The GLASS Quarterly - 18th July 2009

04 September 2009

EXHIBITION TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT SCOTTISH DIVERSITY, IDENTITY

Exhibition takes a closer look at Scottish diversity, identity Inhabitants of the Scottish Highlands know a thing or two about migration. The turbulent history of the region is fraught with movement, as periods of cultural strife and economic upheaval sparked mass migrations, leaving the mountainous regions the most sparsely populated in the country. It is fitting, then, that the Scottish Glass Society’s retrospective exhibition of glass art will be a touring exhibition, kicking off in Inverness on July 4, 2009. Entitled “Migrate: 30 Years of Scottish Glass,” the show seeks to capture the region’s history and diversity through glass sculptures, stained glass, engravings, and castings, which examine how Scottish artists capture a sense of place and identity in their work.

The exhibition features a medley of 30 artists at all stages of their careers, from recent graduates of the Edinburgh College of Art to established artists. Among the artists with work in the exhibition: Alec Galloway, Max Jacquard, Alison Kinnaird, Nichola Burns, and Carrie Fertig.

It is appropriate that many of these artists are themselves former migrants, drawn to Scotland from Japan, England, the United States and elsewhere to hone their craft. Works on display are an eclectic mix, with pieces that have been cast, fused, blown, engraved, stained, and painted.

The show is presented by the not-for-profit Scottish Glass Society, which will celebrate this summer the 30th year since its conception in 1979. The touring exhibition kicks off at the Inverness Museum & Art Galleries on July 4, and will continue on through the final showing at the West Midlands’ Broadfield House Glass Museum in March 2010.

A series of talks and workshops will complement the exhibition, offering a detailed look at contemporary Scottish glassmaking—where it’s going, and, perhaps more importantly, where it came from. - Brett Nuckles / The GLASS Quarterly

Nichola Burns Listed in NEW GLASS REVIEW 30

26 May 2009

The 30th edition of the prestigious and important annual selection of the best works in glass worldwide - New Glass Review (Neues Glas) has been published - and included the work of Scottish glass artist Nichola Burns title 'Tribal in White I & II.

The artwork based on Nichola's study of tribal relationships and identity was selected as part of a 100 glass artwork comprehensive study put out each year by the Corning Museum of Glass. 1,047 individual artists from 44 countries submitted a total of 2,974 images for selection by the judges. The judges for this years review included: renowned glass artists Meike Groot and Dante Marioni along with head of the Rhode Island School of Design glass program, Rachel Berwick, and Corning Museum of Glass 'Tina Oldknow' Curator of Modern Glass, USA.

Works selected were considered 'excellent' from  several view points - such as function, subject matter, aesthetics, and technique.

"There is no shame in making something well. The true challenge lies in creating something thoughtful and original. I am happy to say that New Glass Review30 displays 100 examples that continues to advance the medium, both technically and artistically." - Dante Marioni, Juror

UNUSUAL TROPHY FOR RACE IN MEMORY OF INTERNATIONAL CYCLIST - The Press & Journal - April 24, 2009 p.6

24 April 2009

JASON MacINTYRE'S WIDOW DELIGHTED BY GLASS PRIZE REPRESENTING HELMET OF HUSBAND

A trophy representing the cycling helmet of the late Jason MacIntyre will be competed for in the race in memory of the the international racer tomorrow.

PRECIOUS CARGO EXHIBITION 1-31st December'08 - Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

24 December 2008

1  - 31 December 2008 (closed 25 and 26 December)

The Homecoming Advent Calendar and Precious Cargo exhibition counts down to Scotland's Year of Homecoming, 2009, with a theme of migration, boats and the sea.  Behind each window is a 'precious cargo' - a 'souvenir' which people carry with them on their travels, prompting memories and reminiscences of home.

