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THE CRAFTS COUNCILGETS FLOOREDIt would be true to say that Tony Dixonof carpet manufacturers V'Soske Joycehad no idea of what he was lettinghimself in for when he agreed tolecture at the Crafts Council's Focus onFloors workshop in March 1995. Thisseminar was held to examine trends -past present and future - in designconcepts for floors and the industrypotential as a whole. Dixon wasspeaking on the important role of theartist in relation to the more functionalaspects of manufacturing.

The idea for the Focus on Floorsexhibition came after one particularworkshop. The Crafts Council haddiscussed the possibility of offeringdisplay space to those interested ininterior projects, but why notcommission a variety of artists todesign carpets for exhibition with theCrafts Council at Showcase '96? TonyDixon immediately rose to thechallenge, pledging the sponsorship,service and expertise of his world-renowned business in the hand makingof six (and later twelve) full-scaledesigns.

Dixon remembers: 'V'Soske Joyce hasa tradition of working with Europe'sleading artists. About 40% of ourbusiness is specialist work involving thedesigns of Phillip Starck, Ettorio Sottsasand Irish names such as Patrick Scott,Patricia Jorgensen and MaryFitzgerald. Their input is so importantto the personality of V'Soske Joyce,

but it is imperative to keep the flow ofnew talent constant, I thought theFocus on Floors project would be anespecially good opportunity toencourage new artists into our field'.Dixon has had positive pastexperiences with exhibiting suchspecialist work; 'In 1990 we toured ashow entitled 'Visions' from Brussels toParis, London and Dublin. It was ashowcase of the best in Europeanartistic talent and provided marvellousbusiness for all involved in theproject... just as Focus on Floors willcreate opportunities for theparticipating designers. We've alreadyhad commissions for Patricia Murphy'swork in addition to orders for herexhibited piece'.

With industry support pledged, Craft'sCouncil representative Kaethe Burt-O'Dea got to work with aninternational panel of judges to choosedesigns from portfolios submitted byartists of diverse backgrounds anddisciplines - tilers, potters, tapestrydesigners, illustrators, jewellers,weavers and paper sculptors. Onlyone of the selected crafts people haddesigned carpets before and amajority hadn't even worked withtextiles.

The designers behind Focus on Floorsinclude the best of Ireland'scontemporary crafts people: tapestryweaver Gillian Freedman; gold andsilversmith Alan Ardiff; textile

Gillian FreedmanSquares on a Light Coloured Ground

designers P<

cdesigners Patricia Gavin and Mary

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.

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 in-

progress sample designs which

provided an insight to the work-in-

progress 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 co-

ordinate 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 interpreted m

ideas with real vision'.I my

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.

In order to see the project through to its

commercial end, V'Soske Joyce will

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 MeetingsAgenda & 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

O1 Donovan's Hotel, Pearse Street,

Cionakilty, Cork Phone: 023 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

2.00pm Showcase Issues (for Showcase

exhibitors)

3.30pm Coffee

4.00pm Other Issues

Crafts Council Announcements

Crafts Council andCounty EnterpriseBoard Craft BusinessProgramme for theRegions

The Crafts Council of Ireland inconjunction with the Enterprise Boardshas carefully compiled and is presentlyimplementing a series of Craft Businessand Design Programmes for the regions.

Arising from a pilot programme in WestCork. These programmes are a mixtureof design, production and businesselements. Held in the localities it is adirect response to the needs of regionallybased craftworkers. If you need tostreamline your production, or needadvice on pricing your work,approaching retailers, composing orupdating a marketing plan, or wish toimprove your selling skills you shouldavail of this opportunity.

Contact Emer Ferran at the KilkennyOffice if you would like furtherinformation about a programme in yourarea.

Congratulations to HilaryMorley, Retail Manager, and Paul on thebirth of their baby Sean.

The Council would like towelcome Lynn Stephens who is Hilary'sreplacement as Retail Manager for theduration of her maternity leave.

