WaterLand exhibition opening night photographs

Minister Jimmy Deenihan presided over the official opening of WaterLand.

It was a special night on the Dublin art calendar as the crowds poured into Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre for the opening of WaterLand exhibition on 5 November 2013.

Waterways Ireland hosted a fantastic evening with delicious food served by nearby Il Valentino.

The beautiful venue was packed with artists, designers, and collectors alike.

A great night was had by all.


Roll up! Roll up!   The exhibition closes this Saturday 30 November at 6pm.

Minister Jimmy Deenihan officially opens the exhibition.

Sarah Ross, curator of WaterLand

Dawn Livingstone, Chief Executive, Waterways Ireland

Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland

Ayelet Lalor, Chairperson, The Design Tower Artists

Paper conservator Pat McBride, Minister Deenihan and Dawn Livingstone.

Artist Ayelet Lalor, Minister Deenihan, and Sarah Ross, curator.

Dawn Livingstone and John McKeown of Waterways Ireland, 

artist Emmet Kane, and Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

Filter, ceramic sculptures

Sarah Ross with Alison Lowry glass sculpture Killaloe workers.

The Liffey Swim, wooden bowl.

Elizabeth O'Kane with her stone carving FLOW

Sarah Ross with The Diver bronze by Alan Ardiff 

and 

Grand Canal Quay watercolour by Elizabeth O'Kane

'Reflections', leather, Róisín Gartland 

Róisín Gartland with Jobst Graeve

Dawn Livingstone CEO of Waterways Ireland, Minister Deenihan, Sarah Ross and Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland discussing The Diver bronze sculpture by Alan Ardiff.

Dawn Livingstone of Waterways Ireland, Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of Crafts 

Council of Ireland, Minister Jimmy Deenihan and curator Sarah Ross.

For more information contact the following:
www.waterwaysirelandvisitorcentre.org
www.thedesigntower.com

Review of WaterLand Exhibition

Roger Bennett reviews WaterLand

Themed exhibitions are often contrived affairs, with the artists straining to make their work fit the brief, and trying awkwardly to justify tenuous connections. This most definitely is not the case with 'Water Land', an exhibition of sculpture and craft curated by Sarah Ross in Waterways Ireland's visitor centre on Grand Canal Quay.

Most of the exhibitors are residents of the neighbouring Design Tower, and therefore in daily communion with the waters of the canal; they are joined by a number of invited guests. Water is utterly essential in and for our lives, so it is not surprising that all the exhibitors have responded imaginatively to the theme.

For some, the inspiration is local, as in Elizabeth O'Kane's watercolour snapshot of the dock and its buildings, and Alan Ardiff's spiky youth diving confidently into the blue canal water, the splash cleverly created by three concentric bowl rims.  ​

Grand Canal Quay III, Watercolour, Elizabeth O'Kane

An invitation to take part in an exhibition such as this can free an artist to depart from their usual practice. Michiel De Hoog forsakes his precise violin-making, and comes up with an exuberant frieze-like painting which sets canal-bank warehouses dancing to the rhythms of the waves. Or, signature pieces can be given a fresh twist: an Ayelet Lalor head is topped by a wild swell of hair, a play-place for tiny figures to sunbathe and dive. Flowing curves are a recurring shape in Seamus Gill's jewellery and sculpture; here, he has hammered them into a gorgeously voluptuous waterlily.  

Water Lily, Bronze, Seamus Gill

For some exhibitors, the challenge was to capture the shape and texture of water – exquisitely realised in Da Capo's waterdrop pendant, and in the undulating tactility of Elizabeth O'Kane's limestone 'Flow'.

Flow, Kilkenny limestone, Elizabeth O'Kane

Emmet Kane, Zelouf and Bell, and Joe Hogan have investigated our historical relationship with water. Kane's 'Grinding Water' is turned and carved from ekki wood, an extremely hard timber used in lock gates: it is a very assured piece, and demonstrates his growing confidence as a sculptor. Zelouf and Bell's haunting famine larder references Rowan Gillespie's Liffey-side starving figures, and Hogan's Heaney-inspired bog boat is a robust example of his basket-as-sculpture series.

