to sincerely thank: Frances Fitzgerald, T.D. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Raghnall Ó’Floinn, Director of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) Helen Beaumont Lorraine Comer Rory Loughnane Ben Malone Barry Byrne Eamon Carpenter Steven Ennis Thomas Mahon Paul Walsh Richie Finn Greg Kelly Sean Kelly Dave McKenna All the staff at the NMI All the staff at the OPW Association of Teacher Education Centres (ATECI) John Cleere, Red Lemonade Creative Fergus Byrne Fanny Michels Emilie Dubois All the teachers and craftspeople who collaborated for this project This exhibition was produced by: Susan Holland Curator Muireann Charleton Education & Innovation Manger Carrie Lynam CRAFTed Assistant Coordinator Polly Minett CRAFTed National Coordinator Amanda Walsh Education Administration Assistant Jane Murphy Patterson CCoI Education Intern
learning skills for life
About CRAFTed CRAFTed: Learning Skills for Life primary schools programme provides children with craft specific education and educational training opportunities for professional craftspeople. It offers teachers training and support while opening up a world of creative possibilities to primary school children. It develops good collaborative practice between craft-makers and teachers. It focuses on how development of craft skills can support integrated learning methodologies, with an emphasis on developing numeracy and literacy skills in the children working on craft projects For more information on the CCoI Craft Education Panel, please visit, www.learncraftdesign.com/learn/craft-edu-panel
To get involved in CRAFTed please contact: Polly Minett, National Coordinator of CRAFTed, CCoI polly@pollyminett.com
978-1-906691-35-6