REMINDER -POTTERY WEEKENDWORKSHOPS

May - October, 1 9 9 6 .

Jigger and JolleyJuly 20th/21stBuild your own Gas FiredCeramic Fibre Test KilnAugust 7th/8th/9thAdvanced ThrowingSeptember 29th/30thNew Ideas for DecorationOctober 19th/20th

Due to lack of response New Ideas forDecoration has been postponed fromApril to October and Extruder as aCreative Tool has been cancelledFor information and application pleasecontact Nuala McGrath at 056-61804.

Crafts Council Exhibitions

Exhibition Schedule1996

2010 Textiles & NewTechnology ExhibitionThurs., 6th June - Sat, 20th July

This exhibition comprises 51 exhibitswhich are wall hung textiles, andexamples of textiles in use as clothing,furniture or architecture.

New Product Show(Summer Show)Thurs., 1st August - Sat., 14th September

Words RevealedExhibitionThurs., 26th Sept. - Sat., 9th November

An exhibition of poetry, interpreted byletterers, calligraphers etc. bringingtogether writers/artists from Ireland andEngland.

Christmas ShowNovember - Dec/Jon

For 1997The Council is considering introducing atouring programme in 1997.extiles,

Coursesie Crafts Council isiundated with enquiries

about courses and craftweekends

If you know about a courseor are running oneyourself, please contactCatherine Jordan at theCrafts Council 01-679 7368or send the information toher at the Dublin office.

Membership of theCrafts Council ofIreland

It seems that there is confusionbetween being a member of theCouncil and being a member of theRegister of Professional Craftworkers.Members of the Crafts Council areeither:

(a) the subscribers (the Council'soriginal founders) to theMemorandum of Association

(b) bodies Corporate (i.e. Forbairt, Fasetc) which the Board shall admit tomembership

(c) individual persons whom the Boardshall from time to time decide toadmit to membership

(d) persons nominated to the Councilto represent unincorporatedassociations (i.e. associations andguilds such as the Society of CorkPotters, the Jewellers andMetalworkers Guild etc.)

All these individuals would haveautomatic access to the Memorandumand Articles of Association of theCrafts Council of Ireland Limited andthe right to vote at Annual GeneralMeetings in order to elect members ofthe Board. Members of the Registerhave free access to services providedby the Council. No fee orqualification, other than residency inIreland and being a full-timeprofessional in a discipline recognisedby the Council, is required to enter theRegister.

General AnnouncementsCharlie Caffrey,WoodturnerDied 28th March 1996

by Seamus O'Reilly

Charlie Caffrey has gone to his reward andwith his passing we are all the poorer. Ofcourse the greatest loss is to Phyllis and thefamily he was so proud of. They will miss thiskind gentle man who epitomised all that wasgood in Christian values and the husband andfather loved by all. To them we extend ourdeepest sympathy.

Charlie was a founder member of the DublinChapter and served on Committee in variouscapacities since its inception. He was awoodturner of exceptional ability and washappiest ankle deep in shavings watching anew 'piece' take shape. He was an instructor ofno small skills and many of us owe whateverability we have as woodturners to Charlie. Hewas knowledgeable though humble and alwayshad a new story to tell, he also had the knackof telling the 'Punch line' first, much to his ownamusement! He was a man of culture blessedwith a magnificent singing voice, and sang inDublin's leading choirs.

He will be missed by all who knew him andagain, to Phyllis and his family we extend ourdeepest sympathy. He was secretary of theNational Guild of Woodturners and hadorganised the AGM which was held on the dayof his funeral. Without being facetious I wouldlike to feel that Charlie is now setting up aChapter in Heaven.