The exhibition has been designed by Brodie Nairn and Nicky Burns from Glasstorm in Tain as an innovative installation of closed Cargo boxes, one of which opens every day over the festive period to reveal a new object or contemporary ‘souvenir’ of the Highlands, which travellers to lands across the sea might have cherished to remind them of ‘home’. 
The work of 30 artists was selected from jewellery, textiles, wood and ceramics to film and represents a stunning collection of contemporary craftsmanship.  A selection of unique crafts will also be available to buy.

GLASSTORM Droplet Vases Showcased - Celebrity Scissorhands 2008 - Salon

26 October 2008

The equisite GLASSTORM Droplet vases have been given the 'celebrity' treatment as they feature in this years 'Celebrity Scissorhands' as part of BBC's Children in Needs. These beautiful vases feature throughout the salon on both the cutting benches as well as studio desks and shelves. 

Brodie and Nicky of the GLASSTORM studio were delighted to be approached by the BBC set designer earlier this year in regard to this glitzy reality tv show and will also show more GLASSTORM glass works as well as unique arts in future BBC productions.

Renowned British hairdresser Lee Stafford returns to take the helm at the Celebrity Scissorhands Hair & Beauty Academy and attempt the impossible – to turn a team of stars into fully-fledged hair and beauty experts in just three short weeks.

 Amongst this year's celebrity trainees are: The Apprentice's Lucinda Ledgerwood, ex-EastEnders actress Shana Swash; R&B singer and MOBO nominee Jay Sean and Stedman Pearson from Eighties pop sensation Five Star.

 Also returning to Scissorhands is pop icon Steve Strange. This year Steve has a new role as the academy's Image Consultant.

 Whether clients require a new look for a wedding, job interview or hot date, from their hair, make-up and clothes, Steve will be able to offer a personalised package for any brave client.

 The celebrities will be working flat out, six days a week, nine hours a day, perfecting their techniques on willing members of the public.

 Clients will be asked to pay what they think their treatment is worth and can also be sponsored for their haircuts and treatments.

 All money donated to the Academy goes to BBC Children in Need, whose mission is to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

 Presenter George Lamb (Make My Body Younger, Big Brothers Little Brother) is back to host the hour-long primetime show from inside the purpose-built state-of-the-art academy in Camden, London.

 The celebrity snippers will have their scissor skills put to the test in a spectacular grand finale where a panel of judges will decide which celebrity will be crowned Celebrity Scissorhands Hairdresser of the Year 2008.

 Which celebrity trainee will prove they are a cut about the rest? One thing is for sure, things will definitely get hairy within the walls of the Academy.

 Viewers can participate in Celebrity Scissorhands by applying online at the newly re-designed website - bbc.co.uk/scissorhands - for the chance to get an appointment.

 The full website presence, to be launched in conjunction with the transmission of the programme, will comprise trainee profiles, all the latest news, haircut gallery and videos.

 Celebrity Scissorhands, from Sunday 26 October 2008, on BBC One & BBC Three

GLASSTORM LAUNCH OF NEW BOWL CraftScotland, Homes & Interiors,SECC 2008

15 September 2008

Glasstorm is one of Scotland’s most exciting new hot glass studios and was established in 2005 by Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns.  Both worked in the glass art scene in Italy, Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands before returning to Scotland to set up their studio.

Taking their popular ‘glasstorm bowl’, a weighted smooth rimed bowl with a visible top layer of clear glass, they have hand cut the exterior using a technique called ‘inchiso battuto’.  These deep cuts compliment the shape and add another dimension to the bowl which was launched at Homes & Interiors Scotland Exhibition 2008.

BRODIE NAIRN & NICHOLA BURNS Commissioned to Design & Make EUROVISION Dance Award

02 September 2008

Nichola Burns at HOMES & INTERIORS Scotland

28 August 2008

::DESIGN WORKSHOPS:: Nichola Burns at HOMES & INTERIORS Scotland

Want a little slice of the action? Make sure you beat a path to our free design workshops where talented industry experts arer on hand to showcase their skills and let you have a go.

