Flowerfield designer-makers are bound for Manchester

Five designer-makers will exhibit side by side at the Fair highlighting the exciting changes in the craft industry in Northern Ireland.

Adam Frew and Pia Raeymakers, who work from Flowerfield Arts Centre are joining Stephen Farnan, Derek Wilson and Rachel McKnight at the event at Spinningfields, Manchester this weekend – all with the support of Craft Northern Ireland.

During the dark days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, many craftspeople moved away to England and further afield.

With peace in place, it is seen as a much more attractive place to live and work. In fact one of the makers, glass artist Pia Raeymaekers hails originally from Belgium but has made the North Coast her home.

“I love it here”, Pia explained. “I am inspired by the sea and it has really influenced my work. I have spent the last year building up a new collection of work and this will be the first time it is being displayed”.

This is also the first time Pia has attended a trade show but she feels it is the ideal opportunity to reveal her work.

“This collection will really appeal to galleries and glass collectors so Great Northern will be a fantastic opportunity for me to show what I have to offer,” she added.

Pia will be joined at the fair by fellow Flowerfield craftsman Adam Frew whose beautiful ceramic pieces tell a story through the spontaneity of his work .

The white porcelain is a perfect ground for the inky cobalt drawings which decorate his pots. He is always experimenting with colour and pattern. He thrives on improvisation and the continuous flow of ideas.

A chance conversation or a fleeting image can be the inspiration for a new piece of work. He has ideas and acts impulsively.

The designer-makers were supported by Craft Northern Ireland’s Trade Development Programme, an initiative supported by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Arts Council Northern Ireland and the Regional Development Agency, Invest NI through the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.