'May he rest in peace'Seamus

SUMMER WORKSHOPS INSILVERSMITHING ANDJEWELLERYBrian Clarke is running the SummerWorkshops in Silversmithing andJewellery again this year. This will be thefourth year, and again the workshops,which are of two weeks duration andresidential, will be held with the object ofhard work and good fun. The maintheme is the "plasticity of metal", to beexplored through hand raising and handforging of non-ferrous metals. The scaleof work depends on the requirements ofeach student i.e. holloware or jewellery.We have facilities for handraising,forging, die forming, etc.. To date wehave had students from Ireland, England,

Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain,Canada and the U.S.. The workshopsare very intensive (80 hours +) and"hands on". The insistence being thateach student completes an introductorypiece and also a finished main project.There is space for a maximum of 5students, so early booking isrecommended. This will not only be anintensive workshop but a wonderfulholiday as we also take trips to centresof Artistic, Cultural and Historic interest.

Phone, Fax or Write with your bookingor enquiry to:-Brian Clarke,The Old Schoolhouse,Ballinaclash,Rathdrum,Co. Wicklow.Tel./Fax. 0404-46385

"Contemporary Irish TextileArt: The Women ofAnnaghmakerrig"at the Goldstein Gallery, University ofMinnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul.

The exhibition features the work of 27Irish artists all of whom have beenresident at one of the 3 textile workshopsat Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan,since 1987. The work methods includefunctional quilt forms, art clothing, fineart hangings and pieces. The exhibitionwill be shown in Ireland upon its returnfrom the USA.

The Artifact Register ofContemporary ProfessionalIrish ArtistsA unique computer service providinginternational sale, exhibition andcommission opportunities for artists andcraftspeople.

Don't miss your chance to register yourwork with this new resource available atARTHOUSE and around the country.

Limited free registration is currentlyavailable for professional craftspeoplewho complete the new Quickstepregistration procedure.

For full details contact:ARTHOUSE Library, ARTHOUSEMultimedia Centre for the Art, CurvedStreet, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Tel. 01-6056800, Fax. 01 -6056801.

Wood Turning Centre- U.S.A. P.O. Box 25706 Philadelphia, PA19144 U.S.A.Tel. (215)844-2188Fax. (215)844-6166

Part-time teaching position: TheWood Turning Centre, based inPhiladelphia, seeks to hire a part-time latheturning instructor.Announcements: The Wood TurningCentre will be holding a conference onAugust 9-11, 1996 in conjunction with itsInternational Turning Exchange program.Titled allTURNatives: Creating, Critiquingand Collecting, the conference will examinethe lathe turning field from the standpointsof the maker, educator, curator andcollector. Emphasis will be on developing afurther understanding of the creativeprocess, methods of critiquing and theobjectives behind collecting.Opportunities: The Wood TurningCentre is now accepting applications for its'summer 1997 and 1998 InternationalTurning Exchange Residency Programmeand for its 1997 travelling exhibitionentitled Curators Focus: Turning in Context.The Centre is also seeking proposals forpresentations at its 1997 World TurningConference: Turning Towards the 21stCentury.

Musical InstrumentMaking SummerCourses

Violin Making1 st-12th July & 15th-26th July 1996Tutor Bill Patterson

Guitar Making1 st-12th July 15th-26th July 1996Tutor Mike Regan

Mandolin Making1 st-12th July 1996Tutor Tony QuinnEnquiries in writing to Supervisor MeithalCharman, Foresters Hall, Church Lane,Wexford. Fax: 053 23765.

Art in WoodThe 1 st National Art and Craft in WoodFestival being held on 5, 6 & 7 July 1996.For further infomation please contact:David Read The Exhitition Team Ltd., EventsHouse, Wycombe Air Park, Booker,Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3DP. Tel:0044 1494 450504 or Fax: 0044 1494450245.

. 1 1 1 1 1 * 1Festival of the ClaneCountrysideThis festival will take place over twoSundays (14th & 21st) in July andcelebrates the countryside and all ithas to offer - gardens, crafts, produce,food, farming, nature, walking etc. Forfurther information and booking formplease contact Anthony Linden at 045-868121.