Craft is perennially under-exhibited in Irish galleries. This is an uplifting exhibition: playful, thoughtful, full of beautifully-made pieces. Quite simply, a must-see. 

Water Land runs at Waterways Ireland's visitor centre on Grand Canal Quay from 6th - 30th November.

Opening times for visitors are from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 6pm.

Roger Bennett is a woodturner and writer about craft; he has been published in Irish Arts Review, Ceramics Ireland, Sunday Miscellany.​

For more information contact the following:

www.waterwaysirelandvisitorcentre.org

www.thedesigntower.com

www.elizabethokane.com

www.seamusgill.com

Water Land Exhibition

The Design Tower and Waterways Ireland present ‘Water Land’, an exhibition of sculpture and craft objects inspired by the element of water.

Following the success of The Design Tower's Wunderkammer exhibition in 2009 the Tower artists and designer are hosting another group exhibition, Water Land.

This exhibition brings together the heritage of the inland waterways with new work by contemporary artists and craft makers. Curated by Sarah Ross, it will feature a selection of Ireland’s most well known and recognised artists and crafts people, those resident in the Design Tower, together with makers invited from across Ireland and abroad.

Throughout ‘Water Land’, the theme of water is broad and wide-ranging. Water helps anchor our history, our culture and influences our architecture. As a valuable resource it is ever-present in our lives and is integral to our future. As an island country, we are never far from the presence of a waters edge but at the same time, we can be divided by its very presence. The artists and makers use their experience with these themes for their inspiration in developing work in their individual media, whether that is precious metals, wood, stone, clay, paper, glass or  mixed-media.

Alison Lowry, Killaloe Workers 1887, Cast Glass Ceramic Decals

Among the twenty artists and designers taking part in the show renowned jewellery designer Alan Ardiff reminds us of the recent summer heat wave with his diving bronze figure inspired by the dare devil swimmers in Grand Canal Basin;  sculptor Elizabeth O’Kane has hand carved a block of Kilkenny limestone to resemble the surface of the water; and bespoke jewellery designers, Da Capo, have produced exquisite work inspired by the movement and fluidity of water.  Referencing values associated with the use of water are fashion designer, Róisín Gartland whose work references the abuses in the fashion industry for the sake of western beauty and adornment, and ceramic artist Henry Pim reminds us of the depletion of water as a resource. Connemara based basketmaker, Joe Hogan, and Swedish textile designer, Liz Nilsson, have both made work inspired by the natural materials sourced from the waters edge. This is further complemented by a series of sculptural forms created by Kildare’s internationally renowned woodturner, Emmet Kane, made from reclaimed canal gates made from the hardwood called ‘Ekki’. Other exhibiting artists from The Design Tower include Ayelet Lalor, Alan Ardiff, Mick de Hoog, Philip Murphy, Pat McBride, and Niamh Jackman.  Other invited artists include Alison Lowry.

The Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre is a beautiful light filled space, with a sensation of floating on water it provides an excellent environment for displaying works of art and craft inspired by water. The Design Tower, is located on the bank of the canal basin beside the Visitor centre, originally built in 1878 as a sugar refinery, it has been a creative hub of craft makers and artists for the last thirty years. 

Waterways Ireland, one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies established under the British Irish Agreement in 1999, has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes. Due to both its historical significance and current value  the element of water was seen as a very relevant theme to promote the work of over 20 artists and makers at the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre.

‘Water Land’ is supported by Waterways Ireland and further funded by the Crafts Council of Ireland. 

The exhibition will take place from 6th - 30th November.
Opening times for visitors are from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 6pm.
Entry is free of charge.  All welcome.

Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre
Grand Canal Quay
Dublin 2


For more information contact the following:

www.waterwaysirelandvisitorcentre.org

www.thedesigntower.com

"Becoming Men" We are MOTHERLAND - a short film

Check out this beautiful short film featuring The Design Tower, and the local historic buildings, as a backdrop to local kids diving and jumping into the Grand Canal.

Beautiful black and white footage of local kids swimming in the summer heatwave diving off bridges and cranes in the Grand Canal, all set against the narrative of an older man reminiscing about swimming in the canal in his youth.

Click on this link to watch the short film:

http://vimeo.com/75025182

Craft/Design studio lease for sale in The Design Tower, Dublin.

Are you an artist or designer looking for a studio in the heart of Dublin's new creative hub? This is your rare opportunity to purchase a nine year renewable lease in The Design Tower, Trinity Centre, Dublin Docklands.

 View of the Grand Canal basin opposite The Design Tower

This historic building is home to a community of designers and makers which currently include jewellers, fine artists, an instrument maker, a leather-worker and a bronze sculptor as well as paper / textile / painting conservation artists.

This building, formally known as the IDA, has been recently bought by Trinity College, who are keen to support and promote the arts.

The large studio (410 sq ft approx) would suit a professional designer, maker or artist. This building has an industrial lift, 24hr studio access and includes free parking.

The current set-up facilitates a workshop area as well as a generous showroom.

A visit to the building will show the diversity of layouts possible to suit different disciplines.

The 6th floor studio overlooks Pearse Street and the docklands basin.

For further information or to arrange a viewing please contact Aisling on 01 670 8476

The Design Tower (seen left) and views from the 6th floor studio

Have a look at a short film about The Design Tower community! This piece captures the the skills and personalities of the artists and designers as well as the creative neighbourhood where we are located! 

The Design Tower website has information on all the businesses.

Its Summer in the City on Grand Canal Quay!

Check out the Irish Village Food Market located just outside The Design Tower, every Wednesday from 12 noon - 2.30pm,  every week of the year.

During the hot weather the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre, opposite our studios, have opened their gates for customers to enjoy their picnics on the piers and dip their toes in the water. Here you can relax in the sun and enjoy the spectacular architectural delights of Grand Canal Quay, and also the occasional antics of local kids jumping into the water off nearby bridges!

Irish Village Food Market, Wednesdays on Grand Canal Quay outside the Design Tower

Picnics enjoyed at Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre

Don't forget to pop up to our studios after lunch to see local arts, crafts and fine design, such as this watercolour painting of the view from The Design Tower, by artist Elizabeth O'Kane.

Grand Canal Quay III, Watercolour by Elizabeth O'Kane

And watch this space for The Design Tower's next Group Exhibition later this year in The Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre, inspired by Grand Canal Quay.

For more information visit these websites:


www.thedesigntower.com

http://irishvillagemarkets.ie/markets

http://www.waterwaysirelandvisitorcentre.org

http://www.elizabethokane.com/paintings.html

Roisin Gartland - 2013 collection

Roisin Gartland is based in The Design Tower. She is here to tell us about her latest accessories collection which she recently showcased in new York.

"For the last 10 years I've mostly been engaged in creating one-off pieces, which I have to admit is a labour of love! No two pieces are alike and each piece a challenge. During this time I have also become quite interested in accessories… I guess because they are the perfect partner to accompany designing in a bespoke fashion where each piece can take up to 3 months to build. The result is a collection of extremely versatile accessories to add to every woman's wardrobe and they have just made their début in New York.

This new collection consists of collars, gloves and bags: each adding a touch of luxury and individuality to simple classic outfits and at an affordable price. Each collar is moulded to fit the neckline in a natural form and in keeping with my bespoke designs, no two pieces are alike. The collars are naturally thermal and breathable and so perfect for our climate! The fingerless gloves are described by clients as being simply divine and practical too! They are quite eye catching: The hand can feel dressed and very elegant and the beauty is you don't need to remove them when working and they are available in a rainbow of beautiful colours.

