Pattern, Line, Form, Makers Guild Wales 22 Jan - 20 March 2022

I’m so pleased that my latest curation project has now opened at the Makers Guild Wales, Cardiff Bay.

Entitled ‘PATTERN, LINE, FORM: A celebration of contemporary craft practice from Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust artists and makers’ it brings together two organisations that have been fundamental to my practice.

I joined the Makers Guild Wales in 2005, shortly after establishing my studio in Cardiff. I’ve been a very active member over the years. Alongside exhibiting my work and stewarding in the gallery, I’ve enjoyed delivering many weave workshops, being on the Exhibitions and Education Committee, being a Trustee for 3 years and delivering their CPD programme for makers entitled Flourish (2010-2012).

I was very fortunate to receive funding from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust in 2019 to develop my dyeing knowledge and over the last year I’ve been honoured to be a Scholar Ambassador for the charity with the aim of raising its profile in Wales and encouraging more makers to apply for funding. Curating an exhibition of QEST scholars works at the Makers Guild Wales gallery (Craft in the Bay) seemed like an ideal way to forge deeper connections and introduce each to the others audience.

It was a dream to research the work of QEST scholars to select for this exhibition - over 650 at the last count! I could have easily have selected so many more for this exhibition, but there was only so much space at my disposal! The theme of Pattern, Line, Form evolved quite naturally as I selected makers. There is a wonderful diversity of practice and elegance in the work. I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to select such exceptional work of international calibre.

The exhibition text:

Pattern, line and form are the design fundamentals that link this diverse group of Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholars. There is purity of form, precision of line and poetry in pattern, with each maker demonstrating excellence in their craft.

The exhibitors have all benefitted from QEST funding to undertake specialist training to further their craft, whether that is through post-graduate courses, vocational training, apprenticeships or one-to-one training with a master craftsperson.

There is a shared material mastery and practical curiosity evident in these selected makers, working in truly diverse ways. A quiet authority permeates the works, as scale, composition and precision of finish commands our attention.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Over the last 30 years QEST has awarded £5.2 million to over 650 individuals working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines. QEST supports makers working in both traditional and contemporary crafts, helping create sustainable careers within Britain’s cultural sector.

Participating scholars: QEST Winch Design Scholar and ceramicist Nico Conti, QEST Scholar and basketweaver Susan Early, QEST Ashley Family Foundation Scholar and textile artist Laura Thomas, QEST Pewterers’ Company Scholar and pewterer Gordon Robertson, QEST William Parker Scholar and jeweller Yeena Yoon, QEST Carpenters’ Company Scholar and wood sculptor Philip Walker, QEST Scholar and printmaker Jessie Higginson, QEST Scholar and glass artist Joanna Manousis, QEST Britford Bridge Trust Scholar and ceramicist Sophie Southgate, QEST NADFAS Scholar and stone artist Zoe Wilson and QEST Tom Helme Scholar, ceramicist and glass artist Celia Dowson.

For more information: https://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/patternlineform.html