ART Cutting edge craft exhibition

Edgy craftwork at Custom House Studios


The Custom House Studios Gallery, Westport, is currently hosting an exhibition of work by Workhouse Studios, a design team established in 2008 and based in Co Waterford. Ranging from metals and glass to textiles and ceramics, this varied collection provides a glimpse into emerging contemporary crafts in Ireland.
The craft collective consists of seven designer makers. All place an emphasis on design-led, well-made, distinctive and edgy, hand-produced crafts and all have shown their work extensively in Ireland, with a number of them having exhibited in Europe, America and Japan.
The level of commitment that these craftspeople show to their work is apparent in the painstaking detail, as illustrated by the minute work of Sabrina Meyns in her intricate silver and paper jewellery and the individual geometric links of Claire McAlister’s silver and wood-veneer pieces. The glasswork of Maggie Cashman provides contemporary interpretations of the Irish landscape – she describes them as ‘paintings in light and colour’. The newest addition to the collective is Paula Illecka, who brings beautiful and functional ceramic forms to the show.
Westport local Eily O’Connell, a jeweller with Workhouse Studios, has helped to organise this exhibition. Commenting on the show, Eily said: “There is such an abundance of emerging craft talent in Ireland at the moment … it’s brilliant to bring it together and get it seen.”

For more information on this exhibition, which is running until September 12, contact the Custom House Studios on 098 28735. For more information on Workhouse Studios, visit www.workhousestudios.com.