Showcase 2014
I travelled to Dublin on Wednesday with Siubhan from CraftLee to visit Showcase, Ireland’s annual ‘Creative Expo’, featuring the very best of Irish gifts, fashion and interiors. Now in its 38th year, Showcase is Ireland’s largest international trade fair, and is held at Dublin’s RDS. What’s unique about it is that leading brands sit alongside small makers of Irish crafts. Siubhan was representing Cork Craft and Design and I tagged along to meet the makers. It was my third time attending the show, which really is exactly as it says – an inspirational showcase of talented Irish designers and craft workers.
Most of the makers featured in my gallery below were exhibiting in the Creative Island section of the show – some of Ireland’s most talented craftspeople who have ‘imagined, designed and made’ objects of beauty and function in glass, wood, textiles, metal, ceramics and found objects.
Siubhan and I had left home in the ‘wee small’ hours, long before birds were stirring in their nests.
We must have walked miles around the exhibition that day but it was worth every step. Footsore and slightly weary, yet in great spirits, as we left the RDS later in the day we both remarked on how bright it was still… or as Siubhan commented in her best Donegal accent – ‘the rooster’s step’ – a lovely Donegal saying meaning there’s a stretch in the day.
Below you will find some of the beautiful things that caught my eye on the day. If you would like to know more about the people behind these wonderful items, just click on the picture captions.
I would like to thank all of the lovely people who took a few moments to chat with me. I am in awe of their skills, talent and humility.
I loved browsing your photos and you’ve done a great job of crediting these artists and craftspeople. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Safia, it was certainly a time-consuming post but I enjoyed it and they were worth the effort!
Marvelous event, great documentation! Thanks for taking us along on your perusal. 🙂
xo
Thank you – lovely to have you along!
It was very nice to see what the artists and craftsmen of Ireland are creating! Thanks for sharing, wildsherkin!
I hope you are taking advantage of similar shows and craft events to sell your beautiful handiwork!
What a beautiful array of handcrafted articles. It must have been a joy to see all this talent on display. Handmade and home made items are always so much more attractive.
It was a lovely experience, Mary, and particularly nice to be out of my working environment for the day and to be in the company of such creative people!
looks great Patsy. Would love to visit. Did anyone from Sherkin exhibit?
Hi Nuala, it was a lovely experience! My images are hopeless though so they don’t do the work any justice. I didn’t see anyone from Sherkin Island but met a few West Cork makers including a Harriett Andrews from Bere Island – http://www.cattapilladesigns.com. I believe that it’s very expensive to exhibit at Showcase but Enterprise Ireland co-funded some of the stands. It may be worth checking out Cork Craft and Design. If any Sherkin Islanders are interested, I am sure that Siubhan could fill them in on the benefits of membership.
Would love to have joined you for the day 🙂
I bet your head was buzzing when you returned home P … there are so many talented people out there to inspire us . Would make me want to get my notebook out and give reign to flowing ideas – I guess you might have felt that too !
There’s always next year, Poppy! You’re right – I was buzzing with ideas but also came home with a slightly more realistic view of my own capabilities!
What a great day you must have had! Looks like wonderful stuff, high quality and original.
Oh, I was just green with envy! 🙂
What really struck me was that these makers have impeccable standards and take such pride and care in their work. It was great to see how they displayed their work too.
Looks like a fabulous quality of craftsmanship was displayed. I am sure you returned home quite inspired.
I came home on a high! I don’t know if you have had a moment to check out Nicola Brown’s felt work above at Clasheen.com? I thought of you when I saw her natural printing and mentioned your blog to her. Apparently, she lived in Canada for a while so you have a few things in common!
I started following her blog as soon as I saw it! LOL! The eco wool supplier intrigued me as well. Too bad the show was so far from here, it looks like it would have been great to see.
That’s great!! I see that she is planning some overseas workshops too…