Creating beautiful objects out of glass requires expertise as well as creativity. Glass artist Nichola Burns enlightens you on what it takes to creates her amazing collections

SEATING
Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, although it will be possible to reserve some seats for talks later in the day. Reserved tickets will be available at the entrance to the Design Workshop.

HOMES & INTERIORS 2008 - SECC, GLASGOW Fri 19th - 31st August

28 August 2008

HOMES & INTERIORS 2008 - SECC, GLASGOW

Brodie and Nchola's glass works are on show this week as they were selected to represent the very best of Scottish crafts by the acclaimed craftscotland Association. Not only do they launch a new special edition GLASSTORM bowl which is on display for the first time but also one of their FUSION collaborative unique works has been chossen to be the offficial craftscotland prize in this years draw.

Contemporary craft

Launching exclusively at the show, CraftScotland has curated a new collection of work by some of Scotland’s top makers, all of which will be available to buy at the show. In addition, a Design Talent showcase will bring the most exciting work from this year’s Scottish art and textile colleges, giving the top graduates their first taste of what the wider world thinks of their work. Finally, nine established craft makers will showcase their wares at the exhibition which will let the public not only meet the makers, but allow them to buy directly or commission them at the show.

THE SUNDAY TIMES - 27th July 2008 p.11 - THE TWO OF US

30 July 2008

OUR LIFE TOGETHER HAS BEEN LOVINGLY HAND-CRAFTED
- Interview by Helen Stewart

Glass artists Nichola Burns and Brodie Nairn, both 35, met during their first week at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen. They work together at their Glasstorm studio in Tain, Ross-shire, have been together for 17 years and intend to get married when they “get round to it”.

DESIGN SHOW LIVERPOOL - The best in contemporary independant design 19-22 June 2008

14 June 2008

We are pleased to have been selected to show our glass works at this new and exciting event at this years official European City of Culture 2008 - LIVERPOOL. - stand no. 35

We have a limited number of free entrance tickets that we are happy to post out to our GLASSTORM clients or interested parties.PLEASE CONTACT THE GLASS STORM Studio if you would like to receive a ticket - normal price Adult Online: £5.00 (save £3.00) / On the door: £8.00

Contemporary Urban Centre
41 - 51 Greenland Street 
Liverpool L1 0BS - www.novasscarman.org/contemporary-urban-centres/north-west

Design Show Liverpool runs from 19-22 June 2008, and is set to become an important event in the international design calendar.

Contemporary Urban Centre venue will showcase the very best of product design, cutting-edge technology and stylish living. It will be a unique opportunity for the public to browse and buy from over 150 selected designers, who represent the best in regional, national and international design and contemporary fashion.

Open to the public, trade buyers and collectors, visitors will be able to see a fantastic range of innovative work, commission unique pieces for indoors and outdoors, and shop for functional items with a twist – from furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting and eco-design to garden products, clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories.

Designed to excite, inform and entertain, the show will also feature installations and room sets, fashion shows, workshops and product presentations. For family visitors there will be an interactive play area where parents and children can enjoy themselves in a stimulating and safe environment.

Opening Times

Thursday 19th June 2008 - 10am to 6pm
Friday 20th June 2008 - 10am to 6pm
Saturday 21st June 2008 - 10am to 6pm
Sunday 22nd June 2008 - 11am to 6pm

WALL WORKS (Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, until 26 May)

18 March 2008

GEORGINA COBURN welcomes a further extension of the visual arts potential at Eden Court

WHILE audiences will be accustomed to seeing framed works on the walls of Eden Court’s first and second floor foyers, this latest exhibition sees the creation of four new temporary works directly onto the walls. It is an exciting development and a good opportunity for audiences of all kinds to have exposure to contemporary work by Highlands and Islands based artists. Curator Sue Pirnie selected proposals from artists Caroline Dear, Nichola Burns, Rosie Newman and DUFI (a collaboration between artists Fin Macrae and Al McInnes) to use four walls as “canvases” with diverse and interesting results.