1996 EBS CraftsCompetitionEntries must be delivered to the Societybetween Saturday 20th July andMonday 22nd July, inclusive.Details and entry forms are availablefrom Sinead O'Duinnin, ArtsDevelopment Executive, RDS,Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tel. 01-6680866 Fax. 01-6604014.

Liberties College(Craft - Design andProduction Course)This two year course provides trainingin craft and explores opportunities foremployment and self-employment indesign/craft workshops, establishing afirm foundation for further study.Principal areas of study - drawing,ceramics, metalcraft, jewellery,woodcraft, setting up and managing asmall business, history andappreciation of design, communicationand work experience.For information and application pleasecontact Liberties College, Communityand Further Education, Bull AlleyStreet, Patrick Street, Dublin 8. Tel. 01-4540044.

For Sale 'Mr.Muggs Pottery'Mr. Muggs Pottery for sale as goingconcern. Good turnover, excellentproduct, established for years,potential for growth. Training andcustomer goodwill supplied (noequipment). Suit existing potterywishing to expand. Urgent - customerswaiting. Tel. S. Martin 01-4972835.

WantedPeople who are interested in havingtheir various crafts imported and soldin the United States please contact: -Donna Donlon Hogan,3976 S.W. 166th Place Road,Ocala, Florida 34473,U.S.A.

Persons orC o m p a n i e s who are interestedin exporting to a shop project in Lyon,France. Please contact:Mr. Phillip Martindale, 42, Bossuet,69006 Lyon, France.Phone 0033 72742238, Fax 003378282450 or Dublin 01 2854338

Position AvailableFurniture Designer/Maker requires full-time assistant in South West Cork.Some experience preferable.For further details please phone NickHarding-Smith at 023-40609.

Space AvailableA number of additional units havebeen completed in The Liffey TrustEnterprise Centre. For furtherinformation please contact: -Theodore Cottuli,Secretary,The Liffey Trust,117-126 Upper Sheriff Street,Dublin 1.

Space AvailableSpace available in purpose built studioin Rathmines, Dublin 6 area for seriousCeramist or Sculptor interested in claywork. Would suit graduate orexperienced person.Tel. 01-2893602.

Craft Unit AvailableA 50m2 craft unit is available forleasing in the Spiddal Craft Centre,Co. Galway. Applications are invitedfor a commercially viable craft projector proposal. Priority will be given toproposals involving high-quality craftproducts to complement the qualityrange of products and the image ofSpiddal Craft Centre.Applications in writing to:An Rannog Reigiunach,Udaras na Gaeltachta,Na Forbacha, ^ JGaillimh.F6n: (091)592011

Craft Unit AvailableA 50m2 craft unit is available forleasing in the Craft Centre, Dingle, Co.Kerry. Applications are invited for acommercially viable craft project orproposal. Priority will be given toproposals involving high-quality craftproducts to complement the qualityrange of products and the image ofDingle Craft Centre.Applications in writing, not later than12th July, 1996 to:Udaras na Gaeltachta,An Daingean,Co. Chiarrai.F6n: (066) 51658.

Units AvailableUnits available in old stone courtyard(craft shop already in operation).Located 35 miles North West of Dublinin grounds of a Georgian house.Would suit potter or similar craftsperson.Phone: 046-40346 for furtherinformation.

Units AvailableUnits available in Limerick CollectionCraft Centre, King John's Castle,Nicholas Street, Limerick City. Forfurther information contact BernardSheehan, Beechwood Drive,Greystone, Limerick.

