The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and 'Covet' at craft Central.
I have just returned to Mull after a very busy couple of weeks away. First of all I headed down to Manchester to show my work at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair for a second time. The location for the fair this year had changed, so the many artists found themselves in the stunning Old Granada Studios. The studios moved afew years ago but the huge rooms are filled with reminders of the exciting times filming there. It made a great backdrop for some beautiful pieces of contemporary craft.
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| All the makers setting up in the great big Old Granada Studios. |
This year I showed both of my collections, carefully displayed on the birch ply table and plinths I brought down from my gallery here at Calgary.
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| Setting up before the opening. |
I met lots of lovely customers, spoke to gallery representatives and even spotted afew people wandering round the fair in pieces of my jewellery they had bought last year!
My stand all ready for the crowds!
I was lucky enough to have a stand opposite the fantastic Emma Cocker, who makes wonderful textile animals. Foxes, mice and salty sea dogs kept me entertained all weekend.
Have a look at her creations here: http://www.emmacocker.co.uk/
On the stand next to me was the very talented Katherine Lees, who makes beautiful screen printed ceramics. I particularly like her little colourful screen printed bottles.
Find her work at: http://katherineleesceramics.co.uk/
My absolute favourite of the show was Ruth Pullans stunning leatherwork. Ruth hand stitches leather satchels, belts and purses (amongst other things) in a variety of beautiful colours and timeless styles. Ruth's passion for her work comes through in the excellent craftsmanship and carefully considered, simple, unique designs. I am saving up for a beautiful coral red box satchel.
To see Ruth's work go to: http://www.ruthpullan.co.uk/
Following a busy weekend in Manchester I headed straight for Craft Central, Clerkenwell, London. Here I was taking part in a group exhibition of jewellery and fashion from the Highlands and Islands. The exhibition 'Covet' was put together by Emergents - who do a brilliant job of supporting designer makers. Alongside a beautifully curated show, they also organised several training events and workshops. This included an inspirational talk from Katie Treggiden of the hugely popular 'confessions of a design geek' blog, as well as a tour of top London galleries and talks from gallery representatives. My highlight was the brilliant Contemporary Applied Arts, showing some of the UKs most talented designer makers in a beautiful old building in Southwark. I also made my first visit to Lesley Craze gallery, taking in some inspirational work by leading contemporary jewellers.
A few very quick photos of the exhibition at Craft Central:
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| Twinkling Jewels |
Covet showcased the work of 13 fashion and jewellery designers from the Highlands and Islands, including Heather Mcdermott's stunning 'Tidal surge' collection, which I also show here at Calgary. Other highlights for me were Gilly Langton's bold and beautiful jewellery made with hand dyed elastic and silver and Merlin Planterose's delicate jewellery collection featuring intriguing hinged lockets and pretty gemstones. I also loved Kirsteen Stewart's collection of fashion and knitwear, especially her pieces incorporating abstract prints of bright colourful lights.
My two and a half weeks away from Mull felt very productive and inspiring, if a little tiring! I have come back with a long to do list as I send out stock to galleries for Christmas shows and prepare the gallery here, but I'm very happy to be back to the peace and quiet of this beautiful place.
Maike x
