Sue Herdman chooses her 5 Favourites from Made by Hand and Win brunch and tickets to Made by Hand
Written: 22 September 2017
We asked Sue Herdman, arts and design journalist and former Editor of Ceramic Review to choose her five favourites at Made by Hand, Cardiff
I always gravitate towards pottery when visiting a show. At Bovey Tracey’s Contemporary Craft Festival in June, I spotted Abigail’s beautifully made, handbuilt domestic wares in the StartUP section. A mix of deep red terracotta and glossy glazes, these are ceramic pieces that bring a zing – and a sense of style – to any table.
A piece of luminous stained glass – and it need only be small in size – can be such a space enhancer. The work that comes from the studio of award-winning artist Christian Ryan is, he says, a combination of his love for ‘painting, graphics, craft and architecture.’ For me it is the mix of a traditional craft, executed with a deft contemporary approach, that makes Christian’s work so beguiling.
I can never resist a beautiful chair, which is why I'm drawn to the work of designer and maker Rodney Lomas. Rodney sources woods that appeal to him for their character and movement. From such finds he crafts exquisite pieces, including beds, boxes, tables, chests and, the one I covet most, his Cable Bay Chair.
Kerry is an artist who turns her hands to different mediums, from block printed fabrics to sculpture, figurative to portraiture art. I particularly like her crisp botanical prints, created through the linocut and screen print process. She draws inspiration, she says, from her own house plants. A grouping of her ‘Plant’ series on a kitchen wall – with their vibrant green hues – would look stunning.
Rachael Rowe and Steve Jones are magpies for found objects and travel ephemera, which they often use as the starting point for their handmade pieces for the home. I love the patterns they create and the colours they use in their work – elegant, balanced and harmonious. Many of their pieces work so well together, it’s hard not to find yourself purchasing more than just one find.
Follow Sue on Twitter at @SueHerdman1
Book your workshop and talk place with world renowned textile artist, Janet Bolton
Janet Bolton teaches and exhibits her distinctive textile art worldwide and can be found in public and private collections across the globe. We are delighted, excited and honoured to offer an all day workshop on Saturday November 4th with this inspirational and high influential maker at Made by Hand. We have just 10 places available so please book now to avoid disappointment.
You can also hear Janet give an illustrated talk on Sunday November 5th in the Council Chamber at Made by Hand on Her Life in Textiles. A complimentary event, included in your ticket price.
LIMITED PLACES, BOOKING ESSENTIAL
We also have a variety of workshops on offer, provided by Make it in Wales & Learn Cardiff
Ever wanted to have a go at making your own Jewellery? Perhaps turn your hand to needle felting, mosaic or pottery? Well these are just a few of the workshops that make up our packed schedule of activities available at Made by Hand this year. Take a look and book up the ones you like now as they sell out quickly.
IT'S COMPETITION TIME!
You have the chance to win a Prosecco Brunch for 2 at Made by Hand's partner, Kin + Ilk.
Kin + Ilk have 3 Scandi style branches and share our passion for contemporary design and inspitational environments. To win a Prosecco Brunch for 2 at one of their cafes in Cardiff and we'll also throw in weekend tickets to Made by Hand. Tasty!