Skye-based artist Caroline Dear works in a wide variety of media including sculpture, installation, photography, artist’s books and basket making. Caroline studied architecture in Dublin and Hull, working both as an architect and landscape architect and this understanding of formal structure and design can be clearly seen in her work.

Since 1998 she has focused on her art practice, investigating “the balance and flow within nature” and “exploring our inner selves and outer physical landscape”. Her understanding of the environment is expressed through the use of natural raw materials such as grass, rush, heather and peat, a multilayered approach shifting between natural cycles of “growth and decay”.

This latest work, ‘Peat Markings’, leads the viewer ascending the main stairs of the theatre into a series of works that reflect the interior forms of the building and the external environment. The human act of “shaping the land” from the cutting of peat banks to the modern abstract of the bar code are echoed in her application of peat directly onto the wall, building mark and texture in a way that cleverly leads from one solid structural form to the next.

The progression between these three works is interesting, operating in a similar way to some of the artist’s natural photographic sequences. The final sequence of three is particularly effective utilising frames within frames. Subtly shifting our view and allowing it to surface and recede with the fine earthy textures of the peat, each field of vision is created with delicate and deliberate marks. The effect is optical and spatial but also psychological, reflecting the artist’s interest in inner and outer structures.

The initial work, a solid rail of peat which follows the level of the stairs, transforms into lines which accentuate vertical height and become progressively more fluid through the gradation of fine texture. Being able to appreciate the qualities of the natural material, we are also brought into a field of vision from solid formal dense lines to shifting frames of visual reference.

Although the reduction of aspects of landscape are highly formalised, not unlike Donald Urquhart’s approach on the exterior of Eden Court, here the artist suggests frame within frame experience of nature. This is experienced on a human scale and therefore on a personal level, suggesting a frame of reference that is as much about the natural environment as our own nature. Use of a material formed 5000 years ago sets up an interesting dialogue between material, the structural form within a built environment and the viewer. This work is as much a conceptual proposition as it is visual or tactile.

An accomplished glass artist, Nichola Burns trained in Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States before establishing the studio Glasstorm in Tain with fellow glass artist Brodie Nairn. Her work includes installation, public art works, limited edition production pieces and one-off sculptural pieces which expand and explore the unique qualities of glass. This new work ‘The Journey’, combines the art of drawing with the fluid molten quality of clear glass in an energetic, delicate and complex pathway of threads and trails.

The composition intended to reflect in abstract terms the narrative “beginning, middle and end” of a “storyboard” or “musical score” links beautifully with experience and performance within the theatre. The whole piece, spread out over seven metres, has a symphonic quality to it, the apex of energy and visual focus in the centre also functioning in the same manner as a triptych.

Though colour is a strong element in the artist’s work, it is absent here, allowing the mark and material to speak for itself. The way that light catches the glass and creates shadow beneath the calligraphic flow of drawn marks is wonderfully expressive. It is great to see a drawing executed in this way and our expectations about the art of glass expanded as a result.

‘Take Off’ by Cromarty-based artist Rosie Newman explores “freedom and movement” in a series of joined panels of screen printed silk. Subtle tones and overlap give a natural sense of order to the flock of birds taking to the sky that is also random and asymmetrical. The shimmer of the material evokes the quality of light on the Black Isle.

However, this is somewhat masked by the hanging position, directly beneath the roof and creating shadow. There is the intention of physical movement here with the fluttering of the silk that is also hindered by the position. This is not in a part of the theatre where foot traffic or drafts can act on the work and so the image is more fixed than in flight.

A work that is right at home in this rooftop space is ‘Teenage Kicks’ by DUFI. In the shadowy light of the upper floor, complete with stripy carpet, their installation of kitsch lounge furniture and LP’s invites participation. The red glow of a 70’s lamp helps create a cosy interactive space in which to sit and contemplate the horrors lurking in your own record collection and relive memories of exactly where you were and what you were doing when that certain track was playing.

