Made It exhibition with works from the Craft Council collection and the Highland makers inspired by them
Showing in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery from 5th June to the end of July is an exhibition of international quality featuring works from the Craft’s Council and complimented by Highland craft makers work inspired by the Collection.
The objects on show include ceramics by Rupert Spira, work from Tord Boontje alongside jewellery pieces from Highland artists Lucy Woodley and Eileen Gatt.
Made It! is a unique show the Highland Council’s Exhibitions service, in collaboration with Hi-Arts Making Progress programme have been instrumental in bringing together four established Highland craft makers with two experienced craft mentors. All six have been asked to choose work from the Craft’s Council Collection which has in some way stimulated their own personal artistic development.
Exhibitions Officer Cathy Shankland said: “This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to experience the quality and diversity of craft that is being produced within the Highlands and across the UK today.”
Also showing at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is the second Craft Spolight Shows for HI-Art Making Progress makers.
Laura West established the Isle of Skye Bindery in 1999 and there she undertakes bookbinding commissions as well as producing her own signature range of unique artefact books the designs which are accurately founded upon existing historical and multi-cultural book structures such as Coptic, palm leaf and bark books. Laura is also a highly regarded tutor and holds workshops locally and throughout the country.
Website: www.laurawest.com
Laura said: “I hope that my recent exhibitions inspire visitors to take another look at the possibilities of the book as a personal artefact which need not be hidden away in an oversized handbag, but held, used and openly carried. As Vivienne Westwood said, the best accessory is a book.”
Making Progress is HI-Arts Craft mentoring and business support scheme for mid career makers.
Four makers who live and work throughout the Highlands and Islands were selected for the 2010 mentoring programme and this spring/summer their work will be the focus of a series of Craft Spotlight exhibitions at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The makers are Jen Deschenes from Spean Bridge, Laura West from Portree on the Isle of Skye, Lucy Woodley from Tain, and Daniel Kavanagh from Glenferness, near Nairn.
Since November 2009 the four makers have worked with their mentors, Eileen Gatt and Gilly Langton as well as HI-Arts Craft Development Coordinator, Pamela Conacher to develop their skills and business to a new level.
An integral part of the programme has been the opportunity to focus on creating new work for their Spotlight show at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Working with The Highland Council Exhibitions team they have learnt valuable skills in curating, marketing and management.