Not being able to find the right bags for my own needs resulted in the development of the bag collection. Each shape and size has been road tested and refined over the last decade and the set has developed into a great collection perfected for different uses.

These are timeless items made from the most beautiful natural materials and created to last for many years. The collection is ready to travel and the long term goal is to develop an overseas market for the accessories collection and set some new challenges for myself. However, having said all that, creating one-off designs for my Irish clients is at the core of what I do and that will never change."

For more information on Roisin Gartland's collections, visit her website and Facebook page.

Credits:

Photographer: Sean Jackson

Stylist: Alison Conneely

Model: Maria Boardman from 1st Option Models Management

Irish Sculpture Awards at The Mill Cove Gallery

Two of our top sculptors from the Tower, Elizabeth O'Kane and Seamus Gill, are among the artists invited to exhibit at the Irish Sculpture Awards with the Mill Cove Galleries,  The Beara Peninsula, West Cork.  The exhibition opens at 2pm on Sunday 5th May and runs until 26th May.   The opening is in aid of RAWR, Rural Animal Welfare Resources Ltd.  Elizabeth will be showing her bronze pig, Porcellino, and Seamus will be exhibiting Flowering Podforms.

"I am thrilled for my bronze pig to be showing alongside the other entries in the Irish Sculpture Awards." Liz O'Kane

Porcellino, Elizabeth O'Kane

Flowering Podforms, Seamus Gill

For more information on these two artists visit their websites:

www.elizabethokane.com
www.seamusgill.com
www.millcovegallery.com

The Gathering - Irish bridal inspiration

Bridal headpiece designer Aisling Nelson from Rangoli, was involved in an inspirational photo-shoot, created to celebrate this year’s Irish-fest, The Gathering. The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a spectacular, year-long celebration of all things Irish. Photos by Paul Kelly of Studio 3.

The Wedding Crew styled the shoot, which was inspired by the natural beauty of the Irish landscape. Boyne Hill House estate was the perfect backdrop with its wild woodland and riverscapes. Sarah Foy designed the delicate, ethereal dresses that January wore.

Aisling created two gold headpieces. The piece seen above is made from delicate gold crochet strands, woven with pearls and blue topaz stones. The design continues around the back of the head where it is woven into the hair.

The second gold headpiece can be worn on the forehead or as a wide filigree hairband. Aisling works to commission as is based in The Design Tower in the Dublin Docklands.

More photos from this romantic shoot were featured on the Irish wedding blog One Fab Day as well as the UK blog Want that Wedding!

The Wedding Crew are an Irish wedding collective, comprising hair stylist Lorraine Browne, make-up artist Naomh Kirwan and photographer Paul Kelly.

    Credits:

    Photographer: Paul Kelly | Studio3
    Photographers Assistant: Feena Kavanagh
    Location: Boyne Hill House

    Hair: Lorraine Browne
    Make Up: Naomh Kirwan
    Bridal Gowns:  Sarah Foy

    Jewellery: Rangoli
    Flowers: The Informal Florist
    Cakes: little birds bake
    Stationery: Dusty Boy Designs
    Models: January and Jordan from Morgan the Agency

A Journey without a Destination

“It is good to have an end to journey towards;

but it is journey that matters in the end...”
author unknown

A journey without an destination is a joint exhibition by Philip Murphy and Mika (Marta Nowakowska-Bartosik) from the Misery Hill Gallery.

"This exhibition is a record of a beginning of a journey without a
destination .... instead of carefully planning a theme and working on it, we
decided to allow the work to evolve instinctively . The same when starting
a journey , if we give up the idea of reaching the destination we are able to
focus and to give full attention to everything around us. Such a journey can
be surprising and unpredictable, exactly how life is... too often we try to
make our work and journey linear, we want it to lead somewhere and we tend
to forget that diversions do much more than merely divert us. Anything we
experience , any person we meet, could change the direction of our journey
and can lead us to an unexpected place... if we are ready to follow ...we
decided to follow ,not to judge but rather to record what happened on the way
and share it with you ... not all of what we see is beautiful nor do we render
it beautifully, but we believe art is something more than only a decorative
painting to hang on the wall. We hope you will enjoy it anyway....