LP’s can be removed from the wall and played on the now aged (but not so old) stereo system, a wide selection of Elvis, Simon & Garfunkel, Michael Jackson, Blondie, Def Leppard, Johnny Cash, Scottish Metrical Psalms, Nana Mouskouri, Runrig, Marillion, U2, Disneyland Christmas Carols and The Sound of Music, among others.

In a world defined by technological upgrades it’s kind of nice to sit in a lounge chair with vinyl and laugh along (at yourself) with a work of art that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is a really enjoyable piece of work – the “Family Health Doctor” book Q&A‘s on the coffee table are particularly amusing and who could resist choosing an LP off the wall to play on a real live turntable again, safe in the knowledge that with the headphones on no one else can hear that you were once secretly addicted to A-ha!

Ever present is the DUFI signature tag in rainbow colours and portraits of the duo in guerrilla-like gas masks on LP’s among the random hanging of vinyl on the wall. “A homage to the importance of music in graffiti culture and also the importance of music on their developmental years growing up in the Highlands and Canada,” this piece strikes a universal chord. Nostalgic and upbeat in equal measure, ‘Teenage Kicks’ will bring you into contact with long forgotten memories and make you smile.

Accomplished artists in their own right, photographer Fin Macrae and graphic designer Al McInnes have collaborated on a number of public artworks using image and text as part of Inverness Old Town redevelopment. They have also worked on community projects using stencil graffiti in Mallaig, Brora, Fort William, Alness and Scourie, and provided backdrops for the goNorth stage at Rock Ness. It is interesting to see aspects of their streetwork presented as installation here on a personal scale with their trademark energy and humour.

It is great to see greater latitude given to Visual Arts in the new Eden Court building through the exhibition programme and I hope that this approach can be built on in the future to include other spaces throughout the complex. There is still much work to be done in the Highland capital to develop spaces to see a range of contemporary Visual Arts and in this respect the new Eden Court has a potentially significant role to play.

While navigation of the community and public art elements within the building are challenging, it is fantastic to see professional artists in the Highlands starting to be seen with regularity in a central location in Inverness. I hope that a Wall Works exhibition will become an annual event on the city’s exhibition calander, promoting professional practice and development by allowing artists to step outside their practice and push the boundaries of their chosen medium in a public space.

© Georgina Coburn, 2008

BRODIE NAIRN GUEST SPEAKER - FLOWERFIELD ARTS CENTRE, Portstewart, Northern Ireland

29 February 2008

In February of this year Brodie was asked to be a guest speaker at the Flowerfield Art Centre, Portstewart , Northern Ireland alongside Caroline Madden, Scott Benefield and Ulster Museum's curator Kim Mawhinney.

The seminar chaired by Joe Kelly, director of Craft Northern Ireland was well attended by practising artists, designers,students and educational and creative industries development groups and was co-ordinated by the centres director Malcom Murchison. The event was part of a programme of events scheduled to stimulate the current glass movement in Norhern Ireland and the Republic including glass kiln fusing workshops by Andrea Spencer and an accompanying exhibition of both contemporary and antique glass.

BBC GoodHomes Magazine - Feb 2008

01 February 2008

UNIQUE DISPLAY - Goodhomes February 2008 p.41 / DECORATING

Glass Bowls - by Glasstorm

'A great alternative to candles or books, a display of sleek bowls on your coffee table makes a fantastic focus point.'

Scottish Parliament Celebrates Highland Makers - 5th December 2007

05 December 2007

Cridhe na Gaidhealtachd / A Highland Craft Showcase

Presiding Officer, Alex Fergusson MSP launched a celebratory exhibition of Highland Crafts at the Scottish Parliament Buildings, Edinburgh on Wednesday 5th December 2007.