To Let:Light Industrial Units at the Quay,Ballina, Co. Mayo.Moy Valley Resources, I.R.D. NorthMayo/West Sligo Ltd. are developingthe Quay Area of Ballina, Co. Mayo.The five Light Industrial Units arecompleted and at present there are 3units ready for occupancy.The units are of the followingdimensions:- 2 Units (36ft x 20ft)

1 Unit (35ft x 20ft)Those interested should contact Mr.Liam Kiely, Projects Manager, MoyValley Business Centre, CathedralRoad, Ballina, Co. Mayo.Tel. (096) 70905

Furnace AvailableFor UseLarge furnace (4.5m x 1.5m x 2.0m)available for the firings of largebatches or large pieces of ceramicmaterial. Propane fired. Electronicallycontrolled. Ramping and holding. Max

temperature 1000 C. Operated byskilled personnel.Contact:- 01 -8353380 or 042-72977

WantedAssociate required to set up a potterywith a French Potter in Ireland (someknowledge of French needed).Please phone Gabriel Kaye on 061 -921018 after 5.00 p.m. for moreinformation.

WantedJewellery craft worker for July/August(or longer). Accomodation provided.For further information contact SflaMag Aoide Designs, Roundstone,Connemara, Co. Galway. Phone/Fax095-35912.

For Sale25 cubic feet Electric Truck Kiln. 3phase 32 kw. Good condition withfurniture and west 2050 computercontroller. £2,500Tel: 074-22738

Attention AllFurniture MakersSouth African Embassy recentlyestablished may be interested inpurchasing furniture.Please send brochures withphotographs to:Anne BarrySouth African Embassy

BANDON 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.

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.

The Poppy Collection: Vibrant Summer poppies, red flowers

against dark green, rimmed with blue, again in a range of tableware

tough enough for everyday use and sophisticated enough for the smartest

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.

Alexandra HouseEarlsfort CentreEarlsfort TerraceDublin 2Phone: 01-661 5553Fax: 01-6615590

Swansea Craft &Stitching FestivalBrangwyn Hall, Swansea, WalesSaturday, 26th & Sunday, 27thOctober 1996

The show is intended for individualcraftspeople to display, demonstrateand sell their wares. With the exceptionof small craft supplies, no bought-in,

mass-produced or imported goods willbe permitted. Each exhibitor's work willbe juried by the Organisers'experienced staff, who will be lookingfor individuality, presentation andquality.

For further details please contact RobertThomas at:RWT Exhibitions93 Mumbics RoadSwanseaSA3 5TWWalesPhone: 0044 1792 405 019

The Management Committee1996Chair Mr. Cyril Forbes

Vice Chair Ms. Hilary Pratt

Mr. Ed Kevin

Ms. Suzanne May

Mr. Michael McCrory

Mr. David Comerford

Dr. David Shaw-Smith

Ms. Breda Haugh

Mr. Knut Klimmek

Mr. David Hargaden

Mr. Jonathan Ryan

Mr. Neil Read

Ms. Kaethe Burt-O'Dea

Ms. Mary Jackson

Ms. Bernadette Madden

Crafts Council Staff

Dublin

Chief Executive

Administrative Officer

Book keeper

Telephonist/Receptionist

Information Officer

Admin. Assistant

Retail Manager

Mr. Leslie Reed

Ms. Margaret Jones

Ms. Vicky Mullarkey

Ms. Christine Deevy

Ms. Catherine Jordan

Ms. Clare McParlane

Ms. Hilary Morley

(Lynn Stephens covering for maternity leave)

Shop Assistant Ms. Marion Doyle

Shop Assistant (PT) Ms. Anne Dack

The Crescent Workshop

Director of Training

Business Course Supervisor

Training Administrator

Admin. Assistant

Mr. Leslie Reed

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

The Crafts Council of Ireland

DublinPowerscourt Townhouse Centre

South Will iam Street

Dublin 2Tel. 01 679 7368Fax. 01 679 9197

KilkennyThe Crescent Workshop

Castle Yard

Kilkenny

Tel 056 61804 or 62734Fax. 056 63754

All information is published in good faith but withoutresearch, so please check carefully before committingyourself 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.