We have different background, culture,nationality, experiences but as artists
we share the same approach in making art, desire to push the boundaries, to
experiment, and serve rather our souls than egos. We try to shape and reshape
our personal experience and explore the territory of human emotions and
report perceptions that could seem unbearable to others.

As during the journey there are parts which are funny, playful and colourful
and other which are disturbing or turbulent, so they are in this exhibition. This
is a record of our shared sixth month journey ... to be continued. Thank you for
being part of it ..."

Exhibition runs from 7th December -21st December
Misery Hill gallery, Unit 66 , 6th Floor
Monday to Friday 11am- 5pm

 

Contact information:
Philip Murphy: 087 252 1227
Mika: 085 755 3644
email: philmiseryhill@gmail.com

Studio Visit - Alan Ardiff

The 'Studio Visits' are a monthly blog installment. We're opening our doors to introduce you to the artists and designers in The Design Tower! Each interview will give you an insight into the individual designer or business. This month we're chatting to jeweller and artist Alan Ardiff. 

How did you come to be a jeweller?
I am an accidental jeweller; having studied industrial design and failed, I fell into the craft department and it seemed a nice warm place to be. However I took to jewellery as I liked the scale of the design and it is nice to be in control of the translation of a design from beginning to end unlike some other media. I was also able to apply my industrial engineering ideas to jewellery design, using intricate processes and articulation to create pieces that are innovative in terms of their kinetic abilities.

 

Fisherman'sTails

Where did you train?
I attended the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. I have not had that highly refined classic training of a master goldsmith and I am first to admit that I really wouldn't have that level of discipline. My real training I would see as my work experience in Turin Italy and also with the renowned jeweller, Paul Preston. His work has been a great inspiration to me as he uses gold beautifully to create forms which tell wondrous stories.

Toast

Where is your studio?
I am split in two; I live and have a studio in the wilds of the west of Ireland where I can spend time to create without the distractions of business side of making the jewellery. I also have a studio in the Design Tower and I work with a great team of makers to make sure my jewellery can be appreciated by a wide spectrum of people.

What is the main inspiration for your designs?
I like my work to be a source of interaction between people, the wearer and admirer. This, I think I have achieved through creating work that has not really been done before, in that I incorporate moveable parts in my jewellery. My ongoing driver is to create work with a new dimension. I am very excited about a new piece called ‘Two for Joy’. It is yet again a development of the articulation I use in my work, in this piece 2 birds move independently.

Head Over Heels

What medium do you prefer to work with?
Gold. It does everything you want and is totally forgiving - it is beautifully luscious and steeped in history. I continue to be in awe of the gold collection in the National Museum of Ireland.

Do you have a favourite tool?
My little hammer - it was my first acquisition and reflects the miniature engineering elements of my work.

What are your goals?
To keep coming up with innovative pieces; I am very happy this year as I have plenty of new ideas but some years this can be a bit of a challenge!

No such thing as aliens

Do you give workshops?
Not on an on-going basis. I have been invited to give courses in design at my old college.

What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is having people who are fascinated with my work, I am humbled by their enthusiasm. From my beginnings at a work bench in my bedroom to a business with five employees has only been achievable through the tremendous support of my customers.

Star gazing

Where do you exhibit your work?
I largely distribute my work throughout Ireland however I would love it to be more accessible around the world. My website is ideal for people to access my work where there is not a local stockist. An email or call to the studio can take the stress out of making a long distance choice and we welcome people to our Dublin studio.

Thanks Alan! You can see more of Alan's work on his website or facebook page. This interview is part of a series called The Studio Visits.