"The Parliiament is proud to host this important exhibtion, which celvbrates the culture of the Highlands and the talent of its craft makers"

The new exhibition developed in partnership with Highland 2007 and Highland Council celebrates Scotland's year of Highland culture. The exhibition showcased some of the most talented and respected Highland based craft makers including the collaborative range of works by Brodie Nairn & Nicola Burns and their beautiful glass chair and footstool. The exhibtion displays a range of crafts, which make use of traditional techniques and materials in innovative ways to produce items that express Highland culture today.

Brodie attended the launch in Edinburgh and his interview can be found alongside other exhibitor makers Sandra Murray, Lucy Woodley and Laura West using the following link. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/exhibitions_previous.htm

 The public have an opportunity to see this free exhibtions which extends until Sunday 6 January.

GLASSTORM Anniversary Celebration and Christmas Show

30 November 2007

The Glasstorm celebrates its second year in Tain by launching an exciting new Christmas exhibition as well as inviting Spanish glassmaker Ramon Beaskoetxea and recent Irish graduate Valerie MacHugh to captivate visitors with an excellent show of glassmaking skills.

Gifted National Museum of Scotland Crafts Gallery Fri 16 November 2007 until Sun 6 January 2008

16 November 2007

WE are delighted to have been to asked to take part in the Museum of Scotland 'Gifted' exhibition for the second year. This buying exhibiton is an exciting opportunity to not only see new works made here at the GLASSTORM Studio but to see works by other makers in a beautiful location.

Thanks once again to the exhibition team at the museum in particular curator Rose Watban for once again curating this show which is assured to be one of the most beautiful christmas shows this year.

Below is review of the show by craftscotland - http://www.craftscotland.org/default.aspx.locid-cftnewk7v.htm

Scottish Designers Star at Gifted 2007 -

Gifted, a selling exhibition with limited edition work which offers the chance to admire the skill and imagination of over 30 Scottish designers, has opened at the National Museum of Scotland.

Burns & Nairn, GLASSTORM Studio - ORIGIN 2008

04 October 2007

We are proud to show our works at this years ORIGIN show. Please see below general information on the show as well as an article published in both print and on the Scottish ArtsCouncil website and the craftscotland website.

http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/latestnews/1004854.aspx

http://www.craftscotland.org/origin2007.html

Origin: The London Craft Fair, was launched in 2006, replacing the Chelsea Crafts Fair as the UK’s principal selling event for individual designer-makers. In 2007 there were more than 20,000 visits to Origin and the event attracted 316 exhibitors across two weeks.

Somerset House is a thriving cultural destination in London. The magnificent 18th century building houses the celebrated collection of the Courtauld Institute of Art, providing the perfect venue for a contemporary craft fair. The location is easy to reach by public transport and is close to the retail areas of Covent Garden and London’s vibrant theatre district.

Origin is a presentation of the very best of craft talent, be it ceramics, glass, metal, jewellery, furniture, textiles, paper and wood. Exhibitors are a mixture of national and international designermakers, established names and emerging talent and each stand at the event exhibits work of a consistently high standard and demonstrates creativity and technical skill.

Origin is housed in a purpose built pavilion designed by Ben Kelly and is erected in the Edward J. Safra Courtyard of Somerset House. The pavilion is designed to complement its content with transparent panels which fill the space with light.

23 of Scotland’s top makers invited to showcase their talent at Origin 2007 -
Issued by: Scottish Arts Council

Twenty three of Scotland’s talented craft makers will join over 300 designer-makers in London next month to showcase their work to an international audience of buyers, curators and craft collectors at Origin: The London Craft Fair.

Eight of the Scottish based makers will be exhibiting at the event for the first time and will receive support from the Scottish Arts Council to attend the event, as part of the organisation’s commitment to supporting artists in Scotland to fulfil their creative and business potential.

