Flowerfield artists display work in major exhibition

AFTER a successful run at Craft Central in Clerkenwell in London, the work of Adam Frew and Catherine Keenan who are both based at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart, will be on show in Belfast throughout April as part of Craft Northern Ireland’s showcase exhibition of the finest contemporary craft - ‘Perspective: Inspiration Unveiled’.

Supported by the Creative Industries Innovation Fund, this successful exhibition brought some of NI’s most talented designer-makers to the attention of leading London retailers, VIPs and the wider public. Now, Craft NI are delighted to present the work of these makers to a Northern Irish audience at the Craft NI Gallery on Waring Street in Belfast.

Adam Frew, currently artist in residence at Flowerfield, produces hand-crafted porcelain vessels inspired by traditional eastern forms. The key to his process is spontaneity which he employs as a means of personal expression.

Frew’s work aims to capture the exuberance of the act of throwing so that energy and movement are communicated in his vessels. This practice is complemented and enhanced by continuing experimentation with method, form and colour.

Catherine Keenan makes distinctive brightly coloured blown glass vessels.

Her practice is informed by a preoccupation with colour and pattern which she explores through experimentation with a range of techniques, observing the seemingly endless possibilities of each.

She is particularly inspired by the liquid nature of the material and the organic development of spherical forms.

Alan Kane, Chief Executive of Craft Northern Ireland, said: “Craft NI were delighted to have the opportunity to bring to the attention of leading London buyers and craft lovers, exciting new work reflective of the excellent standard of contemporary craft work happening in Northern Ireland.

“We are now proud to bring the work of thirteen of NI’s exceptional makers back to a home audience.”