Among the first time exhibitors are glass artists Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns who run Glasstorm, a contemporary glass studio and Gallery in Tain where they use their knowledge of Scandinavian and Italian glass making techniques to make limited edition production pieces, individual one off glass art works, installations and public art works.

Commenting on being selected to exhibit at this year’s event Nichola Burns of Glasstorm said: ‘After only fairly recently moving back to the UK and setting up our glassblowing studio in 2005 we are fully aware of the impact potential that the Origin show could have in raising our profile in the UK market and creating new opportunities.

‘We are delighted to in some way represent the very best of Scottish and in particular Highland craft and we think it is important that Scottish based makers promote the buoyancy in the Scottish craft and art market on a national and international level’.

Other Scottish makers attending the event include artist and basketmaker Lizzie Farey who received Grand Designs Magazine’s ‘Best in Show’ rosette at last year’s Origin and designer Johanna Basford whose unique hand printed wallpapers have been featured in Elle Decoration magazine, The Guardian and as part of the DKNY and Wallpaper New Designers Showcase in the company’s flagship Bond Street Store during London Fashion Week in 2005.

Origin is a new contemporary event showcasing some of the finest handmade contemporary craft and applied arts which was launched last year to replace the Chelsea Craft Fair.  The inaugural event attracted over 22,000 visitors to London’s Somerset House.

Helen Bennett, Head of Crafts at the Scottish Arts Council said: ‘Origin, which attracts an international audience, is one of the highlights of the crafts calendar. Given the quality of contemporary craftwork produced here it is a pleasure, but not a surprise that once again there is a strong Scottish presence at the show. We are particularly glad to have been able assist the 8 Scottish makers selected to exhibit for for the first time to take advantage of this significant opportunity to test the market and develop their contacts.’

Origin Welcomes Scottish Designers - issued by craftscotland

Origin: The London Craft Fair, taking place in London from 2 to 14 October 2008, brings together over 300 of the most innovative designer-makers in the UK, including 23 Scottish makers.

During the event over 22,000 people visit the event to meet the makers and buy their work which includes glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, furniture, paper, baskets, wood and textiles.

Eight of the Scottish based makers are exhibiting at the event for the first time and have received support from the Scottish Arts Council to attend the event.
 
Among the first time exhibitors are glass artists Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns who run Glasstorm, a contemporary glass studio and Gallery in Tain. Commenting on being selected to exhibit at this year’s event Nichola Burns of Glasstorm said “We are delighted to in some way represent the very best of Scottish work and in particular Highland craft, we think it is important that Scottish based makers promote the buoyancy in the Scottish craft and art market on a national and international level”.

During the first week (2 to 7 October) Scotland will be represented by willow weaver Lizzie Farey, jeweller Sarah Keay, textile designer, ceramicist Andrea Walsh and textile designers Fiona McIntosh of Tessuti and Andrea Williamson.  Sarah is exhibiting for the first time, and so is Andrea, who is based on Shetland, and will be showing her range of knitted fashion and home accessories.

In week two (9 to 14 October) visitors can see wallpaper by Johanna Basford, glass by Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns of Glasstorm, silver by Shimara Carlow, Sarah Hutchison and Jiyeon Hyon, ceramics by Craig Mitchell, felt cushions and accessories by Sarah Campbell of Mogwaii, fashion accessories by Tait + Style, knitwear by Jeong-Eun Lee Eedal and jewellery by Emma Gale, Yvonne Gilhooly, Grace Girvan, Emma Kinnell, Hannah Louise Lamb, Alison Macleod, Kaz Robertson and Dot Sim.  Jeong-Eun, Yvonne, Sarah and Emma are all first time exhibitors.

Origin, organised by the Crafts Council, is a new contemporary event which was launched last year at London’s Somerset House to replace Chelsea Craft Fair.  It is being held at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA and tickets cost £8.  Open Tuesday to Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm, late night Thursday to 9pm. Find our more at www.craftscouncil.org.uk/origin